What certifications do I need aside from BLS?

[juliegrace]

Hi Everyone! I just got my RN license and can't wait to start job hunting! During nursing school a lot of my classmates took ACLS/EKG/PALS courses but was too broke :/ Also, someone told me that hospitals provide those classes after you get hired so you don't need them prior to applying.. Is that true?? If not, what else do I need to get aside from BLS/ACLS/EKG/PALS in order to improve my chances of getting hired?

[laKrugRN]

My hospital provides is PALS, BLS, and ACLS. I just have my BLS..however I plan to take my ACLS.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

My hospital provides these courses as well, however, if you are job hunting I would research the requirements of the positions you are applying for and become certified in the desired areas (ACLS is usually pretty big) in order to up your game. Best wishes.

[ILUVFLRN]

My hospital offers the courses too and I obtained my ACLS three months after beginning employment (already had BLS which I acquired after graduation and NCLEX). This particular course was required and had to be completed within a certain time-frame according to my OR hospital contract.

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

My school required BLS before we could do any clinicals. I thought everywhere required that, and I noted that it was required for almost every job I applied to. ACLS is required on certain units like ICU, Med-surg, etc. If you want L&D or mom/baby, NRP is usually required. PALS is for peds and NICU.

Start looking online at the major hospitals in your area at jobs you may want to apply for and see what certs are required. A lot of them say "XXX required within 6 months of hire" and in that case, they would probably pay for it. If certs are required at hire, you will probably have to pay for it. At least that's how it works where I am.