BLS vs. CPR/AED??

I feel silly asking this, but I honestly do not know...

What is the difference between BLS and CPR/AED for the healthcare professional? I am a new graduate, and my nursing school required us to have CPR/AED, so that is what I have. However, I see most job descriptions looking for a BLS.

When I went to register for a BLS course, it was listed as BLS/CPR for healthcare professional.

So do I need to take a BLS course, or is my CPR/AED enough? If employers are specifically looking for BLS, should I just go ahead and get it?
I have no clue on the different wording. In my work world, BLS is just that. Basic CPR/choking. AED is NOT taught. I think I'd call and clarify what they mean by it.

These terms (BLS/CPR) are often used interchangeably. If you took a CPR for healthcare providers I think you are probably covered. I wouldn't go ahead and take different one unless I was specifically asked.

In my BLS for Health Professionals class, we did CPR, AED, and choking.

Quote from RNDreamerIn my BLS for Health Professionals class, we did CPR, AED, and choking.

The American Heart Association's BLS for healthcare Professionals is universally the preferred/required class for hospital folk.

bls of health care providers is essentially the same class as AHA hearsaver (cpr, AED, choking). The differences are that the health care provider course covers checking pulses, use of a bag valve mask and advanced airways.

Look for the courses that have the terms "healthcare provider" in the title. If you have any questions, give them a call or get the institution to be specific with your requirements. Some accept the Red Cross version and some do not. But all require healthcare provider versions versus versions for the general public.

Quote from firefightingRNbls of health care providers is essentially the same class as AHA hearsaver (cpr, AED, choking). The differences are that the health care provider course covers checking pulses, use of a bag valve mask and advanced airways.

The BLS is 5minutes longer and most of the time is good for 2 years. The Red Cross's is good for a years...and usually $25. Most hospitals prefer the BLS from the American Heart Association.

if you will look on the American Heart Asso website you will see that Basic Life Support is the type of course (versus Advanced, like ACLS and PALS) and CPR is the type of SKILLS you learn in BLS courses. Healthcare Provider is designed for licensed staff. Heartsaver-AED is designed for unlicensed staff. Other courses are for friends, family, first aid---. Heartsaver AED will teach CPR, including how to use an AED if one is available.Healthcare Provider teaches all of that, plus bag-mask-valve, providing oxygen, recognizing stroke & heart attack,

more than just skills.

Quote from work&playThe BLS is 5minutes longer and most of the time is good for 2 years. The Red Cross's is good for a years...and usually $25. Most hospitals prefer the BLS from the American Heart Association.

I'm enrolled in a Red Cross CPR for healthcare professionals class for my nursing program. The cert. is good for two years and it costs $80. The AHA BLS for healthcare professionals isn't as readily offered in my area. Our program will take any CPR for healthcare professionals cert. and we do clinicals in several hospitals throughout the state so I'm not sure why a hospital would prefer AHA over Red Cross.