Why do you want to take ACLS, is it so you can take an IV conscious sedation course or just so you feel more comfortable if something does happen?? I can't imagine you would want to take it just for IV experience, actually I don't even think ACLS includes starting lines on patients. PALS you will learn to start IO's on chicken legs but I can tell you from experience a chicken leg is a lot softer than a kids leg. Actually, at least in Arizona, it is illegal to start IV's just for practice. Unless you have a physician's order for the line you can't do it just for practice, it would be like doing an MOD on a patient just for practice. As far as where to take it, call some local hospitals and ask for staff development, they will be able to tell you where and when the classes are, but remember these classes are all mainly designed for people who already have a decent knowledge base. With that in mind I am signed up end of July to renew my PALS and end of Aug for my ACLS, not that I plan on ever needing it again but I like to have it.
