PALS/ACLS before graduation? Help!

[phxnurse61]

Hello! I graduate in December and I am really hoping to get into a critical care setting. In my city, these positions, especially in pediatrics, are really competitive. So I was wondering if getting ACLS or PALS certified before graduating and applying would give me an edge up when applying for these jobs? Or would it come across as unnecessary and trying too hard? Thanks!

[epi123]

Hi! Congrats on making it this far! Certs before applying are never a bad idea. I would not consider it "trying too hard" and it could be a topic (in addition to others) that you can bring up in an interview response to "what have you done to prepare yourself... or why should be hire you?".  Good luck! 

[nikkulele77, BSN]

Totally go for it. You'd have to get those certifications within a certain amount of time anyway, and this would show you are serious about the position and want it more than others. I don't know of any managers (good ones, at least) who look down on getting certifications, like it's trying too hard. I've known nurses like that, but if managers are poo-pooing further education, you probably don't want to work for them anyway!