New grad taking ACLS course??

SweetseRN · Jul 10, 2011

I am a new grad, newly licensed RN too...I have heard 2 schools of thought on this.

To answer one questions as far as what to expect, the first half of the class is things that you should have already learned in school, some classes will actually allow you to waive or skip the first half. As far as the second half that can be pretty intense but from what I hear not impossible.

Ok, so some instructors advised me NOT to take ACLS because you be held to a much higher standard as a new grad in a code situation as a new RN.

However, some instructors said that is silly and untrue and that it would only benefit you to take ACLS.

My 2 cents is to take it. I am seeing tons of jobs REQUIRING you to have it, so now I am really wishing I took it when I had the opportunity to do so at 1/2 price and 1/2 of the course. :banghead:

magicsauce · Jul 10, 2011

I took my ACLS at the tail end of nursing school because I wanted to pad my resume due to the fierce competition. I was able to land the job that I wanted so I'm glad I did it. HOWEVER, in my opinion, it wasn't necessarily beneficial to take it without on the job experience. With that being said, cardio was never my strong suit so it was pretty stressful, but if that is your fortay, then I say go for it.

I just did my first ACLS renewal and it made a lot more sense the second time around.

Good luck!!

rnccf2007, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2011

You are doing the right thing. A new nurse with the initiative to get ACLS before it is required will be a plus. And...it is not all about getting an edge up. Being open to continual learning is integral to the nursing profession. ACLS certification is not bad. To be honest, the first time that I had to take this course, I freaked. You passed nursing school? LOL, you will pass ACLS. Also, once you register, you will be given an ACLS book, DVD, and other informational materials.

rnccf2007, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2011

I am a new grad, newly licensed RN too...I have heard 2 schools of thought on this.
To answer one questions as far as what to expect, the first half of the class is things that you should have already learned in school, some classes will actually allow you to waive or skip the first half. As far as the second half that can be pretty intense but from what I hear not impossible.
Ok, so some instructors advised me NOT to take ACLS because you be held to a much higher standard as a new grad in a code situation as a new RN.
However, some instructors said that is silly and untrue and that it would only benefit you to take ACLS.
My 2 cents is to take it. I am seeing tons of jobs REQUIRING you to have it, so now I am really wishing I took it when I had the opportunity to do so at 1/2 price and 1/2 of the course.

Just had to comment on waiving or skipping the first half. Don't do it. You have to recert every 2 years, and protocols change from year to year. I actually enjoy recertification, because you can refresh some skills you may not use on a day to day basis.

ChuckE · Jul 10, 2011

I took ACLS and PALS just before I graduated for all of the reasons mentioned. In the end, it really meant little to nothing in terms of getting a job. I would suggest that if you have the extra money, then yes, get the certs. However, for me, it was a non-issue and it certainly wasn't a detriment where I was held to a higher standard as long as you acknowledge the fact that the certification doesn't mean you know what you are doing in a Code situation.

The best reason for getting the Certs IMHO is that you can tell recruiters that you are so motivated to learn that you just couldn't wait to get the ACLS certifications.

Also, the protocols do NOT change every year. The new ACLS protocols are coming out as of 2011 and prior to that, it was 2008. There are only minor differences that don't mean very much to you as a nurse since doctors do pretty much whatever they want in a Code situation. As an ER Doc once told me as well as my preceptor nurse, "They're already dead. You aren't going to kill em any more".

And no, the class is not very difficult and you will pass.

johwiklundRN · Jul 10, 2011

ACLS is like any other class.... sign up and pay... read the book, sit in class, ask questions, get the concepts, then get evaluated... Ive heard of very few people actually failing. As far as necessity, I dont think it would do that much good in obtaining a job without experience. Most jobs I see in my area state that it should be completed within 12 months of employment, I think that is for the reason that you will derive more from the cert once you've seen a code or two. If your just gonna do it anyway. Also, I dont know how it would be for anyone else, I get to use it as "Cont Ed Credit" so I get paid to do it. Overtime actually - if your just gonna do it anyway, make sure that is the actual cert that your hospital requires. there are some deviations out there, a coworker of mine ended up having tor repeat for this reason, Talk to HR... Congrats and Best of Luck!

ChuckeRN, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2011

When I took the ACLS class, I had already been actively involved in 2 or 3 Codes. A few days after the ACLS class, I had another Code and though the class gave me a better understanding of what was going on and why we did what we did, I still would not say was comfortable with a Code situation.

gunrock · Jul 10, 2011

I was told by numerous nurse managers / recruiters that ACLS is not something they look for and that it's not something they expect new grads to have. Their reasoning was, since ACLS is a perishable skill, something that you will forget it if you don't use it, you'll probably have to take it again when you're hired anyway.

But I guess if you've got the money, then go for it, it can't hurt.

CNA2bRN13 · Jul 10, 2011

How about taking it BEFORE nursing school? I start in August, but the AHA course has a CE credit in ACLS and PALS that says it is for EMT-Bs and Nurses, etc., so I would assume that someone who isn't a nurse could take the actual course if the Continuing education is for EMTs too. Is it possible? I like cardiology, so I could teach myself, if need be, and I helped my hubs through EMT school.

SpEdtacular, MSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 10, 2011

ACLS has gotten easier and their goal in teaching the class is to get you to pass. If you fail they remediate you. Will having it help you get a job? Probably not.

While the certification is a nice thing to have the point of the class is not to get an ACLS card. The point of ACLS is to give you a better understanding of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and teach you how to apply it. If you take the class to get the card but don't have the knowledge you aren't going to impress any employers.

nurseypoo87 · Jul 10, 2011

hmmm... I thought for sure more people would have been all for new grads taking ACLS and different courses to set them apart and keep them refreshed....

guess everyone has their own opinion.

:sstrs: