| Prerequisites | | | | to class. PALS also uses a series of flowcharts and |
| Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is | | | | algorithms that you can study before class. While the |
| designed for health care providers including nurses, | | | | instructor will integrate these models into the PALS |
| doctors, respiratory therapists and emergency | | | | course, they won't be covered in detail. |
| personnel. Each of these specialties has its own | | | | Considerations |
| requirements for education, licensure and/or | | | | In addition to the CD, you should also receive a |
| certification. Before starting a PALS course, you will | | | | course guide and other supplementary materials. It's a |
| typically need to demonstrate current certification in | | | | good idea to be prepared before class by reviewing |
| Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | | | | the materials. Some of the important topics to focus |
| (BLS/CPR). Some PALS courses do offer the option | | | | on are the management of respiratory and cardiac |
| of renewing a lapsed BLS/CPR certification during the | | | | emergencies, as well as systematic assessment of |
| PALS course. | | | | infants and children in crisis. Jot down areas where |
| Prevention/Solution | | | | you'll need to pay extra attention during the PALS |
| PALS is a high-level clinical course that builds on | | | | course, along with any outstanding questions. |
| previous learning. This course is not easy to pass as | | | | Time Frame |
| you must possess a certain level of clinical knowledge | | | | The San Diego PALS course is 14 hours long, and |
| and skills. It's a good idea to review at least the | | | | many providers offer it in two intensive days. There's |
| pediatric portions of the BLS/CPR course before | | | | a combination of lecture and hands-on practice in |
| starting PALS even if you're BLS/CPR certified. When | | | | simulated emergencies, so you'll need to be at the |
| you register for a PALS course, the provider will give | | | | top of your game. Make sure you're well-rested, eat |
| you a self-assessment test with three sections: EKG | | | | a light meal before the class and allow yourself plenty |
| rhythm interpretation, pharmacology and practical | | | | of time to get to class without being rushed. |
| applications of life support. | | | | Tips |
| Features | | | | Many hospitals, health systems, and continuing |
| The PALS course curriculum is standardized, | | | | education providers offer a pre-PALS preparation |
| therefore you will get a good idea of what you will | | | | course. Some employers sponsor study groups, or |
| be learning from the materials provided by the | | | | encourage staff to create their own learning circles. |
| continuing education provider. It is based on AHA's | | | | Take advantage of these learning opportunities to |
| "assess-categorize-decide-act" model. The CD from | | | | increase your chance of earning San Diego PALS |
| our instructor will contain clinical scenarios to give you | | | | certification. |
| a chance to practice with the model before coming | | | | |