How to prepare for ACLS?

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

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:

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.

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.

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

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!!

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.

ACLS Simulator

Have fun!

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....

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.

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

Please do not be intimidated by ACLS. It is not a difficult class- unless you just decide not to read the book, then it can be quite challenging. If it is your first time to take it, just get the book, read it, and pay careful attention to the lethal rhythms.

Essentially "everyone" passes ACLS.