How hard is the BLS class (CPR) ?

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I have to take the class before I start clinicals and I am nervous as to how the test for the class will be. Do most people pass it? Do i need/should i prepare in someway ahead of time? And, do they give you the CPR card after you pass the test? Id it helps, I'll be taking it with a private company that I found listed on the American Heart Association website. Thanks !

Don't stress! Honestly, I was a nervous wreck when I took mine because I thought to myself if I can't pass a CPR class then I don't deserve to be a nurse! I took my class in July at a local hospital. It wasn't bad at all. The written test was easy as well. I missed one. You don't receive your card until a few weeks later in the mail. Good luck!

Specializes in Emergency.

I think generally most people pass the class. Take notes during the class because you do have an exam at the end. Also, I would recommend you take it early enough in the event that if you do fail, you can re-take it.

Specializes in Case Management, ICU, Telemetry.

Almost everyone passes the class. I have seen people get questions wrong over and over again and the person who is testing just helps them through the questions...

That totally depends on the class though, I'm sure.

That being said it is pretty easy. There really isn't much reason to fail BLS.

I had to do healthcare provider CPR and in my class there was about 10 people. Myself and one other person were the only ones to pass. The other 8 were in the LPN program at that school it took it at. The instructor sat down and helped each person go through he test and go over why each one was wrong and then they passed. I don't know if that is the same everywhere, but that is what they did. I have also been certified for the past 15 yrs and this is the way it has happened at every job and every time I have taken the class. Not sure if this will be the same for you and your area. Good luck! It isn't too hard!

Probably the easiest thing I've ever done... don't stress

It was simple to me.

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

most do pass. Sometimes a card is given then, but usually it is mailed to you afterwards. The instructor is allowed 30 days by AHA to provide the card and, depending on number of students and other classes going on - just depends. Read the book. Pay attention to the items highlighted in red. Look at the appendix for the actual evaluation forms. They can be a learning tool. Good luck.

Oh, if you do not pass the test or the skills portion, you can repeat within 2 weeks and still be certified. If you fail both then you have to go to another class session. RARE in this situation.

Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

I found it pretty simple. I also took HCP BLS through a private "school" listed on the AHA website. The instructors want you to pass and will do what they can to get you there. In my class of 12 everyone passed with flying colors. We did the skills portion together as a group and if anyone struggled, the instructor assisted until we all had it and we moved on. For the exam at the end it is very easy if you just pay attention to the vidoes and the lecture from the instructor. THe instructor will most like teach to the test, so their notes will likely form many for the answers to exam questions. Don't stress too much. If you passed your science pre reqs, this should be a walk in the park. Our instructor also just gave us the card at the end of the class, but that can vary. They should give you some sort of completion cert or verification to show your school though.

Thanks a lot guys, makes me feel a little less tensed. I was worrying because I only have one go at it because I just had a family emergency pop up overseas so I'll be going there, anyways, Thanks for the feedback ! Much appreciated !

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