What is the easiest way to get ACLS certified?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I have never been through the process, and have heard that its really intense. Since I am a new LPN, I would like to know if anyone knows of the easiest way to get that certification.

Specializes in critical care.

Go on AHA's website, find a location near you and sign up. Take the practice test to figure out if you need to study some things.

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

My facility's courses are provided by the AHA. Part of it includes a pre class self assessment on rhythms, algorithms, and pharmacology. The initial course is 2 days, with the second day having a mega-code scenario where we all take turns being the various team members. Renewal courses are 1 day and much more intense.

So what will help:

Especially for the initial course, I recommend an EKG review course. It was actually required by my facility. Having been out of school for some time as well as in a specialty where I'm not looking at a patient on a monitor, it really helped. It means more time invested, but beats randomly guessing what rhythms you're looking at.

Take advantage of the self assessment. This can help you identify where you need to focus studying.

Get a copy of the AHA ACLS book. Whether it's through a facility library or a purchase on your own, it's worth it. Also has the most updated info/algorithms, which may not be true of various study guides found on sites like Amazon.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I have never been through the process, and have heard that its really intense. Since I am a new LPN, I would like to know if anyone knows of the easiest way to get that certification.

If I were you and wanted to be competent, I wouldn't be looking for "easiest." I would look for "most comprehensive" or "most successful." If I were an LVN with ACLS certification behind my name, I would want to be confident that I could perform as advertised, able and capable when necessary. I would definitely not want to be shown as lacking when it counts simply because I took the easiest route.

ACLS is serious business. It's more than just another set of letters behind your name. It pays to take it seriously.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

As this is your first time, you will have to take the two-day AHA ACLS class. Be sure that you take an AHA-approved class (go to the AHA website to find approved providers) as hospitals usually require AHA approved certs.

Be wary of any class that offers initial certification in only one day as it's likely not a complete class. Also avoid any class that is 100% online--that is a big red flag as you need to demonstrate hands-on skills in a megacode in order to get your certification.

You should have a general handle on EKG reading, so if that's a weak point, get a book on EKG interpretation or check out one of the many websites online that can help you learn/practice.

Also, you NEED to have BLS down solid. Knowing all of the ACLS algorhythms (sp) will mean nothing if your BLS skills are crap. High quality CPR is what makes the difference in a code.

Keep in mind that some of what you do in a megacode may be outside of your scope of practice (and FYI, anyone can take ACLS--you need not be a nurse, EMT or even a healthcare provider). So while you may learn--and perform--these skills in the class megacode, what you actually do in a real-life code may be drastically different. But it's still very valuable stuff for you to know.

Specializes in ICU.

As one of the ICU RNs at my facility that runs the code team, I am not sure how to approach the OP request for an EASY acls class. Perhaps change your query to comprehensive, or knowledge based. But not easy. I feel that if you are just looking for an additional certification behind your name, this is not the one. Peoples lives can and do hang in the balance of a team that KNOWS acls, and uses it correctly.

When you are a new LVN who I assume has not been to many codes ACLS sounds intimidating. Ask co-workers where they have taken the course, who they recommend.

No one can learn when they are nervous and anxious. Imagine a patient being told they have diabetes then immediately giving them with in depth discussions about diet and insulin. They wont hear or remember a thing.

I have taken ACLS courses by strict, rigid, no sense of humor instructors which is about all I remember about the class! I have taken ACLS with fun, funny, kind hearted instructors and I remember and retain a lot more in those classes.

ACLS is becoming a lot easier. A good instructor has been to and seen a lot of codes and knows what basic skills are important. What saves lives is good basic BLS and how to use an AED.

Students learn and retain better in a fun relaxed atmosphere!

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
If I were you and wanted to be competent, I wouldn't be looking for "easiest."

I'm hoping by "easiest" the OP meant least stressful/overwhelming and how to be successful. I still have faith in the world at times.

ACLS is serious business. It's more than just another set of letters behind your name. It pays to take it seriously.

You don't use ACLS letter behind your name.

Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Easy isn't always best. Besides, I think certification is pretty standardized. By the time you find the easiest way out, you could have just had the class done and over with!

I have never been through the process, and have heard that its really intense. Since I am a new LPN, I would like to know if anyone knows of the easiest way to get that certification.

I'm hoping the OP meant what is the most streamlined and efficient way to obtain an ACLS cert. You will need to do the 2 day course for yorr initial certification. I don't know any LPNs with ACLS so this will set the OP apart from the rest, but unless you are working in an LTACH or Acute care I doubt it will get used.

+ Add a Comment