Subjective ACLS

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

I posted earlier about me being an ACLS phoney because even though I passed the class, I struggled. Now that i have had a few days to let it all sink in and relax some(if you count working 3 12 hour shifts working relaxing!!) I am wondering how many of you who have taken ACLS think it is very subjective on part of the instructor running the mega code.

Our class was broken into groups, then during the mega code I noticed my group included the ER /Internal Medicine docs, the ER and ICU nurses and a few well seasoned MS nurses. The other group had a hand full of OB nurses, some from Extended Care, one from Radiology and then a fitness trainer who works in cardiac rehab. In the group that did not have the "critical care folks" no one had to repeat the mega code.

I also noticed that in my group one of the Med Surg nurses who made the exact same mistake I did during my mega code, did not have to repeat her mega code.

My point is not "why did I have to repeat?" as trust me, I think I should have had to do it a few more times, as I take it very seriously and truly want to learn it~~my point is...short of the written exam, the class is very subjective. Is that a good thing? I dont think so. Technically I am ACLS certified now. So is the gal from radiology who can only name 2 rhythms. Asystole and SVT.

At our facility the ACLS instructors work for our hospital. They I am sure want to know that the ER /ICU nurses know thier stuff, They also I am assuming are figuring well if the Extended Care nurse struggles with the mega code, odds are she wont ever have to run a code cause the ER/ICU nurses will be there to help her. So I think they are tougher on the critical care team. Really that is fine with me, but is it fair?

Just your thoughts---when you all took ACLS was it taught by hospital staff you work with, or was it taught from an outside independent group?

PS I am glad I had my ACLS class last week, as last night I had 2 patients who were racing to see who could crash the fastest on me, I used my ACLS skills and felt very good about myself.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

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

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Specializes in tele, oncology.

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...

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Hem/Onc/Psyc.

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.

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Specializes in ICU.

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!

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

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!

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.
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

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