In order to get ACLS certification health care providers must pass ACLS
exam which can be nerve wracking for some students. If you cannot pass
the exam in the first attempt, please don’t discourage. There are number
of people who pass their exam in the second attempt.
Most of the student agrees that reading and reviewing of the study
material acquired from AHA significantly increases the chances of
passing the exam. This will include learning many terms, reading
chapters of ACLS Provider manual, understanding the algorithm cards and
skill guide, reviewing CD.
1. First you have your student CD.You will find small pretest .Whether
the course is initial provider course or the renewal course, this
pretest is suppose to be completed before going for the exam. It will
enable you to review the concepts that may require strengthening for the
future use. If you go through the CD you will find some useful
information and simulated clinical scenario of cases.
2. Then there is a student manual. For being successful in the student
manual, learn all the terms. Go through the chapters and if possible
keep ticking important points. Reread all the important point and if
possible prepare notes out of it.
3. Next most important tool is Skill guide. You can look into the
literature of the skill guide and learn what all skills are required.
Then there is a skill sheets given in the skill book. Skill sheets will
be of great help in passing ACLS certification exam. These skill sheets
will be the same which your instructor will have.
4. Last is the colourful algorithm card which is the most important one.
Number of training agencies recommends its usage during the course and
clinical practice. Knowing your card from both the sides is a good
practice. So that at least you will not be searching for the information
when you actually require it.On seeing the card carefully, you will
find green and blue boxes. Memorize all the green boxes. When you get
back from clinical areas, wipe your card to keep it clean. Most probably
you will carry this card in your lab coat .So practice to keep your
card clean.
This course is based on the team work. Team building is the framework of
this course. During the course your class will be broken down into
small and large groups where you will learn and practice to work in the
team. Understand and familiarize your team members and follow this
practice in your clinical areas.
ACLS course actually refreshes health care provider’s knowledge of basic
life support skills, tests his or her abilities to function as an
individual and as a part of a team .At the end of this course, the
student will receive a card proving ACLS certification which is good for
two years.
