How does one become ACLS or CRNA certified...

Trauma Columnist · Nov 30, 2005

Am unsure what you are asking because ACLS is advanced cardiac life support which is a certification nurses can take in advanced resuscitation skills and CRNA is certified registered nurse anesthetist which is a masters degree for nurses who administer anesthesia. ???

raindrop · Nov 30, 2005

Edited!

Ok, how bout' that ACLS. If it's not offered where you work, there has got to be a way to take that test after self-paying?

heartICU · Nov 30, 2005

Edited!
Ok, how bout' that ACLS. If it's not offered where you work, there has got to be a way to take that test after self-paying?

Check your local comunity college. Many will offer it there.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 30, 2005

Check with another hospital locally? In my area, the colleges do not offer ACLS - only at the hospitals. Is this a very small hospital? I would think they would partner with another facility to offer it.

Katnip, RN · Nov 30, 2005

If your hospital doesn't offer it they must surely know where to get it. Ask around. There are others in your department who probably have taken it. Find out where they went.

Sorry, I didn't see that you weren't working. I'd call the hospital or local EMS and ask where it's offered.

~Kat

prenurse · Nov 30, 2005

Edited!
Ok, how bout' that ACLS. If it's not offered where you work, there has got to be a way to take that test after self-paying?

You cold also check with your local rescue squard - if you volunteer for them you can become an EMT (emergency medical tech) and/or get your ACLS certification (most of the time almost free for volunteering).

I think it's good that you want to do it and don't let any smart remarks or quick defensive attitudes hold you back from checking into it or doing what you want to do. Believe me no one helps you much in seeking education - you have to be a go getter and do it yourself. :nurse: I am a RN and having to go thru it I have found out the hard way that experienced nurses don't hold out a hand to you when you need it - they turn their backs and walk away.

Go for it and don't give up.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 30, 2005

Pre-nurse - it sure sounds like you have had some bad experiences. Please don't believe that ALL nurses DO or DON'T DO something. I am certainly not the exception and I do go out of my way to help new staff. Good luck.

prenurse · Dec 1, 2005

That's good if you do - I speak of not only of nurses but people in general, YOU have to be assertive in your own life, as a general rule people only help you so much, some don't at all. I always tell newbies to EDUCATE yourself. Don't go by what someone else tells you. I have been on units where I have heard LPNs say "I'm not going to show anybody anything" or "she isn't going to learn by me". I am a RN now and I do try to show newbies as much as I can, however there comes a limit, a time where the person has to account for themselves. In life I have learned that people for the most part don't want to see anyone do better than they have themselves. If someone gets a higher degree, gets promoted, gets more $$$ at my hospital, I see alot of negative remarks and slandering remarks made; much more than good remarks. It's a sad reality but it's true alot of times. We new RN's do appreciate nurses like you who do try to help out.