ACLS Recert? 1 Day or 2?

Genista, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2001

Hello. Anyone completed their ACLS recert this year using the "new" year 2000 protocols? My recert is up for renewal this month, and I enrolled in the 1 day recert class for the end of the month. I just ordered the new text, and am starting my review. However, some of my coworkers stated that the 2 day review course is better since the protocols are all changed, and the extra review is useful.

For those of you who have done your recert with the new updated ACLS, I am curious what your experience was, and what you recommend? Would the extra day really make a difference? :confused:

I am using my personal days off to complete the course, so if I can do it in one day, that would be great. However, if one day is "too much," I can try and reschedule for the 2 day class. Thanks for your input.

[ June 15, 2001: Message edited by: kona2 ]

PhantomRN · Jun 16, 2001

2 DAYS!!!! :eek: I did my recert in 4 hours. They changed a few meds and added 3 man CPR.

PhantomRN · Jun 16, 2001

2 DAYS!!!! :eek: I did my recert in 4 hours. They changed a few meds and added 3 man CPR.

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2001

Take the one day; basic principles are the same. Just remember: amiodarone instead of lidocaine :).

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2001

Take the one day; basic principles are the same. Just remember: amiodarone instead of lidocaine :).

Brownms46 · Jun 16, 2001

I had to take the two day, as I couldn't find a class until after last assignment, d/t scheduling. this was my fourth recert, and like the last poster said...just a few meds were different, and there was a change in the Tachycardia Algorithm. But otherwise, if I hadn't let my ACLS laspe I wouldn't have bothered with going for two days. The instructor let us go earlier than the scheduled time, if we felt we didn't need to stay. I had a good time at all the recerts I've done..seems I always get with a good crew. This time there were about half, and half with MD, and Rn from CC, ER, with two LPNs. Myself, and another traveler. So don't even sweat it!

Brownie

Brownms46 · Jun 16, 2001

I had to take the two day, as I couldn't find a class until after last assignment, d/t scheduling. this was my fourth recert, and like the last poster said...just a few meds were different, and there was a change in the Tachycardia Algorithm. But otherwise, if I hadn't let my ACLS laspe I wouldn't have bothered with going for two days. The instructor let us go earlier than the scheduled time, if we felt we didn't need to stay. I had a good time at all the recerts I've done..seems I always get with a good crew. This time there were about half, and half with MD, and Rn from CC, ER, with two LPNs. Myself, and another traveler. So don't even sweat it!

Brownie

fiestynurse · Jun 16, 2001

I have always done the two days recert., because I feel that something this important requires a regular overall review. Plus, I have always been paid to attend, so why not?

fiestynurse · Jun 16, 2001

I have always done the two days recert., because I feel that something this important requires a regular overall review. Plus, I have always been paid to attend, so why not?

st4304 · Jun 17, 2001

I just did my recert last week in 4 hours, and I thought it was two hours too long. But I work in a critical care area plus am on the hosp's code team. If you do not get to many codes or work on a floor/unit where you are comfortable with arrhythmias, you might want to take the 2 day recert for a complete refresher. Like Feistynurse, you're getting paid to attend, right? I hope so, anyway! Good luck!

st4304 · Jun 17, 2001

I just did my recert last week in 4 hours, and I thought it was two hours too long. But I work in a critical care area plus am on the hosp's code team. If you do not get to many codes or work on a floor/unit where you are comfortable with arrhythmias, you might want to take the 2 day recert for a complete refresher. Like Feistynurse, you're getting paid to attend, right? I hope so, anyway! Good luck!