Question about PALS

live4today, RN · May 18, 2002

I took PALS back in 1995, and one thing I remember most about the class was how fast paced it was. You learn a lot in so little time, yet what you learn is valuable to know...NOT necessary, but valuable. My Pediatric Head Nurse thought it was a waste of time for her nurses to take peds, and had it not been for one of the pedi docs urging her to allow me to attend the PALS class, I probably wouldn't have got to go. Did I ever use that training? NO! I don't know how necessary the class is to take other than just being able to say you took it UNLESS you work in NICU or PICU...it might come in handy. :)

babynurselsa, RN · May 18, 2002

If you are going to have any sort of Peds or ER exposure I think it wwould be highly worthwhile. It may make more sense to you if you take ACLS first.

AmandaRN · May 18, 2002

Thanks. I already have ACLS. I work at a very small hospital, and we don't even have OB. I am hoping that I never have to use the skills I will use in PALS, but at the same time, I know that it won't hurt to learn just in case.

capgirl · May 21, 2002

I took the PALS course not long ago. I am a peds nurse, and Knock wood, I havent had to use it during a code situation, but did find this course to be a great refresher, and I do feel I would be prepared in the event of a code.

MPHkatie · May 21, 2002

My experience with pals- just took it in February this year, was that it wasn't too bad and was definitely a bit easier than ACLS- there aren't as many Meds and most o fthe main thing is making sure the airway is under control. I learned a lot about peds assessment for in general, which has helped me a lot since I had no peds experience and I now spend some time in a peds ER

purplemania, BSN, RN · May 21, 2002

As a pedi nurse I get re-cert in PALS every 2 years. The program has changed and they now emphasize interventions more than meds ( a plus). I have used the course info often, due to work environment. I float to ER some and it comes in handy there too. The idea is to make you comfortable with pedi emergencies, NOT to flunk you from the course, so relax. Just like CPR - give the patient what they don't have (O2, fluids, heart rhythm, etc.) Good luck.

petiteflower · May 21, 2002

I work in a similar type of place as you do. PALS is good--if nothing else for the assessment skills--and for the recognition. We use a Braselow's tape at our facility and it has been a lifesaver. I took it for the first time a year ago--and plan to keep it renewed. Another thing I might point out--our docs with the exception of 1 - we only have 3- and one is a urologist-have very little critical peds experience (to none) It has been helpful to have the nursing staff at least have an idea.

AmandaRN · May 23, 2002

Thanks, guys. I may never work with the pediatric population much at all, but I figure that it never hurts to learn. Thanks again!

Overland1, RN · May 23, 2002

PALS is a great course to take and complete, but do the reading in advance (much like an ACLS course) to make it easier and to learn more. I last took the course a while when I worked for a smaller hospital as a float nurse, and put in the paperwork for the reimbursement (for course tuition). Travel expense was negligible because five of us traveled (in one van) a total of 200 miles for the class.

The Director of Nursing at the time told me that the hospital would not reimburse the cost because, "....here at _______ Hospital, we do not do pediatric advanced life support." No big deal to me because fifty dollars is not a whole lot of money (equivalent of a reasonably nice dinner for two).

A couple of months later, while working in the ICU, a code was called on Peds; another guy (RN) and I headed for that unit. As we were en route, we spontaneously (and simultaneously) said, "here at _______ Hospital, we do not do pediatric life support." :rolleyes:

That DON is (fortunately) long gone from there, and that hospital not only now requires PALS, but conducts classes on premises at least once per year.