I think I am an ACLS phoney

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Apr 9, 2008

:yeah:I hope you got the book and the CD, because it will help you to regard ACLS as a valuable tool that you'll want to keep as fresh in your mind as possible.

I took my first ACLS class the first year I went to Tele, and I felt the same way. I took it before I had an EKG class, so I was nearly as green as a first-year student.

But I forget a lot of information after the class because I don't use it a lot. But no matter, at least I have a general idea of what's going on in a Code and why they're doing what they do, because I've had ACLS.

I've renewed about three times now. Each time I learn a little more and feel a little more confident about my knowledge and skills.

If you get the basics down and keep studying and keep renewing, it does get easier. :nurse:

Oh, almost forgot the "love" -- that'll be pretty much the feeling when you see the first patient you successfully Code walk out of the hospital. :redbeathe That, and amazement.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2008

NO I did not get the book---1st mistake--I am going to for next time. I recommend all people to get it, and take it seriously. I didnt even open my packet till Monday night. I worked Friday/Sat/Sun 3rd shift, didnt sleep on Monday and had ACLS Tues and Weds and really did not prepare like I should have. I did fine on the written exam, I missed 2. But I can not describe the nerves I felt during the Mega Code. and I am not a nervous person---that is why I am totally taking it again in the Fall, I feel like I winged it and even though technically I passed. I just did not feel confident or prepared.

You would think I would be relived now that it is over, but I dont.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 9, 2008

You are not a phoney at all. You show eagerness, willingness, and are to be admired for wanting to continue your learning experience(s). ACLS is a must in almost any nursing specialty and for you to do the course as quickly as you did shows that you are thinking about providing the best possible care for your patients.

I said to do chest compressions on a person with a pulse---what was I thinking???

Sometimes compressions on those with pulses is a must. Especially right after you've resolved the arrest. Normally, those post-code are not perfusing adequately as evidenced by weak/thready/almost imperceptible pulses. They can benefit from 2 minutes CPR. So, don't discount this. Must be individually evaluated for every patient.

Kudos to you for becoming certified in ACLS!!

Dad-2-3 · Apr 9, 2008

Congrats on passing!

I have my mega code Friday afternoon. During the mock codes I was calm when I wasn't the one under the gun. When it was my turn I fumbled through each of the stations with a bit of prompting from the instructors. I was not the only one that required some prompting. One CRNA and a NP also required help which made me feel a bit better.

Congrats again on passing ACLS!

NsgChica · Apr 10, 2008

CONGRATS ON PASSING ACLS!!! Any helpful pointers, I will be taking it for the first time in May.

helper T cell · Apr 10, 2008

I agree with all of the above posts. You are to be congradulated and commended on taking on your ACLS.

I am like you grad in Dec. Going to take it this Sept. and I thank you for your advice. I will be sure to get the book in advance and will plan on taking educational leave for the class.

Even though you might feel that you didn't preform well just think the next time a code is called you will know more of what is going compared let's say to someone like me who is just trained in BLS and the contents of the crash cart are still a puzzel to me.

Everytime we are exposed to something we will just become better nurses!!! So way to go!!!!! :yeah:

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Apr 10, 2008

Best of luck to all of you who still have to take it--especially the one that is doing their mega code friday!!! I dont know why but I was more freaked out about this than boards!~!~probably because I didnt study....

As far as pointers the obvious STUDY. Know your drugs and your rhythms. Honestly there are only a few drugs you really have to know, and if the person if flat lined well you cant kill them--so anything you do will help. Know that if they are flat lined they get the full dose of epi and atropine.

Know who gets paced. BLOCKS. once again, if you know the rhythm, then you know the algorithm.

Push the drug during CPR so that it will profuse, and here is something that I kept tripping up on. After you shock, you do CPR for 2 full minutes no matter what the monitor says, you do a complete 2 min before you look for rhythm change. I kept wanting to look at the monitor as soon as I shocked.

Also---use your team--they are not supposed to prompt you, but it is a "team" effort. So who ever is writing, ask them. "Can I give more epi?" Try to encourage everyone to talk. And think outloud, I looked at my rhythm and said VTach--then I asked does he have a pulse? The teacher said "No" so I said it again No pulse - Vtach. PEA---sometimes just talking out loud helps you think better.

And the thing I will always remember, dont perform chest compressions on a person with a pulse!!!!

Good luck to everyone....It was a humbling exp for me, I no longer feel like I got run over by a truck, I am glad it is over and next time I will know to better prepare.

Glad the 1st time I had to run a full code was on a dumby!!!

I am so going to sit in for the Fall class, maybe the 2nd time around it will soak in better.

ava'smomRN · Apr 10, 2008

i have ACLS in july. we have to take it within 6months of hire at my institution. ive had so far since fedbuary, basic dysrhtymia, critical care course, and will take a truama nurse course at the end of the month. i hope after all of that i will be ok for acls. i cant lie though, i am a little nervous now hearing about this mock code.

congrats on passing! and you shouldnt feel like a phoney. you are new to practice and on the unit you will not be running a code on your own.

PageRespiratory! · Apr 10, 2008

I had to have ACLS to graduate, and I've been to more codes than I care to remember. But instead of taking the refresher to renew, I take the full course each time. After a while it becomes muscle memory, I think everyone feels the way you do after taking it for the first time.

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2008

Congrats on passing!!! Well I just cancelled my ACLS this morning because I will be moving between the day of the class and the day of the megacode with 0 time to study.... thank for confirming that this is one to study up on!!

Don't be so hard on yourself, like others said, you will not be in a code alone, there will be more experienced people there with you. Can you go to your nursing ed department and buy the book now anyway, just to keep onhand and brush up? Also, did you take basic dysrhythmia first? I've heard that helps a lot too.

Congrats again :)

Dad-2-3 · Apr 11, 2008

Best of luck to all of you who still have to take it--especially the one that is doing their mega code friday!!!

Thanks. I passed with no problems. I will feel much more confident in my next code situation!!