Published Jun 4, 2015
1 member has participated
lindalou82
2 Posts
I am a recent graduate nurse and I am now interested in taking some certificate classes. Such as PALs, I already took ACLS. I would also like to take a trauma and critical care certificates. I was looking for classes and I noticed there are many online courses available. Has anyone every taken one of these? It just seems weird to me.
Thanks for any advise!!
Linda
LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN
8,429 Posts
As far as I know, the certs that most employers care about are ACLS and PALS done through the AHA; you can take a portion of the class online and take the skills in a classroom, or just take the course entirely in the classroom.
The caveat is most employers offer these classes while working for them; some employers don't look at a new nurse having these certs because one is new; so unless there will be a way for you to be able to connect the dots while working, you can always hold off until you get a position and then let them pay for your PALS and trauma classes; these classes alone without the application aspect can be challenging.
OrganizedChaos, LVN
1 Article; 6,883 Posts
You can do the test part online but in order to get the card you must go in person to a class & do the hands on part. There is no valid way to get a CPR, PALS, ACLS or any other certification online.
RN403, BSN, RN
1 Article; 1,068 Posts
I would wait and allow your employer to pay for PALS as this will allow you to obtain the certification after you have some experience. It all makes more sense and is less challenging when you have some experience under your belt.
Already having ACLS is a great start. Good luck!
FlyingScot, RN
2,016 Posts
The class time is extremely beneficial to new nurses or those who have never been PALS certified before.
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
Actually, ACLS can be done entirely "on line", but part 2 must be done with an ACLS manikin (connected to the computer) to demonstrate performance. We have this available throughout our organization. It's not any faster & our folks say the computer-based method is more difficult because you have to be 100% exact with everything.