ER in my area requiring ACLS and PALS

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When I graduated in 2010, the private hospital in my area didn't require much of anything of RNs applying for jobs. (I live in a small southern area.) Now that I'm back in the job hunt, I'm finding the same hospital that was so lenient in credentials (you could be a new grad and get a job in the ER, for instance), suddenly wants you to come in with all the certs up front, even for flex pool. Was thinking of applying for ED nurse after 2+ years of floor nursing, but I don't have the experience (critical care) they're looking for. What could explain the switch so fast?

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

High standards isn't all that new, sounds like they just finally got someone in management who actually cares. ACLS and PALS were required for me back in the 90's, as well as several others. Not to mention they are really useful.

Wanting them before you come on board seems like they just don't want to have to pay for the courses or the workshop time for you, lots cheaper to mandate them and make you pay the $150 fee for each course.

I just recerted in both of those this month, course fees were paid and got straight pay for time attended.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

So fast??!

What took them so long? It's about time, I'd say. An ED that doesn't require ACLS/PALS would make me run as fast as I can in the other direction.

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Yes, I cannot imagine an ED not requiring ACLS/PALS of their emergency room nurses.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
When I graduated in 2010, the private hospital in my area didn't require much of anything of RNs applying for jobs. (I live in a small southern area.) Now that I'm back in the job hunt, I'm finding the same hospital that was so lenient in credentials (you could be a new grad and get a job in the ER, for instance), suddenly wants you to come in with all the certs up front, even for flex pool. Was thinking of applying for ED nurse after 2+ years of floor nursing, but I don't have the experience (critical care) they're looking for. What could explain the switch so fast?

Probably because there's now a ton of nurses looking for work, so instead of taking anyone that has a pulse and training them to do the job, the ER knows that they can be a lot pickier and select the best applicants.

Also, by making you have the certs up front, they don't have to pay for you to get them (at least not initially) and they can save some money.

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IME, places that require ACLS/PALS up front are looking for nurses that already have ER experience. Hospitals in my area will require them for new hires but then when you expire they cover the cost of renewal.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

We require ACLS, PALS or ENPC, TNCC and of course, BLS for all critical care nurses. Nursery nurses must have STABLE and NRP. Have never worked where the Am. Heart Courses were not a requirement.

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