Acls

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I am planning on signing up (for the first time) for an ACLS class offered at work. Just curious,....for those who have taken such a course, are all the "rumors" true that this course is very, very difficult? I'm getting more nervous the closer it gets because of the horror tales I am hearing. Thanks in advance!:eek:

Get the Acls manual and study it! You need to know cardiac monitering. Im sure you will do fine as long as you study.

It's not bad. The class does present a lot of information, but it's set up to TEACH you, not make you fail. Since it is you first time, look over the book, expecially to algorythms. You'll do fine.;)

If you want to play with a simulator, try http://www.acls.net

I admit I felt overwhelmed the first time I took ACLS, but I agree with the others-- Your best bet is to read and memorize. You will do fine- don't let them intimidate you.

ACLS used to be very difficult...only the docs taught it and were openly scornful of nurses who thought nurses should not be taught how to manage arrest situations. They failed us if we didn't do everything perfectly(translates to 'like THEY would'.)

Now the focus is totally different, it's a learning situation...nobody fails. I agree...read the book, commit the drugs/algorhythms to memory, and after the first time it will be a piece of cake. We can now recert online in 20 minutes...so the first time is the most time consuming and nerve wracking.

Good luck..I'm sure you will do fine. :roll

As in most situations, those that counsel an endeavor is too hard are usually too cowardly to try, or didn't apply enough effort to the task themselves.:specs:

If you believe you'll succeed... you WILL!

Originally posted by mattsmom81

ACLS used to be very difficult...only the docs taught it and were openly scornful of nurses who thought nurses should not be taught how to manage arrest situations. They failed us if we didn't do everything perfectly(translates to 'like THEY would'.)

Now the focus is totally different, it's a learning situation...nobody fails. I agree...read the book, commit the drugs/algorhythms to memory, and after the first time it will be a piece of cake. We can now recert online in 20 minutes...so the first time is the most time consuming and nerve wracking.

Good luck..I'm sure you will do fine. :roll

Exactly, couldn't have said it better:)

Yeah, you have to try to take in a LOT of knowledge from what little class time there is. Ours lasted 1.5 hours. My head was spinning when I finished the test. Make sure to read the book , esp. the ALGORYTHMS. Good luck, you'll do fine

The first time I took the ACLS it was at a Navy Hospital with Navy nurses and docs teaching. It was hard but I did well. As the others have said -- know the material. Don't try to over think what is being asked. We had several docs in class that were trying to read into each rhythm strip. They were told to just go with what was presented and not try to read in anything else.

Hey, Mattsmom...where do you go to recert online?.....

that would be great...and I had my first horrid GB attack, the first time I took ACLS...many,many years ago !! really appreciate how laid back it has gotten.. And my first time, the only 2 people who failed were Docs....:D

I think it depends on where you take it. Ours lasted two days and people did fail. I'm not saying that to frighten you, just to let you know that programs do vary.

However, I agree with the others about being prepared. The ones who failed (one was actually a Dr.) did no prep thinking it would be a cakewalk. Rhythm readings did them in.

I would try and talk to someone who has already completed the program at the place you will be taking yours. That will give you the best insight. Good Luck!!!

For more info on online recerts--- go to [email protected].

I also know lots of nurses who choose NOT to take ACLS Pals the first time at their facility due to anxiety factor....sometimes it is best to go to a different facility that first time 'round. ;)

+ Add a Comment