Renew ACLS?

[ivyleaf]

I took ACLS almost 2 yrs ago, when I was applying to ED jobs. I didn't get one, unfortunately; but I did take/pass ACLS. I never took a tele class, and most of my exp is in psych, so I had to cram the memorize the rhythms.

At any rate, my 2 years are coming up and I'm not sure about renewing. I have never used it once-- my current job is a float office/outpatient nurse (primary care, rheumatology, urgent care).

I will have to study rhythms to pass and I am embarrassed to look like an idiot, as Im sure Ill be in the minority of people, having never used ACLS ..

The only reason Im thinking about renewing it is that I eventually want to re-apply to ED jobs. Probably not for another year though... is it easier to just retake ACLS again, or to renew now?

Also, I was able to get the initial class for free, and not sure if I will if I take it again

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

If your work is paying for it I would renew it.

[Everline]

If you plan on applying again for ED jobs in the future, I would just go ahead and renew. The certification was required for my last job and therefore I renewed it. I don't need it for my current job but I still plan to renew when the time comes around. I feel like, as a nurse, those are skills i want to have and refresh, regardless of whether I am required to do so by my job. I never used it at work, but when I went to renew, I didn't feel embarrassed or "like an idiot". The class was not set up that way and the instructors were fully aware that some people are not in a position where they have to use this often or at all. I wouldn't let that fear hold you back.

[brownbook]

I'd say over 50% of my fellow ACLS classmates are often health care professionals who have little to no acute care, tele monitoring, experience and have never seen a code.

A good ACLS instructor assesses their students level of knowledge, learns a little about where they work, and helps them successfully pass ACLS based on the reality of the students background.

The same way you would assess and teach a psych patient of twenty years differently from a newly diagnosed psych patient.

[ivyleaf]

So I found out that they made a policy change and since it is not in my job requirement, I have to pay $100 to renew

My manager is looking into the possibility of using tuition reimbursement

If I have to pay out of pocket, would you still recommend taking it?

I started brushing up on my ekg skills yesterday...

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I would renew because that will probably be cheaper and easier than retaking the entire class again!

Good luck

Annie

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I would definitely renew it.

If you struggle with rhythms, use this: SkillStat ECG Simulator

It's how I learned my rhythms. They have a study option and then a game option where you see the rhythm and have to pick the right one. I'm of the opinion that quizzing yourself makes the knowledge stronger. Go over this a bunch of times and you'll be a pro at rhythms soon. :)

[Cvepo]

Yeah, renewing is cheaper than taking it over again in a few years should you change jobs. Plus renewal classes are 1 day instead of 2!

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Yup and because you still hope to transfer it will be worth it. Trust me, I always worked jobs that would remind us when we were getting close to our expirations date until the hospital I was at 2 years ago. All my stuff expired. BLS, ACLS. PALS. Was such a headache and I had to redo all 3 of those and couldn't just do the 1 days renewal.

Was so thankful my other stuff was good for 4 years.

So just get it done.

[ivyleaf]

Thanks guys! Will do. gathered a bunch of resources and did some skillstat. It is coming back to me much easier than 2 years ago!! Stuff makes a bit more sense now too, the 2nd time around..

Also, my boss said I could get tuition reimbursement for the $100, which is awesome

I like learning the rhythms, makes me wanna do cardiac or ED..