What order would you do certification classes?

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My professor said it is helpful to knockout some certificate classes like ACLS and EKG classes over the summer. We will be graduating from the RN program May 2020. I want to get into L&D so I will be doing the FHM through AWHONN and NRP locally. Are there others that are beneficial and is there an order to take them in that you have found helpful? Such as I was reading the description of an EKG class and it said it builds on knowledge from ACLS. Are there others that do the same? Thank you

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Specializes in psych.

Not sure what to tell you, however in my hospital they send you to these classes once you are hired. No need to pay out of pocket here. Myself and another nurse that started the week after me were sent to ACLS together and it was nice to get to know her over those two days while we were learning. Now she's one of my favorite coworkers because we bonded while going through that class together.

The other thing is that you are graduating May 2020, the initial ACLS is good for two years. That means you'd be due 2021, just after you start. We use RQI on our units to test out on our BLS and ACLS skills, so I have to "recertify" every few months for both my BLS and my ACLS.

The other thing is that you might change your mind about what kind of unit you want to start in and that might need different certifications, or only BLS. While I understand wanting to be ready and excited, also know that some of these classes are pricey and if you aren't using it, you lose it.

Good luck with your studies!

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Classes like ACLS that you will take for free and get wages for while you are taking aren't anything I would do before the job. You might however start reading the books for these so the class is not so hard once you take it.

One reason why it might be beneficial to take these classes is having certifications can help you get a job if there is a lot of competition for the unit you want. However being able to say in the interview, "I've read the NRP and ACLS manuals and I am excited to take them!" Helps as well.

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I think we are encouraged to do classes before employment because it is very competitive here in California for new grads and there will atleast 5 other classes in the immediate area all graduating at the same time.

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2 hours ago, Cjandmavsmom said:

I think we are encouraged to do classes before employment because it is very competitive here in California for new grads and there will atleast 5 other classes in the immediate area all graduating at the same time.

Got it, if you want to be ultra competitive I would go FHM, advanced FHM, NRP, basic arrthmia, ACLS, advanced EKG.

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