ACLS course

have questions regarding ACLS. i have already looked at tons of links on this site already. i inquired at several classes, some 2 days some 6 hrs. I need to know what the ACLS test is like. Ive read one does not have to pass the mega code but a written exam pass is a must. How was a class you attended? I do not know of anyone who has done this class (im a student) otherwise i would just ask them directy, thank you everyone
Quote from noctanolhave questions regarding ACLS. i have already looked at tons of links on this site already. i inquired at several classes, some 2 days some 6 hrs. I need to know what the ACLS test is like. Ive read one does not have to pass the mega code but a written exam pass is a must. How was a class you attended? I do not know of anyone who has done this class (im a student) otherwise i would just ask them directy, thank you everyone

Thank you, akulahawk, was thinking of doing the 2 day one. Do you use/suggest any particular websites that are novice friendly. I'm already studying strips slowly each day. I have also looked at some of the drugs (epi, lidocaine, atropine etc)

As far as the basic rhythms are concerned, you probably could just go to ACLS EKG | ACLS Algorithms and use those strips to learn from. Each strip also has a corresponding pathophys description to go along with it. The mega code simulators use generated waveforms that will look pretty close to what you see in those strips. As to the drugs, ask yourself why you'd use a particular drug. Each one is there for a particular reason. What does Epi do? What does atropine do? What does amiodarone do? As you answer those questions, look them up in the algorithms and see where they're used, and then put those together and you'll have a better understanding of why they're used in that particular algorithm... and why you shouldn't use some drugs in particular algorithms or with particular rhythms. A video that you might be able to use (and a follow-on video) can be found on youtube: Intro EKG Interpretation Part 1 - YouTubeThe rhythms aren't all that difficult to learn and once you understand them, you'll find that you can pick them out fairly easily. The hard part will be putting that together with the appropriate algorithm and when to do things. Your ACLS instructor will be able to help you (and the class) figure that stuff out.

AHA owns this course and they recommend the 2-day course for people who have not taken the course before. It is a good idea to learn lethal heart rhythms. Megacode is recommended by AHA also. What good is it to learn the didactics if you cannot perform the actual code?

Day 1 of ACLS: learning all about heart rhythms, compressions, rescue breathing, AEDs, and starting on the algorithms.Day 2 of ACLS: a brief review of day 1, more details on the algorithms, and then you will put what you've learned into practice with code scenarios. There is a written final exam and then the megacode (the hands-on final exam). If you are a first-timer, you NEED to take the two day course because there is a lot to cover. The only way I'd consider skipping it is if you are already certified in EKG interpretation.

Personally, I'd question how much value it has and how much you'd really get out of it as a student - unless you're in rescue and likely to use it.

Quote from VANurse2010Personally, I'd question how much value it has and how much you'd really get out of it as a student - unless you're in rescue and likely to use it.

Quote from noctanoldid it passed it and now acls certified. i really just wanted to get it off the way. i want to get some icu experience then probably be part of a code/rapid response team so this was just the basics. been an lvn/lpn for 4 yrs, fixing to graduate RN in a month. thanks everyone for the reply s