Help with ACLS

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Hello all. I need some advice/help on the ACLS. Ive been an RN since last July and I am now taking ACLS as it is required for a new job. The new job doesn't offer the class, so I am taking it through a local college/hospital. On the 2nd day of the 2 day course our class was cancelled due to snow, thanks Nebraska. Our re-scheduled date is 2 and a half weeks away from now so the 1st day of class will not be fresh at all in my mind.

I will study during this time and look over material as well as practice rhythm strips. However, I am concerned as our teacher said something along the lines of "This year is different from the past years as I can't give you any help or hints during the mega code scenario". This has me sort of concerned as the rhythm monitor is old and pretty hard to read in my opinion for someone who has never read heart rhythms. I am looking for advice on where to go for practice/study and any other tips you may be able to provide to help me prepare. If I fail I am unsure what happens with my new job, I would imagine it would stay in limbo while I go unemployed looking for another class to retake the ACLS.

Thanks.

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https://acls-algorithms.com/rhythms/

There are hundreds, literally, of youtubes and sites to help you review.

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Good skills development.

As far as the test goes,study the rhythms as they are in the ACLS book.

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Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.

For your mega code know your drugs and doses. Which one is first line treatment, what reaction are you expecting after treatment. For my mega code we had to verbalize starting the IV, flushing, med given, flush again, compressions etc. I don't know if you will have to do this as well but it may be worth practicing since it is not second nature to verbalize those actions.

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My background is rooted in EMS where our motto was "shock until you get a rhythm you know how to treat"

? ...kidding.

Anyway as others have said, tons of strip generators online and practice sites. Reading the strips accurately is all about practice. I taught Mr. Foxtrot (the most unmedical person ever) to read his own EKG during a brutal 30 hour stay in the OBS unit while he was in A-fib with RVR. He was making me crazy asking what the upsindowns meant. The nurses thought it was hilarious and quizzed him all during his stay.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Verbalize out loud every single thing that is going to happen, because when you run the megacode you will be telling each of your team members what they will have to do.

They're going to give you somewhat obvious strips, they're not going to give you something that's literally on the border between two heart rhythms. That being said, you do need to practice reading the strips until you know them well.

List each of the megacodes (bradycardia, SVT, PEA, etc.) and the medications and dosages for each. Use flashcards to help you remember them.

Keep in mind that the patient's condition may change during the megacode and you may have to jump to a new algorhythm.

While your teacher won't be able to give you any hints...I've done ACLS 5 times (4 megacodes have been asystole *sigh*) and in all the classes, we were allowed to help each other during the megacode to a certain extent. We could not feed the leader all the answers, but we could brainstorm what was happening in the megacode. So you'll have a little support.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Prehospital.

Yeah, I agree with Meriwhen. Once upon a time, full grown men would be sweating bullets and on the verge of vomiting during ACLS scenarios. It's crept (thankfully) in that you are rarely alone during a code. They want you to know the material, yes...but they also are acknowledging that the team isn't just standing there like automatons waiting for you to give the correct command.

Practice is the only way to keep it fresh--reviewing the acls website, reading your manual and having someone quiz you if you have someone to help. If you're really stuck, go to your nurse manager or someone on your crew---have them do a mock code or two with you--it even shows that you are trying and really serious about learning how to run codes effectively.

I had a supervisor on nights when things were slow...."HEY! Let's do a MOCK CODE!" or "Let's pull out the Level 1 and go over MTP!" ...far better than sitting on fakebook or shopping for chainsaws online. It's also team building. So...maybe suggest this in your unit if it's possible?

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