Have you taken a BLS class?? or CPR??

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Hi. I am starting my CNA training at the end of the month, however I have been looking at local hospitals that are hiring CNA's currently and they are requiring that you have a BLS certificate also. My local adult ed has this class in March (one evening) but I am questioning weather I will want to take an evening class while I am doing full time CNA training during the day? I want to apply for jobs as soon as I am done with the CNA training so I guess it would be beneficial to have my BLS or do you think a CPR certificate would be enough?? Thanks for any/all replies.

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BLS and CPR is the same cert, and no one will even talk to you about a job until you have it.

In fact, I'm surprised you could get a CNA cert without it.

Make sure you get it through the American Heart Association, because a lot of places do not recognize it from anywhere else.

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I am not a CNA yet. I start school the end of the month, but I didn't know if you get CPR certified through class-which is why I was looking for a class to go to as well. Ok, the American Heart is who will be doing the class at the Adult Ed. and they are showing BLS class and CPR class..I didn't know if they were the same thing or not? thanks.

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Take the one called BLS.

The other one might be some sort of layperson class, but if you're going to be working in healthcare, you want the one called BLS.

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I haven't taken a BLS class and have been working at a CNA for the last year. Had no trouble getting a job, they didn't even ask about. Not that it wouldn't be a good idea, just saying I didn't need it here in WI.

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i dont believe that it is a requirement but it is always to have it under your belt so when you do need it you will be already set , you know :)

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Evening, Missie1:

Around here (here being Kalifornia), you've got 2 different levels - Level 1 is the "civilian" version (typically,CPR & choking) and level 2 is the "Professional" level (CPR (including AED use), choking, artificial respiration, Heimlich, etc.). You're going to want the Professional version (goes by varying names - BLS is commonly used around here), and +1 on going through the AHA training - not sure why, but most programs (and employers) prefer it. Mine was included in the Red Cross training, but taking it independently isn't all that expensive ($25 - $60 locally, YMMV).

Personally, I'd take it before I set foot in the CNA class - saves the scheduling conflict. Also, ask the instructor if you can bring a pillow, towel, or kneepads - some sort of knee protection. After an hour or two of AED/CPR/Artificial Respiration, your knees'll thank you (guess how I know this :D).

Blessings,

----- Dave

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I agree with IEDave... that is how it is here also (not Kalifornia).

You might look around for other places giving the BLS class - sometimes the Red Cross offers them or hospitals or private companies (the private companies mostly didn't charge more, they cater to professionals who need to keep a current cert - like health care workers or even people who work in fitness centers or at public swimming pools or whatever).

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In my state (New Mexico), we need a just need a CPR certificate as CNAs.

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I would take the BLS class for sure unless you have severe income issues and its expensive in your area. If you want to work in a hospital its going to be required, and even in LTC or some other CNA job it will either be a requirement, or look good on an application. Your work might offer the training for you if you do get hired, but I would just go ahead and get it done beforehand.

Skip the basic CPR class and go for BLS, as it offers a little more knowledge about establishing a patent airway, using a bag valve mask and pocket face mask, and using an AED. Dont worry about the class being time consuming or demanding. Its easy and should just take an afternoon or evening.

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I would go for the BLS over the CPR.

My CC did not require CPR or BLS training for CNAs. In my area if the employer wants you to know it then they will provide the training or pay to have you take the class.

I'm going into the nursing program this summer and before I'm allowed to do clinicals I have to take BLS for healthcare providers. It's different than the regular CPR course. If you are CPR certified but it's not through the BLS for healthcare providers, it does not count. As stated above by others you are going to want the BLS it goes into more debth and teaches you more than a basic CPR does.

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