ACLS not in critical care renew or not?

I was wondering the pros and cons of renewing this. I obtained mine through my SON with our acute rotation. It expires at the end of this month. The facility that I'm at does not encourage renewel as they have no need for it.

I'd need to take a day, pay for it and go on my own. I'm not opposed to that but I think I remember reading it's stupid to get an ACLS when the nurse has zero experience utilizing it. On the other hand, I really wanted to keep certifications that I already worked to get. I have it on my resume now of course, it will seem a shame to drop it.

Thoughts?
Education is always best. In an acute care setting and in ICU or Tele it should be required, if it isn't I would change hospitals. In a LTC setting it is not needed as your ACLS is 911. BUt if you work in an LTAC with an /Tele again it should be required. I believe all states now require CEU's for renewal and ACLS I am sure would qualify as continuing education. The problem is if it is not required for you to keep your job they employer is not obligated to pay for the course. That being said I would renew just for you and your future!

ACLS is not exactly critical care. In fact, a good portion of ACLS is CPR and AED.

Thanks.I just remember reading a thread where one of the nurses said she thought it was assinine for a nurse without critical care let alone a new nurse to take the course when they're not familiar with cardiac rescue drugs etc... So I didn't want to go in feeling all stupid. The one at the school was not super intense. Since we were new, I'd say they definitely curved it that you would succed on the written test part. I still have my booklet though, so I can look over that beforehand.Now I just have to figure out who may be offering it right now.

There is nothing wrong with you wanting to be the best, most educated nurse that you can be. If you can afford it, I don't see why you shouldn't. It will only make you that much better.

Oh boy, I hate to mention this because it'll start an argument, but that's never stopped me before, so, why not renew online? It's no cheaper, but you get the ceu's and do it on your time. It took me 45 minutes to renew ACLS. The site is aclsonline if they censor the shortcut. I also did PALS this way. You need to give them the name of a licensed person who can verify your skills. I recommend you keep your certification in any case.ACLS Certification, Recertification & PALS Recertification

I recommend keeping your skills, certs and education at the highest level. You may be glad if you change jobs or position within that facility or have a patient who needs that knowledge from you.

No one can take education away from you. And having ACLS does open some doors, say you want to pick up some shifts with an agency or go travel nursing, many agencies require their nurses to have this. It's not a bad idea to broaden your resume, esepecially in this tight job market. If you do take ACLS and are awarded continuing education credits, you may be able to deduct the cost off your income tax related to an education expense to maintain your license. May help blunt some of the cost. Talk to your tax professional about that.As for finding an ACLS Class, check American heart association's website. They should have a link to find classes in your area. Good luck to you.