Gave up in ACLS class

[Ms.RN]

Yesterday I attended the first day of ACLS class and I felt like a total dummy. I only had 2 days to read the review book, I had no previous experience working in the hosptial or interpreting EKG. I thought i had to to listen to a lecture and take the test on the second day. I had no idea this class is all about practical where we have actual case scenerio and one person have to pretty much run the code. Other people in my group are working in ICU or telemetry unit so they knew what they are doing. I'm giving up trying to pass the practical test. I know I'm not going to be able to pass the test. It hurts to find out I'm a failure but I gotta be honest with myself and admit i cant handle this class.

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

You are not a failure! Get some experience and try again....you said it yourself, your classmates were working in telemetry and ICU.

ACLS is tough, but you can do it.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I would go finish the class if you have a chance. We had Pharmacy students in my ACLS class and they did just fine with no bedside or practical experience.

Even as a nurse ACLS class made me feel pretty stupid the first day! Don't give up you will do fine!

Tait

PS. I didn't want to go back for day number two either, because I was so worried about the mock code scenario, but in the end it was fine! (Even though my Sim Man died).

All ACLS classes want you to learn, but like BLS they also want you to pass.

[Orange Tree]

PS. I didn't want to go back for day number two either, because I was so worried about the mock code scenario, but in the end it was fine! (Even though my Sim Man died).

RIP hehe

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

this is why the card is coveted. It means something. You are not a failure because you learned you need to study and to be prepared for this and other things. This is why I discourage new grads from taking the course and think it is ridiculous for students. You need the background for it to make sense. Try this for practice: www.skillstat.com but be aware they may not always be up to date with current AHA guidelines.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

RIP hehe

I know! I looked at her and went..."oh that can't be good" and she just smiled and said "people die, it happens".

I still think she was being extra hard on me because I was the only RN in my small group. The pharm tech got SVT and the EMT guy could do no wrong (but I was glad they were both in my group!)

[mazy]

Way back when I first started out in this field I had a meltown because I had to learn BLS. My sister, who was a paramedic, said "if you're doing CPR they're pretty much dead, so not much more that can go wrong there." That helped a lot, and put my mind at ease.

Later, when I did ACLS, I found it very helpful before doing the course to take an EKG course that the hospital I worked at offered. Nothing but learning to read and interpret EKGs. If I hadn't done that I would not have felt at all comfortable with the class. There's a lot of sites online that teach that and were very helpful to me.

As it was I felt like the biggest moron in the world in the class and I'm pretty sure I passed because the teacher felt sorry for me. Strange thing is, the day after I got my certification, we had a code and I went in to help document and amazingly, when I saw it actually happening in front of me it all clicked into place.

Don't give up on yourself!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Just a little advice from someone who does not know.... I have read here on all Allnurses that many buy the material to read and study before they take the class:up: Probably what I'd do should I decide to take that.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I was so worried about the mock code scenario, but in the end it was fine! (Even though my Sim Man died).

I'm sorry! My pregnant Annie died, but I saved the baby.

The mock codes are a bit daunting, but as long as you follow the algorithm (which you have in your hand as you're doing the code), you'll be fine. Generally speaking, they WANT you to pass, and will help you to do so.

I HIGHLY recommend a basic EKG course before ACLS, though.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

I've always thought it a misjustice that ACLS courses are given the way they are. I purposely didn't use the word "taught" because there is very little teaching done compared to the expected end result.

First time I took ACLS there were 15 people new to the class, and 15 recertifying. Nobody passed and the docs "teaching" the class were actually proud of it.

[Emergency RN]

While working in the ER, ICU, or other telemetry areas helps tremendously, it is not necessary. However, if you don't have that sort of background, then you'd better be a very very quick learner with a memory like a steel trap if you're going to go in cold. Walking in cold to ACLS (without any previous experience in reading rhythm strips, knowing basic code drugs, and the general sequence of events of a code), is sort of like putting a five year old into the pilot's seat of a fighter jet and expecting him to fly. It isn't impossible, but the chances become very slim of success.

That is why you had such a tough time. It wasn't that you're a dummy; just that you were woefully unprepared for the coursework. Having a set of experiences or previous understandings about ACLS will lay the groundwork, which is then refined by the ACLS class. And yes, running the individual mega codes is a cast iron b*tch. But if forces one to think about any possible situation and makes your ACLS skills almost reflexive. This is what eventually helps you to save lives at the bedside.

Good luck.

[questionsforall]

I will tell you that even doctors have problems in ACLS class. In my experience, the nurses know more :)