How to prepare for ACLS?

irshnrse · Oct 30, 2005

It is more intense than PALS, but not too bad. Just study the book and pre-test and you will do great!!

nursejohio, ASN, RN · Oct 31, 2005

I just took ACLS, had the megacode on Thursday and passed (even though my patient died.) It really wasn't as bad as I was afraid it was gonna be, and I passed just fine. Just make sure you know Vtach, Vfib, Asystole and PEA. Those are the main ones you'll be tested on. Good luck :balloons:

KatieBell · Oct 31, 2005

Everyone passes ACLS these days. It used to be a very very difficult class- Best thing to do is to actually read the book ahead of time, and then to learn which rhythms are lethal arrhythmias and what to do about them.

In general it is a pretty fun class.

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Oct 31, 2005

The best way is like everyone has said, Read the minute you get you book. The good thing is they no longer fail anyone. Every one passes I first took ACLS in 1986 and then it was terrifying. I just freaked out but I passed. study your arrythmias.

nursejohio, ASN, RN · Oct 31, 2005

I do have one thing to add...When you're defibrillating your pt, make sure you clear the table I don't know about other testers, but one at our hospital is notorious for sneaking a hand or foot onto the table. If you don't notice, and deliver the shock to both the pt and the tester, it's immediate failure. If you remember to do nothing else, clear your table! Good luck again

irshnrse · Oct 31, 2005

As far as clearing the table just say, "I'm clear, you're clear, we're all clear", every time and you won't forget!!

HappyNurse2005, RN · Nov 1, 2005

I was afraid of ACLs, but really, it wasn't bad at all. First of all, you are in a small group w/ a few other people. They told us that in real life, you are never alone, so go ahead and ask for help from your other participants in the group if you need it. SO if we were stumped we could ask another participant.

We were also allowed to use our books in class. We could also use the book onthe test, but we couldnt talk to each other during the test.

They also spoon fed us some of the answers. ONe guy in particular was talking about a commercial tube restraint. Stressed how important it was. Stressed that we might see that again, say, at about question 4. Then as the test was being passed out, he said "ya'll better not get #4 wrong, or you fail"

Of course, they took the stress out of it, which made it easier to pay attention and learn. I really did learn.

Corvette Guy · Nov 1, 2005

ACLS Simulator

Have fun!

Just Jojo · Nov 25, 2005

Hi everyone!

I am supposed to complete the ACLS, but am not sure which book to buy as a study guide. Is one more preferred than the other? Thanks....

sjrn85 · Nov 26, 2005

Get the ACLS Provider book from AHA. Your testing site should be able to provide it for you; actually, it should be given to you ahead of time as part of the course curriculum.

ctunurse · Nov 27, 2005

I am also waiting to take ACLS. I work on a cardiac telemetry unit and I passed cardiac dynamics but am terrified of ACLS.