ACLS....is the exam hard?

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hey guys got a question:D

just passed NCLEX and now im getting an ACLS after my BLS so that i can write something in my resume hehehe....

just a quick question though to anyone who has passed ACLS....

is it hard? is there a high chance of probability of failing or will it be just like BLS? is the questions just like NCLEX?:D thanks for replying guys

Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

It can be hard if you don't prepare. Make sure you review rhythm strips and study the algorithms.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

No it's very easy. It used to be hard but has been very dumbed down in the last 5 or 6 years. Just pay attention during the video. Even if you don't pass they will probaly just hand it back to you to correct the ones you got wrong.

No it's very easy. It used to be hard but has been very dumbed down in the last 5 or 6 years. Just pay attention during the video. Even if you don't pass they will probaly just hand it back to you to correct the ones you got wrong.

well thats reassuring hahahaha....thanks.....rhythm strips huh....what state are you in?

The difference is that you can walk into a BLS class unprepared and pick up the info with no problem. I've seen people do that with ACLS and PALS, but by not preparing you would be making it unnecessarily stressful.

They aren't looking for 12-lead interpretation gurus or pharmacology experts. But at least study the basics - the asystole/PEA, bradycardia, SVT and VT/VF algorithms as well as the dosages for the most common drugs.

The difference is that you can walk into a BLS class unprepared and pick up the info with no problem. I've seen people do that with ACLS and PALS, but by not preparing you would be making it unnecessarily stressful.

They aren't looking for 12-lead interpretation gurus or pharmacology experts. But at least study the basics - the asystole/PEA, bradycardia, SVT and VT/VF algorithms as well as the dosages for the most common drugs.

ohh thanks for replying to both of my posts eric hehehehe......DOSAGES huh........this is more hard than nclex :eek:....ill just read the whole book also just to be safe........but is there a chance of failing this? paying another 280 dollars ? or would they just correct you for the mistakes ? :D

Since you just finished your RN, I don't think you will have too much trouble with ACLS. I had to do ACLS as part of my paramedic training, and it was much the same thing in my ADN advanced med surg.

You will have to do a mega code at the end of the ACLS class.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
You will have to do a mega code at the end of the ACLS class.

*** Back in the day the mega code was really something. I remember people crying and panicking. However the last 3 or 4 times I have done it (in three states) consisted more of the istructor just walking people through the code and discussing it.

You will have to do a mega code at the end of the ACLS class.

:eek: what's a mega code? :eek: it sounds serious :confused:

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
:eek: what's a mega code? :eek: it sounds serious :confused:

*** Don't worry, it only SOUNDS serious. A group of you will gather around a dummy and will take turns being the code team leader during simulated codes. Just relax, the expecations are pretty low. You can even take your ACLS cards in with you. If you paid attention during the video and have your cards you will do just fine.

I did it back in 1991, it took about 20 minutes and was VERY intense. I am not sure what they are like now. Its where a simulated patient that has coded ( had a heart attack ). You go through the motions of what steps you would take, such as intubation, checking lung sounds, CPR, IV start, assesing the patient and EKG, giving cardiac meds, etc.

Here is a link to a youtube video of 2 paramedic instructors doing a megacode demo to help prepare their students

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