As a Staff Nurse in a Hospital, I did not realize how easy and seamless getting the required certifications for the job position was. The hospital I worked for provided in-house classes and I was paid for the hours present. The Hospital also ensured that I had the manuals 2 weeks prior to the class to help prepare myself. This process is a bit different when you are a Travel Nurse.
I recently submitted my profile for a Contracting Hospital but they required PALS certification to meet requirements. In my previous 2 contracts, both asked for PALS but did not require it. I prearranged with the managers, during the interview process, that I would pre-op all pediatric cases and would even perform intra-procedure duties when needed but that I would not recover any pediatric cases without another nurse who was PALS certified present. This arrangement worked out perfectly with both previous facilities and I was able to work safely without my PALS certification.
After 2 contracts that I needed PALS and now submitting my profile to a positions that requires it, I decided it was time to go ahead and take the class.
Arranging for classes through the American Heart Association has been difficult in my opinion. Each Instructor is their “own business” and dictates pricing and how helpful they want to be. I have not had a great experience so far with trying to get my PALS certification and thats mostly due to the instructor that is hosting the only class semi-close to me this coming Monday. There are some battles I will only fight for so long and then I have to find an easier solution to the problem at hand or just roll with the punches. All I have to say, this PALS certification better pay off in the contract department because I’m going to need some good news after this fiasco!
The lesson I learned this go around, take certifications when convenient, like between contracts and on my down time! Don’t wait till I am submitting for a contract and have to take the next class available!
