EKG experience needed for ACLS?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi all, new nursing student here. I was advised to certify in EKG to get a CNA job at the local ED. This isn't an option in my area. Can I take ACLS on top of my BLS, or do I need EKG experience?

Thanks,

ncamille

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi all, new nursing student here. I was advised to certify in EKG to get a CNA job at the local ED. This isn't an option in my area. Can I take ACLS on top of my BLS, or do I need EKG experience?

Thanks,

ncamille

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To have ACLS you really need to know heart rhythms and what to do about them. From what I understand an EKG course to be is how to apply the leads for different views more than learning how to interpret them in any depth.

I don't know of any CNA who has ACLS. You have to be licensed to order and give the drugs, as in doc, nurse, or paramedic.

I'd be surprised if the local ED didn't train its CNAs to use an EKG machine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To have ACLS you really need to know heart rhythms and what to do about them. From what I understand an EKG course to be is how to apply the leads for different views more than learning how to interpret them in any depth.

I don't know of any CNA who has ACLS. You have to be licensed to order and give the drugs, as in doc, nurse, or paramedic.

I'd be surprised if the local ED didn't train its CNAs to use an EKG machine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Okay, that makes more sense. I was getting some conflicting information.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Okay, that makes more sense. I was getting some conflicting information.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A basic arrhythmmia class would be extremely helpful before taking ACLS.

A agree with previous poster that having ACLS for a CNA job doesn't seem necessary or useful. However as you get closer to finishing nursing school it might be helpful when you go to interview for your first job.

Again take a basic arrhythmmia class first. Forget about 12 lead EKG that is considered a more advanced skill and not necessary for taking and passing ACLS

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A basic arrhythmmia class would be extremely helpful before taking ACLS.

A agree with previous poster that having ACLS for a CNA job doesn't seem necessary or useful. However as you get closer to finishing nursing school it might be helpful when you go to interview for your first job.

Again take a basic arrhythmmia class first. Forget about 12 lead EKG that is considered a more advanced skill and not necessary for taking and passing ACLS

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

From someone that actually teaches BLS, and is about to get her license in teaching ACLS...lets clarify some issues. (hubby teaches ACLS)

Okay you learn BLS to learn your ABC's...good thing..great base because you need to know your ABC's to understand the rest. ACLS...honestly more remembering things you won't use that much in your profession (or at least your field of practice), BUT it does come in handy to know when you have a situation that you can be of help.

All my CNA's HAVE to have BLS...as I just got through fighting for that at my facility (they didn't want to pay for it..I had a cow...told them that I need CNA's to help me with CPR and they need to know how to help or fine..let me do it and see??? Okay they so caved...well that and a threat of calling state and me quitting! LOL!)

BUT...I have a hard enough time talking to Paramedics (even being known in my community!) about my own interpretations of EKG without them getting huffy and saying "nice nurse...go fold blankets or wipe a rear dear!"...so a CNA? Ummmmmmmmm...well...will a nurse listen to you despite your valuable info? Is it worth the cost or expense of cost and your own spirit? To a point I say heck yes...do it for yourself..but at the same time..what is 'yourself' when it comes to patients??? It is a personal choice...

BUT you asked the question about it..that means the spirit is willing...and what will it hurt as long as you keep it in perspective of your own personal knowledge and source of pride...because..in the end..that is honestly what counts!!!! Learn it if you wish to know it..but do it for YOURSELF! :) In all honesty...it will pay off in the long run sometime...I found that out when my hubby had a heart attack...and I was just thinking patients! No...I learned something I felt I wanted to know..and it saved my husband! Well worth it!

ACLS is good, if you use it...but seriously...if you don't...it is complex enough to forget if you don't use it! EKG...nice..again, if you use it....you will forget if you don't!

May I make a small suggestion though...the BEST folks I have found to be really human, and really down to earth about teaching EKG's, three lead anyway which will give you the basics...are paramedics! They are the ones to take 3 seconds at scene and have to make a choice on what to do! I learned more from 5 mins from them than I ever learned from school or working in a Cardic unit! And ;)...if they are really down to earth...they make it fun too! (and Nurses will too..but finding a fun loveing one in cardiac that has time...hard!). I hope you have the resourses I did for that..they were the best to learn from....(especially IV's..anyone that can do that in a crashed up car, or bouncing ambulance has my respect....LOL!)

I learned 3 lead from para's, 12 lead via MD...I skipped the RN connection! Sorry, but the RN's really didn't have the time, and I wasn't about to take them away from their busy job to ask! Bless their hearts..(oh yeah mine too..LOL! I am one of them LOL!). Oh yeah..and that MD that taught me..I was fortunate...I learned from the Doc that is in charge of all Paramedics in Oregon :)! (sweet guy!..Hillarious man!~).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

From someone that actually teaches BLS, and is about to get her license in teaching ACLS...lets clarify some issues. (hubby teaches ACLS)

Okay you learn BLS to learn your ABC's...good thing..great base because you need to know your ABC's to understand the rest. ACLS...honestly more remembering things you won't use that much in your profession (or at least your field of practice), BUT it does come in handy to know when you have a situation that you can be of help.

All my CNA's HAVE to have BLS...as I just got through fighting for that at my facility (they didn't want to pay for it..I had a cow...told them that I need CNA's to help me with CPR and they need to know how to help or fine..let me do it and see??? Okay they so caved...well that and a threat of calling state and me quitting! LOL!)

BUT...I have a hard enough time talking to Paramedics (even being known in my community!) about my own interpretations of EKG without them getting huffy and saying "nice nurse...go fold blankets or wipe a rear dear!"...so a CNA? Ummmmmmmmm...well...will a nurse listen to you despite your valuable info? Is it worth the cost or expense of cost and your own spirit? To a point I say heck yes...do it for yourself..but at the same time..what is 'yourself' when it comes to patients??? It is a personal choice...

BUT you asked the question about it..that means the spirit is willing...and what will it hurt as long as you keep it in perspective of your own personal knowledge and source of pride...because..in the end..that is honestly what counts!!!! Learn it if you wish to know it..but do it for YOURSELF! :) In all honesty...it will pay off in the long run sometime...I found that out when my hubby had a heart attack...and I was just thinking patients! No...I learned something I felt I wanted to know..and it saved my husband! Well worth it!

ACLS is good, if you use it...but seriously...if you don't...it is complex enough to forget if you don't use it! EKG...nice..again, if you use it....you will forget if you don't!

May I make a small suggestion though...the BEST folks I have found to be really human, and really down to earth about teaching EKG's, three lead anyway which will give you the basics...are paramedics! They are the ones to take 3 seconds at scene and have to make a choice on what to do! I learned more from 5 mins from them than I ever learned from school or working in a Cardic unit! And ;)...if they are really down to earth...they make it fun too! (and Nurses will too..but finding a fun loveing one in cardiac that has time...hard!). I hope you have the resourses I did for that..they were the best to learn from....(especially IV's..anyone that can do that in a crashed up car, or bouncing ambulance has my respect....LOL!)

I learned 3 lead from para's, 12 lead via MD...I skipped the RN connection! Sorry, but the RN's really didn't have the time, and I wasn't about to take them away from their busy job to ask! Bless their hearts..(oh yeah mine too..LOL! I am one of them LOL!). Oh yeah..and that MD that taught me..I was fortunate...I learned from the Doc that is in charge of all Paramedics in Oregon :)! (sweet guy!..Hillarious man!~).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Haha, having been a heart patient myself, I'm more than familiar with basic arrhythmias! Okay, I'll look into that.

I'm at a slow point in my education, because I can't go to school full time. So I'm not only looking for an advantage to get into the ED, I also need something to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Haha, having been a heart patient myself, I'm more than familiar with basic arrhythmias! Okay, I'll look into that.

I'm at a slow point in my education, because I can't go to school full time. So I'm not only looking for an advantage to get into the ED, I also need something to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment