Should I get my ACLS?

runsalot · Feb 11, 2015

I would wait. If you need it for your job. They will pay for it. Most jobs just require Bls.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Feb 12, 2015

You are going to get a bunch of yes

and a bunch of no's. Where I work no one bats an eye at a new grad with anything else but BLS. All the certs are built into all units orientations.

Tara0219 · Feb 12, 2015

I work on a med/surg floor that does not require ACLS, however, I was allowed to take ACLS through our education department. I didn't have to pay for the class, but I didn't get paid to go either. I feel like in a situation like that, it can't hurt to have it on a resume, especially if you ever want to transfer to ER or Critical Care.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 12, 2015

If you do choose to take ACLS, you should do it toward the end of your schooling so that you have a good chance to truly understand what they're teaching. I took it between 2nd and 3rd semester and I did just fine... but I was already a Paramedic and have taken it a few times. Does ACLS help you? Potentially. It probably won't hurt you unless you come across a new grad posting that specifies that ACLS is required to apply for that position.

My advice about taking ACLS is pretty much this: if you can afford it and you want to take it, go ahead. It won't hurt you and might help. Just make sure that you do it relatively late in the program so that you will have a good chance to comprehend the material and you'll be reasonably "close" to the material when you graduate and (hopefully) find a job that needs it. The same advice goes for PALS too.