EKG class/ACLS/PALS

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I'm currently a home health RN who would like to get some training to work in ICU. I'm signed up for the mentioned classes, but is there something else I should consider?

Thanks

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An excellent preceptor program................you need the hands on training.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

agree w/ Suzanne!

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How long has it been since you worked in a hospital? If its been awhile I'd recommend a refresher course. Good luck!

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My hospital offers a critical care series through out the year (each month they cover a different topic: cardiac, pulmonary, hemodynamics, etc).

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Well, I've never actually worked in a hospital. Out of nursing school I worked in a nursing home and now am doing home health. I'd just like a change. I realize that it was a mistake not to get some type of hospital experience, but I just kind of got locked in my job at the nursing home (4 yrs. at the nursing home, 1 yr. in home health) and you know how time just kind of slips away when you aren't paying attention.

I feel like I'm missing out on a lot in my current job and would like to get more hands on and technical.

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Well, I've never actually worked in a hospital. Out of nursing school I worked in a nursing home and now am doing home health. I'd just like a change. I realize that it was a mistake not to get some type of hospital experience, but I just kind of got locked in my job at the nursing home (4 yrs. at the nursing home, 1 yr. in home health) and you know how time just kind of slips away when you aren't paying attention.

I feel like I'm missing out on a lot in my current job and would like to get more hands on and technical.

as a critical care nurse i welcome you. don't let anyone make you feel less bc you're new. EVERYONE was new once.

the reality is that you are like a new nurse... and that's ok. keep your mind open, ask questions and read up on things like mi's, ards, sepsis, and acute renal failure. i would also recommend learning the basic ecgs now. you can buy used books on amazon or ebay, and there are plenty of websites that will explain ecg readings from the basics up.

good luck and welcome. you'll never stop learning in critical care!

:balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

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I'm currently a home health RN who would like to get some training to work in ICU. I'm signed up for the mentioned classes, but is there something else I should consider?

Thanks

Do u have to be an RN to get any of these certifications? Are there any that an LVN can get?

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Specializes in ICU.

I think a refresher course would be a good idea along with a good preceptership program. The critical care classes are a good idea too.

Do u have to be an RN to get any of these certifications? Are there any that an LVN can get?

You do not have to be an RN to obtain these certifications but your scope of practice as and LVN does not allow you to use much of what you learn in the ACLS/PALS class. The EKG class would be a great class for you though.

Good luck!!!!

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Thank you for your words! In my experience with critical care first and now as a Home Health Director I used to think that nurses went to Home Health when they wanted to slow down. Boy, am I humbled. It is anything but slow and the Nurse MUST have top-notch assessment skills. There is no one else to help them make decisions. Patients are dismissed early and things change in a heart beat. I also teach ALCS and the EKG classes for my hospital and believe me the ICU/ED nurses stress over the classes as much as anyone. You will have an orientation period and will do just fine. In fact, your previous experience will lend the maturity of patient assessement instead of just technique and will be invaluable.

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Do u have to be an RN to get any of these certifications? Are there any that an LVN can get?

You can attend the classes as an LVN also.

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I'm not disdaining the experience of home health nursing, but the reality is hospital nursing has seen lots of advances, new technologies, new procedures and new drugs. It will likely be overwhelming for someone who has never worked in a hospital

HH is quite a different environment from the hospital: particularly critical care.

If the facility is large and has a very dedicated, thorough education dept committed to new grads and returning nurses, you may do fine there.

Good luck

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