bustin_mine

I'm assuming you are doing it through Canadian Travel Nurses? I graduated in June 2011 and ******* came to my school in April. Most of the course was online and she came for the practical portion to fully certify our class. I thought it was a fabulous course and would recommend it if planning to work medicine, ER or ICU. It's nice to know what to expect in a code situation and to know what is going on. During my interview in February I was asked about my interest in cardiac monitoring/coronary care and I explained I was going to be taking cardiac monitoring and ACLS in April. I felt my manager was impressed my my initiative and interest in learning. I got a call the following week for the job. If you are taking ACLS through Canadian Travel Nurses you take the cardiac rhythms course first which is the most beneficial part. I had to take a cardiac monitoring course to certify myself in reading telemetry strips at work and found it pretty easy. Other new grads were a little overwhelmed. It's not REQUIRED for jobs but it's a great learning experience and I think it gives you a leg up against other new grads, especially when applying to ER and ICU where you will have to get it anyway. If you have the money to do it, why not? You've paid thousands for your degree, why not pay $350 and possibly secure a job. I was broke and asked my parents to pay for it as a graduation gift lol. I don't understand why a manager would question why someone would want to learn about lifesaving skills or continuing education? My other friends who took ACLS with me all secured jobs and are glad they took it. I would also recommend you take Coronary Care I and Coronary Care II (may be called something different out west, I'm from Ontario) often available online through college programs. They usually commence in Sept so it'll be good to keep in mind for after you graduate and wanting/working in medicine, ER, or ICU.