Getting ACLS, PALS as a Nursing student?

NurseNotRatched, ADN, BSN, CNA · Jan 1, 2012

I am on my 3rd semester (starting in 3 weeks) of a 4 semester RN program and was wondering if I can get ACLS and PALS certified? Do I have to wait until I am done with the program?

Happy New Year! I'm entering my final year of nursing school and got my ACLS certification this past July. It would have probably made more sense to wait until after I graduated and got a job so that the employer would pay for it if I am going to be working in an ED or critical care, but I just wanted to get a leg up on the competition. So, of course, you can get it now if you're willing to pay for it yourself.

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2012

My job is offering to pay for it so I figure why not :) go for it! Even if u can't use it directly if ur in a situation I'll know what's going on

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 1, 2012

If you have figured out the cardiac dysrhythmias and have a good understanding of cardiology and understand why the various meds are used, you'll understand & get through ACLS and PALS pretty easily. You probably won't be able to directly use what you've learned for a while, but you'll understand what's going on in a code and will hopefully understand when a patient is heading down that path and perhaps prevent the problem from getting worse.

It can be a little expensive, but it won't hurt you. If anything, it can always be explained as you seeking more knowledge.

NCRNMDM, ASN, RN · Jan 1, 2012

I'm a second semester student with background work in the ED and ICU setting prior to beginning nursing school. I am attending, and hopefully certifying in, ACLS in March of 2012. No, you don't have to wait until you are done with the program. I am determined to land a spot in a new graduate critical care residency, and ACLS will look really good on my resume. Find out who offers ACLS in your area, and then start calling around. Explain that you are a nursing student, and ask upfront if this will affect your ability to attend, and certify, in ACLS. The class I'm taking had no issue with my status as a student, and welcomed the opportunity to teach me. Good luck!

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2012

I cant edit my post--I meant to say you'll* not i'll lol

heartnursing · Jan 1, 2012

In todays competetive market.. do anything/everything you can to help your chances in landing a position after graduation

EMEddie · Jan 1, 2012

Thanks guys for the responses! The way I see it, it can only make you a better applicant once you graduate and also, I plan on looking for a job at the end of 3rd semester, especially in an ED/ICU so if I can get ACLS and some other advance certs under my belt I think it will make a difference, what do you guys think?

heartnursing · Jan 1, 2012

I agree my school offers students in their 4th year to start the critical care course.. im thinking im going to take part in that so that way I will look more desirable when applying for positions in the ICU/CCU

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 1, 2012

Having ACLS helped me as a new grad...interviewers told me it showed initiative/motivation on my part. It definitely can't hurt, especially if you are interested in ED/ICU. Don't rely on it solely to land you the job though...but it can help you get noticed.

FlyingScot, RN · Jan 1, 2012

I plan on looking for a job at the end of 3rd semester, especially in an ED/ICU so if I can get ACLS and some other advance certs under my belt I think it will make a difference, what do you guys think?

Just as long as you remember that when you are working as anything but a licensed RN in the ER you can do nothing more than BLS regardless of your certification. This means compressions and BVM only. You cannot push meds, analyze rhythms, shock with anything but an AED or anything else beyond BLS. The certification means that the AHA has certified that you passed the class. It does not give you license to actually do the skills.

We had a nursing student who hired on as a tech(aide). She was infuriated when we wouldn't let her use her ACLS certification in the ER. Made a complete fool of herself by throwing a temper tantrum. She totally blew her chance of getting a job there after graduation, or at any of our sister hospitals.