None of my friends who are new grads are even looking into ACLS type of courses right now...
but for the area I want to work in it pretty much is required. I'm hoping it gives me an edge up on the others who are applying. I also know a lot of people get their ALCS and etc when they get the job... the place pays and also pays for their upgrades and etc.
But this time I'll be paying for it myself... and it is NOT cheap.
I just don't really have any idea what to expect. The course is in the beginning of August. I'm planning on paying/registering come Monday or Tuesday.
Is this course going to be very hard? what if I don't pass the test? do I need some sort of background before doing this 2 day course? I know new grad nurses can do it... but what if I wasted all that money and I'm not successful in it?
I considered taking ACLS while job hunting after graduation for the same reasons; the resume! I decided to skip it because of the cost. I am determined to find an employer that will offer this certification. If not, I will register for a class. However, instead of ACLS, I decided to get a certification in phlebotmy. I think it will be more beneficial to show a skill that I can utilize with almost all patients. Two months after graduating....still looking for a job, so time will tell.
Every job in my particular region requires ACLS from applicants. The pool is enormous and anything to narrow it down, HR will do (and rightfully so). I and a few of my classmates are taking it this winter break going into our last semester. Even if it isn't the primary reason a hospital here will hire I believe that no knowledge is bad knowledge. I actually negotiated a group price. :)
I see that my last post was from July. Since then I have started working at my first RN job. I've been working for three months. I did not take an ACLS class and I did not take the phlebotomy class that I mentioned above. I have learned how to place an IV on the job and so I didn't need the class. I was hired on an adult med/surg unit so ACLS was not required. I will be taking it the next time my employer offers it so it will not be my cost. As far as getting extra certifications before being hired...I think it is a great idea to build your resume. However, in my case, it would not have helped. I got my job because I know someone who is already working for this organization and they brought my resume to the attention of the hiring manager. Had I not known someone I don't think I would have been hired. Turns out the old saying is true...it's not what you know, but who you know.
As soon as you are a GN (graduate nurse prior to licensure), you are definitely eligible to take the course.
Instructors never ask to see any credentials, so pretty much anyone can take the course.... whether or not they are allowed to employ the skills depends of course on their license. An SN (student nurse that hasn't graduated) should be able to take it.
CNAs in the ICU could technically take the course, and it wouldn't hurt for them to know what goes on in a code.
Lillian2515
40 Posts
I considered taking ACLS while job hunting after graduation for the same reasons; the resume! I decided to skip it because of the cost. I am determined to find an employer that will offer this certification. If not, I will register for a class. However, instead of ACLS, I decided to get a certification in phlebotmy. I think it will be more beneficial to show a skill that I can utilize with almost all patients. Two months after graduating....still looking for a job, so time will tell.