Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a certification credential established and administered by the American Heart Association for nursing professionals. Nurses who obtain the credential are able to render expert care in emergency medical situations that involve cardiac arrest or the presence of underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease.
The ACLS course provides nurses with the skills to accurately assess and intervene in a crisis where cardiac or pulmonary disease may be present. The curriculum covers such topics as ECG interpretation, recognition and treatment of cardiovascular emergencies, and pharmacological interventions to stabilize a critical patient.
Having nurses with ACLS certification is beneficial for healthcare facilities because it ensures that members of the medical staff are better prepared to handle the most critical of healthcare situations. ACLS ensures that nurses are provided with the tools and resources necessary to deliver the most effective care possible. In addition, having ACLS- certified nurses helps to demonstrate a level of commitment to providing quality patient care and conveys a sense of competence and professionalism that encourage public trust in the medical facility.
