Project Heartbeat

ACLS

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is required for nurses, physicians, paramedics, and other clinical professionals working in high-acuity settings. These articles cover what ACLS involves, who needs it, how requirements vary across health systems and states, and how to stay current — whether you’re renewing for the first time or navigating a new employer’s credentialing expectations. All courses referenced meet American Heart Association® standards.

14 12, 2018

EKG Rhythms: Not for Doctors’ Eyes Only

December 14th, 2018|ACLS, Advanced Nursing, Classes, Education|

One of the most elusive skills for clinicians is learning to read EKGs. Even those who learn to recognize textbook examples at the drop of a hat may suddenly find themselves stumped in a real-life situation. You see, as with many things in the medical world, not all EKG patterns follow textbook examples. However, this brings us to question who should be able to decode EKGs? Should doctors alone be responsible for this important skill, or should you and your [...]

12 12, 2018

Confident Enough to Run a Code

December 12th, 2018|ACLS, Advanced Nursing, BLS, Education, EMT Training|

Confidence is defined as your ability to rely completely on someone or something. As a health care worker, you need to have confidence in your coworkers, but you also need to have a strong reliance on your own ability. This is called self-confidence. One of the areas in which it is easiest to lack self-confidence is in running or participating in a code. You may feel as if you wouldn’t have a clue what to do if your patient [...]

5 12, 2018

Which Team Members Do You Need for a Successful Code?

December 5th, 2018|ACLS, Advanced Nursing, BLS, CPR Training Articles, Education, EMT Training, Neonatal|

No matter how your health care organization is run, it definitely has a protocol for codes. Protocols are designed to help the code run smoothly and efficiently and to ensure everything possible is done to save the patient’s life. By ensuring that you and your coworkers are in your correct roles during a code, you can avoid chaos and confusion. Because a code is an ever-changing situation, some roles may change throughout the process. However, with quick thinking, constant [...]

28 11, 2018

Approaching ACLS Renewal with Thoughtfulness and Concern

November 28th, 2018|ACLS, Education|

If you currently hold an ACLS certification, you must make sure that you renew it regularly to remain compliant with your healthcare organization’s requirements. Your ACLS certification generally lasts two years and does not offer an additional grace period. Rather than looking at this class as a necessary evil, thoughtfully consider how it can actually make you a better health care provider. […]

14 11, 2018

What is the Difference Between BLS and ACLS?

November 14th, 2018|ACLS, Education|

You're having a good shift at the pool. Though the pool is crowded, it's been an uneventful day thus far. But suddenly you spot a drowning child. By the time you get to her, she's not breathing. Thankfully you have been certified in basic life support (BLS) and can resuscitate her before the paramedics arrive. The paramedics take over using advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) techniques. The girl ends up recovering well due to the efforts you and the paramedics [...]

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