Need suggestions on BSL/CPR certificate!! Many thx

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2004

First, it is BLS (basic life support), not BSL. Yes, you can do the whole course in 9 hours, or less. You should get a manual with a pre-test to complete before class, then bring to the class for self-assessment. That helps you focus on the big points and know how to look up info in the manual. This is BASIC life support, so you will not be learning how to intubate or vent a patient or decipher heart rhythms or give drugs, only do the basics in order to stabilize the patient. At least that is what AHA teaches. I teach EMT's, nursing students, nurses, aides, all sorts of people who are required to have basic skills. Some professions require additional classes, but that is not your concern right now. You can do it!

Isabel2004 · Aug 13, 2004

"You should get a manual with a pre-test to complete before class, then bring to the class for self-assessment."

Thank for your encouragement. Your advice is exactly what I want to do. I did find the textbook "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers". But the problem is that where I can find the pre-test? I know there is some tests online for the renewal of the certificate. Maybe I can make use of those materials?

Isabel

First, it is BLS (basic life support), not BSL. Yes, you can do the whole course in 9 hours, or less. You should get a manual with a pre-test to complete before class, then bring to the class for self-assessment. That helps you focus on the big points and know how to look up info in the manual. This is BASIC life support, so you will not be learning how to intubate or vent a patient or decipher heart rhythms or give drugs, only do the basics in order to stabilize the patient. At least that is what AHA teaches. I teach EMT's, nursing students, nurses, aides, all sorts of people who are required to have basic skills. Some professions require additional classes, but that is not your concern right now. You can do it!

mstewart · Aug 13, 2004

This will be mostly a refresher. Although the bagging will be new...although I wouldn't say it is all that HARD. I am sure when you are doing it in real life it can be stressful. I took a class at the local hospital and we were done in like 7-8 hours. We did not take first aid like red cross offers (BLS and First Aid in one class). I would definelty suggest taking an AHA at a local hospital.

eak16 · Aug 13, 2004

the AHA class is quick and precise- I think my forst one was only five hours, and then the two year renewal ones were only four hours

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 13, 2004

the person, or facility, that provides the instruction will have the pre-tests to hand out (or mail to you). This is an AHA requirement.

edogs334 · Aug 13, 2004

Isabel,

Don't sweat BLS CPR training. It's not as hard as the AHA textbook (200 pages, you said?) makes it out to be. As long as you pay attention and follow the instructors advice (on CPR technique, what to do when, etc) you should be fine. American Red Cross or AHA are both good- ARC follow the exact same standards that the AHA does (the AHA made the standards).

Ian

studentdeb · Aug 13, 2004

I just took the renewal course yesterday and it was 4 hours long. The instructor doesn't cover everything in that book (I have the same book), but covers alot of information including the use of AED machines. We didn't have a pretest but at the end of class he did give us a test that covered what he went over and it was pretty easy and I got 100%.

Good luck

Debi

Isabel2004 · Aug 14, 2004

Hi Ian,

Thank you for your encouragement. I just think it is unbelievable to learn to accomplish such a sacred task-to save people's life, in several hours. Anyhow, I will try.

Isabel

Isabel,
Don't sweat BLS CPR training. It's not as hard as the AHA textbook (200 pages, you said?) makes it out to be. As long as you pay attention and follow the instructors advice (on CPR technique, what to do when, etc) you should be fine. American Red Cross or AHA are both good- ARC follow the exact same standards that the AHA does (the AHA made the standards).
Ian

care365 · Nov 17, 2010

Hi everyone~

Besides BLS certificate, what other certificates are good to have for LVN???

There are so many certificates and I don't wanna spend money or waste time on the ones that aren't necessary. Thanks!!!

Otessa, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2010

I want to get a certificate in BSL for Healthcare providers. I called some hospitals and emergency skills company and got unbelievable advisement.
The following is what I was told by them:
I only need to spend 9 hours taking courses in one day,
and then, at the end of the class I will be required to take a test.
It I pass, then I get the certificate.
It is really unbelievable. I know the textbook "BSL for Healthcare providers" has over 200 pages, but is it really possible to cover all the content in only 9 hours in one day? Or need I read through the book before I attend the classes? I am really worried. Any advice from you are most welcome. Thank you very much in advance.:)
Isabel

I am a BLS instructor-you can read the book before the calss but all important items are covered in a hands-on format during the course, prior to taking the test.

otessa

klone, MSN, RN · Nov 17, 2010

the AHA class is quick and precise- I think my forst one was only five hours, and then the two year renewal ones were only four hours

The renewals are streamlined even more now. You take the written portion online at home (takes about an hour), then bring your certificate to the skills checkoff, and if they're efficient, you can be in and out of there in 20 minutes.