Describe the ACLS megacode/certification

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Hi!

I am a new RN...working for 6 months...my hospital requires all nurses to be ACLS certified.

Can someone PLEASE describe to me your ACLS experience...what the megacode day like? Do I get a chance to run a "mock code?" How am I evaluated as to whether I passed?? Is there a written portion?!?

I am kinda nervous...please help put my nerves at ease...at least if I have an idea of what the day will be like. THANKS!!

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Specializes in Peds, ER/Trauma.

The initial class is usually 2 days- you will learn all the different rhythm algorhythms, and will have a portion on rhythm identification. Your instructor should run you through several "practice codes" before your megacode. In the megacode, you are basically given a patient scenario, told or showed their rhythm, and then have to go through the algorhythm to say what you would do. Remember to ALWAYS check a pulse after defibrillation! There is also a written exam- if you study your book ahead of time, you should be fine.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
remember to always check a pulse after defibrillation!

that's not quite correct. new aha guidelines:

when attempting defibrillation, all rescuers should deliver 1 shock followed by immediate cpr, beginning with chest compressions. all

rescuers should check the victim's rhythm after giving about 5 cycles (about 2 minutes) of cpr. once aeds are reprogrammed

by the manufacturers, they should prompt rescuers to allow a rhythm check every 2 minutes.

http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1132621842912winter2005.pdf

one should immediately begin cpr w/o delay.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU/ED/HS.

HI...Have been an ACLS instructor since '93...First of all...stop stressing over this! You will be in a 2-day class with PLENTY of practice time. The new standards are as sirI said, immediate CPR after a shock....Even WITH a rythm change. It is NOT a stressful course, lots of good info will be put out, relax and enjoy!

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Thanks for the advice...I am on the more nervous side because I have to take this @ a different hospital (most likely won't know anyone) and I just want to do well!

EKG interpretation is not my best talent!! :bugeyes:

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

That's exactly right, LisaJanae. You'll do just fine.

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Specializes in Utilization Management.
Thanks for the advice...I am on the more nervous side because I have to take this @ a different hospital (most likely won't know anyone) and I just want to do well!

EKG interpretation is not my best talent!! :bugeyes:

You can practice here:

www.skillstat.com

Click on Tools, the ECG Simulator, then enter your initials and push the red button. Once inside, choose "learn" or "game" and hit the "start" button.

Underneath the rhythm is the characteristics as you see it slide by just like in a real EKG.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Telemetry, CCU.
You can practice here:

www.skillstat.com

Click on Tools, the ECG Simulator, then enter your initials and push the red button. Once inside, choose "learn" or "game" and hit the "start" button.

Underneath the rhythm is the characteristics as you see it slide by just like in a real EKG.

Good luck!

Thank you! I'm a new grad going into telemetry in a few weeks and I'm scared of those rhythms!! I'll be using this website to practice. THANK YOU!!!:w00t:

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woo hoo...thanks for that website! It's really neat!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Now vs 20 yrs. ago way to easy. Then I worried about it like boards. Now its nothing. They test you as small a group like you would respond to in a real code, you can take 'reference material i.e. what you might have on a code cart in with you. Nothing to really worry about.

rj

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Specializes in Rural Health.

I just took ACLS 6 months ago, the strips we had were very COMMON strips you would see in a code situation. The written test was easy and our instructors ensured that everyone passed the written test, even if that meant you stayed after class for some tutoring.

The megacode, we were divided up into groups of 4-5 people and you basically run the code based on the scenario given to you. The strip has to change either 2 or 3 times during your megacode and you adjust your treatment based on the next steps to take after looking at your strip. It was very straight forward with no hidden agenda.

We practiced over and over and over before we actually did the megacode with our team and our instructor. Your evaluator won't coach your thru the megacode but ours was pretty good giving you nonverbal clues about what your progress was. We even had one group where the instructor would say...are we ready to move on? That meant, look at your strip again and use your flip chart and make sure you were ready to move on.

We didn't have anyone not pass the megacode but if someone did, they had alloted time at the end of the day for additional tutoring and another megacode if necessary.

I learned a lot and it wasn't a stressful class AT ALL. The girl I took it with had worked 2 days on the floor, had not taken her NCLEX yet and she did just fine and she also learned a lot as well.

Good luck!!!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

That's a fabulous website. Thanks

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