Do I need both acitive BLS and ACLS?

[twokidsmom,rn]

I have a question. I have passed both my BLS and a year later took the ACLS class. Thought my BLS expired end of July 2011. Just noticed it is July 1 2011 but my ACLS is good till Feb 2012.

My company feels I need the BLS, I work in home health. I thought since my ACLS is still active that I did not need to keep both active? I am going to do the online AHA class and hope that will be OK since the only class I can find is in Aug.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Since they are two separate certs, you have to keep both current.

Sorry.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Licensed RNs who are working need to have their BLS HCP certification or as it has been called a level 3 HCP certification for health care providers. Unless your specific place of work requires the ACLS it's not a general requirement. It's nice to have and pads the resume.

My last place of work would have us take the BLS HCP every year even though the AHA has it as a 2 year certification ... so hum bug since I've been taking it for over 20 years. I seem to always end up in a class where there is someone taking it for the first time.

Hey wait; isn't this a re-certification class ... are you really going to ask what a ventricle is Oh no, how long will I be hear ... it's alright, I understand

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

ACLS is 'built on' BLS (so to speak), but ACLS does not cover the essentials of BLS, other than to say "high quality CPR" in the algorithms. As mentioned before, a BLS cert is still necessary even if you have and ACLS cert.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

And, if you work peds, you're probably going to be required to have PALS...

[j621d]

My company feels I need the BLS

That's your answer. The company requires it for your job. BTW, kudos for the ACLS!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I did CPR online (Red Cross) and have not had any problem with it being accepted. You take the written test online, then come and and perform a skills competency test. As long as your BLS provider is accredited through the AHA you should be fine.

Unfortunately, ACLS is not BLS so you'll have to pony up for the BLS class. Next year, when it comes to time to renew the ACLS, see if they offer a local BLS/ACLS combo recertification class. That will knock out both at once and keep them on the same schedule.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

BLS and ACLS are separate certifications. ACLS certification does not include BLS. If you desire to keep both active, you will to recert both of them. Generally speaking, you'll have to have BLS active... Whether or not you need both entirely depends upon the requirements of your job.