Online CPR

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2004

I know what you mean about sitting through classes...and I'm an instructor! :)

My advice is to check with your facility before enrolling in an online course. Make sure that the card you get will be accepted by your employer.

EXAMPLE: for healthcare providers, my hospital requires AHA CPR and will not accept Red Cross CPR.

RDH2RN · Oct 19, 2004

I did the online re-cert. class (the one for healthcare professionals) through the AHA site. To be honest with you, it still took me 4 hrs. to get through it all. You have to do the required online reading to take the written test. It won't let you skip over the required reading and go straight to the test. Then, you print out your certificate. BUT...it's ONLY for the written test...NOT the skills check-off. In order to get your CPR card, you have to take your printed certificate (saying you passed the written test) to a CPR instructor and ask if you can do the skills check-off only. Since the online method is still fairly new, I had a slightly difficult time finding an instructor willing to do that (but I did find one).

I'd have to say the online version was definitely more convenient!

Angel

Monica RN,BSN · Oct 19, 2004

It is amazing how much one can forget in a year, if red cross and in two years if AHA. Many CPR classes do not last all day,and can be done in like 4 hours. It is very good to spend a few hours one a year or once every two years and go over it live as a refresher. Yes, many of us have been thru it a million times, so it seems.. but you really do forget things since CPR is not used very often, unless you work in ER or ICU areas.

Would never recommend an online version. Most of them are not accepted by respectable employers.

AHA or Red Cross is the only way to be safe.

I recommend red cross, because it is a one year card, and you have to refresh anything you may have forgotten at least annually.. a good plan in my opinion....

Besides, the best nurses are those who are always wanting and willing to learn more all the time.

Town & Country · Oct 19, 2004

I wouldn't even consider it.

I read about it before I did my recert in March of this year. The instructor had never even HEARD of it.

Personally, I fail to see how on earth anyone could get any good out of an online CPR course.

I wouldn't do it....I'd rather do the classroom thing and besides, I highly doubt that many hospitals would accept an online CPR course.

I wouldn't, if I were them.

It doesn't take that long. It only took me about four hours in the classroom. I'd rather do that than sit in front of a computer...JMO.

RDH2RN · Oct 19, 2004

It is amazing how much one can forget in a year, if red cross and in two years if AHA. Many CPR classes do not last all day,and can be done in like 4 hours. It is very good to spend a few hours one a year or once every two years and go over it live as a refresher. Yes, many of us have been thru it a million times, so it seems.. but you really do forget things since CPR is not used very often, unless you work in ER or ICU areas.
Would never recommend an online version. Most of them are not accepted by respectable employers.
AHA or Red Cross is the only way to be safe.
I recommend red cross, because it is a one year card, and you have to refresh anything you may have forgotten at least annually.. a good plan in my opinion....
Besides, the best nurses are those who are always wanting and willing to learn more all the time.

I was referring to the AHA online course...not a generic one. :uhoh3: Like I said in my previous post, the online portion is ONLY the written test . You still have to show up in person to do the skills check-off and get your official "AHA BSL for Healthcare Providers" card, which I guarantee you is the exact same card as the ones you get by sitting in the lecture.

Angel

begalli · Oct 19, 2004

The American Heart Association online renewal for Healthcare Provider CPR is the ONLY legitimate online CPR course. The online course is only for the written portion of the program. You must, just like RDH2RN stated twice, print off your certificate after completing the written part and take it to an AHA center that certifies.

I did it in September and I LOVED IT! In total, the online part took me less than an hour and a half (in the comfort of my own home at my own pace with interruptions)--extremely easy and very well put together. Then I went to my neighborhood fire station and I demonstrated by skills for an AHA firefighter instructor. That took about 45 minutes....and it was fun!

I think this new way to renew you BLS is awesome. It's a waste of my time to sit through a class that I could probably teach! My BLS for Healthcare Providers card is now renewed for another 2 years.

The only thing is that it is a bit new. Not a lot of centers are completely aware of what their role is....yet. Also - ACLS can be done online as well.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3019205

Again, this is the only legitimate online way to do the written portions of these certifications. All skills must be checked off by an AHA certified instructor.

ephelis · Oct 19, 2009

Hi there! I just the NCLEX. I'm so confused whether to enroll in BSL and look for a job and wait for the employer to offer the ACLS. Any advice pls? I'm having a hard time looking for a job bcoz I don't have experience & most of the hospitals here in San Jose, CA requires experience. HELP me pls... Is it wise to take the BSL/ACLS in AHA before applying for a job?.... :crying2:

Music in My Heart · Oct 19, 2009

Hey,
I was just curious but has anyone seen the online courses for CPR? If so what do you think about them? I HATE, HATE going all day to class for recertification.For those who have not seen them here's a few links:
www.firstaidweb.com/certificate.html
www.citizensafety.org/cart/product_info.php?...
I was thinking about doing this what do you all think?
Thanks Cheryl

I did my AHA BLS/AED recert through nursing education at one of the local hospitals... cost $40 and was scheduled for 3 hours... we were out in 2.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2009

If time is an issue, go for it! You'll still need to go in for the skill check off before they can issue you a card. You have to call around to see where the skill check off is being offered. Many times they will get you in when the rest of the class is testing out on their skills. Good luck

Flare, ASN, BSN · Oct 19, 2009

I teach AHA CPR - can usually do a re-cert in about 2 hours time - maybe 2.5 if we get side tracked. As far as the online classes - if you are in a line of work where you actually perform cpr from time to time, then it may be okay - but remember online you have no one correcting your technique and something like hand placement may be off if you don't have that feedback.

johnjacobsen · Oct 20, 2009

I've enjoyed getting my First Aid and CPR certification online. I did mine with this company - Online First Aid and CPR Certification - and it was very convenient. They have each course on a single page.