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Discussion

How soon to teach ACLS?

So it's been nearly a year that I've been in the ER. Theres an ACLS instructors course coming up in a few months, and I know this is definitely something I want to do eventually, so I'm curious what your thoughts would be on this. I feel like I know the protocols very well, but am considered that the amount of experience I have may be a concern for some. So, what are your thoughts on this?? Is one year of experience too little to teach ACLS????

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The short answer is: As soon as you feel comfortable. If you have experience in situations requiring ACLS, and you feel that you can effectively teach others...then go for it. There really isn't a magic "time period" for teaching.

Best of luck.

vamedic4

  • Expert

Agree with vamedic. It is highly dependent upon your teaching abilities and comfort with the material. I would take the course at any rate. You will probably get a feel for your readiness during your teaching sessions in the course. If you decide to delay using your skills, you can always retake the course prior to getting a teaching job. Just my thoughts.

Some people are ecouraged to teach when they have no real desire to do so.

Other people have the desire to teach, but worry if they have the necessary qualifications.

Though I don't know you personally, it sounds like you probably have a fair idea of the "real world" logistics of ACLS. More importantly, you have the desire to teach others.

Although you may not have the decade of years of experience that some instructors may have, it seems you have the genuine desire to teach and learn.

I've heard it said that one of the best ways to learn something is by teaching it to others.

If it's what you really want to do, give it a go!

In the ACLS classes I have always taken there wasn't just one instructor, yes there is always one main instructor--usually a medic with 1k yrs exp. The others were like you, ED nurses who use these skills on a "weekly" basis and are familiar with real-world application of the knowledge given, I say if it's something you would like to do...go for it.

Usually when you are certified/recertified in ACLS, your instructors will let you know if you are "instructor potential" with an "IP" on your card or a talk after the testing is over. I've seen this with lots of other certifications, too. Teaching is a great way to keep up your certifications and stay updated on a routine basis.

I agree with the "learn one, do one, teach one" method. Works well for me. But beware...when you take the class and your employer pays for it, you will be called to teach it (on top of your usual staffing) when your employer wants you to be there. For BLS this could be a pain in the schedule. You are also required to teach a certain number of classes a year to maintain the instructor level. Make sure you are ready for all that, and Go For It!!:)

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