The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is a specialized certification that equips healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to respond to cardiac emergencies effectively. Established and administered by the American Heart Association for nursing professionals, this credential is necessary for emergency situations, where timely intervention can significantly enhance patient outcomes. It is relevant for various healthcare providers, including nurses, paramedics, and physicians, to ensure they are well-prepared to handle critical cardiac scenarios.
The ACLS course provides nurses and care providers 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.
What is ACLS?
ACLS is an advanced level of instruction that goes beyond basic life support (BLS). It involves training to identify and respond to cardiac arrest, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes. The certification addresses advanced interventions such as the use of defibrillators, airway management, and pharmacologic therapies.
Why is ACLS important?
In healthcare settings, the ability to perform CPR and respond effectively to cardiac emergencies can mean the difference between life and death. The ACLS certification ensures that healthcare professionals are equipped with the latest life support protocols and treatment methodologies, which are vital for managing patients suffering from critical cardiac conditions. Moreover, facilities often require their staff to have ACLS certification to guarantee a high level of emergency response.
Who administers the ACLS?
ACLS certification is typically administered by the American Heart Association (AHA), although other organizations, such as the Red Cross, also offer ACLS training courses. The AHA provides a standardized curriculum that encompasses the latest guidelines and practices in cardiac care.
How to obtain the ACLS
The ACLS certification is an essential credential for clinicians, particularly those working in acute care healthcare staffing. Acquiring this certification enhances professional capabilities and ultimately leads to better patient care outcomes in critical situations.
By understanding the significance of ACLS certification and the process to obtain it, healthcare professionals can ensure they are prepared to deliver effective care in the face of emergency cardiovascular situations.
Obtaining ACLS certification involves a structured process.
Prerequisites
Candidates must hold a current BLS certification and have foundational knowledge of basic cardiac rhythms and emergency response.
Course enrollment
Individuals can enroll in an ACLS course offered by accredited organizations like the AHA or Red Cross. These courses provide both theoretical knowledge and hands-on simulations.
Course components
The training consists of lectures, interactive discussions, and practical skill sessions covering:
- How to identify cardiac arrest and other cardiac emergencies
- Learn emergency response protocols
- How to perform high-quality CPR
- How to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
- The administration of emergency medications
- How to manage airway emergencies
Examinations
Candidates must pass both a written test and a skills assessment to demonstrate their proficiency in ACLS protocols.
Certification validity
ACLS certification typically remains valid for two years. Healthcare professionals must complete a renewal course to maintain their certification. This process often includes updated training on new protocols and guidelines.
Continuing education
Many states require healthcare providers to complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to ensure that skills and knowledge are kept current.
State relevance
While ACLS is recognized nationwide, certain states have specific continuing education requirements for maintaining the certificate. For instance, in California, facilities may mandate ACLS certification as a condition of employment for nursing staff in critical care environments. Healthcare professionals in metropolitan areas may find a higher demand for ACLS-certified staff, particularly in urban hospitals and emergency departments dealing with higher volumes of critical cases.
Add your ACLS certification to your Nursa profile
You’ll need to submit this credential to Nursa to be considered for shifts in facilities that require ACLS certification. Add it to your Nursa profile by following these steps:
- In the Nursa mobile app, tap the “Menu” in the top left corner
- Select “Profile”
- Scroll down to the “Credentials” section
- Tap “Add your Credential”
- Upload your credential document (accepted file types include PDF, WORD, JPG, and PNG)
How to get started with Nursa
Don’t have a Nursa profile yet? The app makes it easy to register, create a profile, and upload all your important credentials—including the ACLS.
Download the app and follow the in-app prompts to build a profile that will make you stand out for PRN shifts at facilities near you. Sign up for Nursa to pick up shifts today.
