BLS training - how does your program handle time off for this?

[gasresmd]

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I'm a resident and we (like everyone) are required to re-certify in BLS and ACLS. For BLS we are required to take a "meeting day" to attend the nonsensical class... which is counted against us as a sick day (and part of the 60 days max that one is allowed to miss during residency training). Is this normal? How do other programs handle this?

 

[Chloroform4Life]

Why do you need bls if you know acls?

 

[gasresmd]

My program / hospital requires us to have up to date BLS and ACLS cards...

 

[RK.md]

We usually end up taking the ACLS/BLS recertification course on a day off (took mine post-call last weekend). Department reimburses roughly half of the expense depending on where we take the course.

 

[POW16]

It took me about 2 hours to recertify for ACLS and we have a large enough program where another resident just covered for me during that time.

 

[partydoc]

They will not let you take acls without an active bls card

 

[deleted171991]

My program / hospital requires us to have up to date BLS and ACLS cards...

They are idiots. Your department should stand up for this. ACLS includes knowledge of BLS.

 

[Onefellswoop87]

They are idiots. Your department should stand up for this. ACLS includes knowledge of BLS.

Unfortunately, as far as I know, it is an AHA requirement. You need BLS to start the ACLS class. But yes, I agree it's *****ic.

 

[Mman]

They are idiots. Your department should stand up for this. ACLS includes knowledge of BLS.

that tends to be a hospital credentialing issue, not a department issue. My current hospital does not require any BLS/ACLS/whatever for physicians on staff. When I was a resident, every doc from intern up had to have BLS + ACLS + PALS if you took care of kids.

 

[Ronin786]

Theoretically you can't take AClS if you don't have BLS. However, if you ask nicely they'll let you certify for both in the same course since the ACLS includes a BLS refresher.

We have a VA affiliated with or program and their courses are free and only take a couple hours. You just have to do the online courses beforehand.