Subjective ACLS

I cannot answer your questions about why you feel singled out - my opinion is if you take ACLS, it doesn't matter where you work in the facility, you should have to perform equally as well as any other ACLS taker.

I'm ACLS and PALS certified. Worked in the ER 8 years. Left three years ago. While I worked in the ER, I was very confident in my ACLS abilities, I often found myself assigned to the Code team and would have to grab an intubation kit and run with the ER doc to in hospital codes. I've also run many a code by myself over the years. Since leaving the ER, I'm anxious over my ACLS abilities. I haven't seen a code in three years, although I work in a critical care area. I'm very nervous that since I rarely see codes anymore, I may screw up when the inevitable happens and PACU has a code one day.

Nevertheless, I should still be able to perform well, since I am ACLS certified. I should be held to just as high a standard as anyone else who is ACLS certified. I love to go on line and find "mega code" sites where I can practice my judgement and skills, I may suggest that for you as well. I am trying to get one of our in house educators to hold practice "mega codes" at least once a month, to help those who don't see codes very often, keep up their skills. So far, no luck.

Good luck to you,

Blessings

Isn't it odd how when a floor nurse wants to initiate something for the good of the patients, like allowing nurses to keep up on their skills, you don't get anywhere? But any lame brained idea from high up that's supposed to improve the perception of the facility gets gold stars...

Get this- I wanted to take the ACLS course that my job was offering but was told by the education department that I would have to get permission from my nurse manager because I work in an area that does not require ACLS skills (oncology/ med surg). Nethertheless, I asked my nurse manager who said, "Why do you want to get that!?". After I told her because I wanted to have that exxtra training, she said no because I don't need it. Therefore, I'll be paying for it to get it. Not mad about that, but I thought if you wanted to better yourself you would get some positive feedback from the manager.

I took ACLS tonight as a new grad and everyone said I did fine, but I am still worried about choking under pressure during the final mega code. What is the best way you all studied? I am going to try the flip book from American Heart. Thanks!

Jessie, know the algorithms, and know your arrhythmia's! Don't forget your ABC's, know your causes for PEA and how to fix them. Good luck!

Get this- I wanted to take the ACLS course that my job was offering but was told by the education department that I would have to get permission from my nurse manager because I work in an area that does not require ACLS skills (oncology/ med surg). Nethertheless, I asked my nurse manager who said, "Why do you want to get that!?". After I told her because I wanted to have that exxtra training, she said no because I don't need it. Therefore, I'll be paying for it to get it. Not mad about that, but I thought if you wanted to better yourself you would get some positive feedback from the manager.

If a person can have a cardiac arrest in your area (which means everywhere) then knowing ACLS is not in vain, however, if you don't work in an area where you get to read cardiac monitors very frequently, you can become rusty with your rhythms. Before you take ACLS, you'll need to take an arrythmia course. Good Luck