In over twelve years as an Instructor and Facilitator I have come to notice one consistent theme when it comes time for medical professionals to attend an ACLS class....... 😫 STRESS!!
So what's the deal... what is with the palpable level of anxiety/concern/worry? There has to be an answer to defuse the often debilitating symptoms that hit even the most prepared among us so that the able, intelligent, and capable learner shines through?
While I may not have the answer you're looking for I certainly have a suggestion for you to consider.......
We've all been there right? It's high stakes, I know!
As I reflect on feedback from professionals in my experience facilitating ACLS, here are a couple of the common quotes that come to mind:
"I need it for work"...
"If I don't pass this I'll probably loose my job".....
"I'm a terrible test taker".....
"I don't do well in front of people".......
The glaring question?? "What do I have to do to pass this thing?" Now if that isn't a loaded question.... I don't know what is! I guess I will get straight to the point and lean on the above title. Here comes the "5 Essential Tips for Mastering the Advanced Cardiac Life Support course and earning your certification!"
Take an Instructor led Basic Life Support Course
Have you heard the foundation for good ACLS is good BLS? It's not a sales pitch if that's what you're thinking... it is a clinical and evidence based fact. High quality CPR is the foundation for advanced care and is most likely to be impactful by deploying "the basics". (There is also a tremendous amount of BLS concepts, skills, and questions in ACLS that have their foundation in the BLS program).
Choose the right course
Really? Choose the right course? How is this part of the top five tips?
That's a fair question.. and would be my initial thought also. Here is why I recommend it.
There are several pathways for Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Provider, renewal, In-person, blended, etc. So first the obvious.... if this is your first time you will need the two day provider course. Renewal courses are appropriate for those individuals who are within their two year window period. All in-person vs blended? What works best for you, your schedule, your learning style etc.
So then, back to the fair question point.... If you're a renewal learner and you are feeling "not so prepared or confident" consider taking the two-day provider class. There is a tremendous amount of material presented and the two-day course may just give you the edge you need to build toward your success. Is it more time and money? Sure. However, isn't there more to it?
"Prior, proper, planning"
Now this recommendation and concept may mean many different things to many different folks.... To properly deploy the "Three P's Concept" here I recommend the following:
Prior to your scheduled course invest in the course materials (and use them!), complete the pre-course assessment and the pre-course work available through the American Heart Association, and connect with the Instructor or training center with any questions or concerns. 💡 and by the way... The AHA allows "open book and open resource" on the written exam. These items could be invaluable for you if you struggle with written testing! Finally, ensure you meet the pre-course requirements.
Proper "preparedness" for you. We all learn differently and retain information uniquely. Give yourself enough time to digest the material, resources, and lean on a support system. There are preparation courses out there! Open "your tool box" and deploy your strategy. There is zero reason for you to have to "go through this alone".
Planning your course experience starts with yourself. All credit for this one goes to my personal support system..... so... go into the course with the right frame of mind. Choose to be positive and to quote my children's grade school principal... "It's a good day to have a good day". Arrive on-time, well rested, hydrated, and of course don't forget to eat something!! Review the course agenda and adhere to the expectations. Don't forget to have your course materials with you!
Take note!
No matter the pathway you have enrolled in for ACLS.... take notes. The in-person learning platform is comprised of videos, instruction, skills demonstration, and more. Jot things down, highlight pertinent material in the text, observe the "blue banners" in the course videos. They house valuable information you're likely to be accountable for later on...
During skills "take note" of the practice cases, the format, the style, equipment, and other learners in your course. There is much to learn and gather from each of these areas. (We will save that for another article...)
If you're participating in the online learning modules and blended learning apply the same principles. Take notes, highlight, reference. There will be a skills session component to your pathway. Ensure you receive enough practice to be prepared for your testing case scenario. I have yet to meet an Instructor unwilling to offer additional practice cases!
Take a step back and use the "OODA"!
Even the newest Instructors are capable of recognizing the signs and symptoms of "tunnel vision". This most often shows its rearing head during the individual accountable moments of skills demonstration. we observe very knowledgable learners make errors that "they normally wouldn't make". I've been there as a learner plenty of times and I plan to be there plenty more often. No one is perfect!
So..... Observe, Orient yourself and your team, Decide, and Act!
As a facilitator of ACLS courses during practice I make this recommendation to a participant "in the trenches". Take a step back, literally step backwards from your current position on the floor. Plant yourself in that new space and see what you see from this vantage point. Check in with yourself, your resources, and most importantly your team. Resuscitation is a team based sport. Next, collaborate and deploy your critical thinking skills while consulting your resources (course cards, etc.) Last but not least, act on your plan!
So there it is... some thoughtfulness on suggestions to consider in the form of five essential tips. "It's a buffet"... take what you like, leave what you don't... you get my meaning right?
Take great care and be safe!
If you're looking for specific advise on particular questions I would love to hear from you! Feel free to connect via email at logistics@tacmedocnusltants.org or via phone/text 440-595-5868
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