ACLS how much prep for the class

Taking this class next week and wondering how much time I need to dedicate to prepare. I know dysrhythmias, but not heart blocks (didn't learn these in school), I know meds for the dysrhythmias that I know but there's like these long algorithms to memorize or these hard? Just want to pass the first time, since they only offer it once every quarter and it's pretty expensive. Oh, I should prob add that I just grad in may and just passed nclex so I'm not long term out of school. Thanks!
I took it in March, it was fun! Don't really need to know heart blocks at all. Do NEED to know the algorithms, main drugs, and how to detect NSR, A-fib, V-fib, PEA, and Asystole on the monitor. I skimmed through the whole book the night before the course and passed without difficulty. Mind you, I had just finished our Cardiology unit in nursing school so most of the info was still fresh in my mind. Good Luck

Oh- and look at the check offs in the back of the book. That's what you're tested on (practical) and there's a 50-60 multiple choice test portion as well.

are you doing the didactic portion online or with a book? We pay our staff 10 hours to do the online portion plus the skills lab. That should tell you something. Some people look at the material more frequently or work in areas where it is used. Others don't, so they have a harder time. Almost everyone passes though

I take the renewal in 2 weeks. I plan on studying for atleast 3-4 days. Hope it helps me to pass !

I took it before I graduated and had to take an online pre-test first. I also took an EKG class prior to the acls, i really think that helped. There are a ton of YouTube videos that are super helpful as well. Aside from that i just went over the book the best i could. I passed no problem.

Quote from Nurse2b9742I took it before I graduated and had to take an online pre-test first. I also took an EKG class prior to the acls, i really think that helped. There are a ton of YouTube videos that are super helpful as well. Aside from that i just went over the book the best i could. I passed no problem.

Absolutely none IMO, the rhythms aren't difficult...very very basic.

Quote from DrangerAbsolutely none IMO, the rhythms aren't difficult...very very basic.

Has become much easier than when I first started taking it. Being the team leader for the the scenarios is so much easier too. You have a team to help you. If you use all or some portion in your RN position you shouldn't have to study too much. If the material is new or you don't use it on your unit you will need to spend more time. Know how to recognize VFib, VTach, Aystoler, PEA, SR,SB,ST and the algorithms that go with them. Study any practice questions and use the web site skillstat for extra practice.

The rhythms presented in class and tested on can vary, depending on the presenter.I have had to call a SVT vs PAT, complete heart block vs a slow second degree block, etc. Can be a little tricky even for a fossil like me.If you know your basic arrhythmias, you can take some time to learn the ones you are unfamiliar with.Good luck, let us know how it goes.

SkillStat EKG. The easiest way to remember the 3 A drugs is to view them as drinking. Top of drink = more = atropine. Down your drink = less = adenosine. Amiodarone is the odd one out.

Quote from applesxorangesSkillStat EKG. The easiest way to remember the 3 A drugs is to view them as drinking. Top of drink = more = atropine. Down your drink = less = adenosine. Amiodarone is the odd one out.