ACLS for Nurses Course

Lesson 1 • ACLS Algorithms Overview

Introduces the structure and logic of AHA ACLS algorithms as decision trees. Nurses learn to navigate algorithm branches before applying them in simulation.

Lesson 2 • Pathophysiology of Cardiac Arrest

Examines the cellular and systemic cascade leading to cardiac arrest and organ failure. Provides the physiological rationale for every ACLS intervention sequence.

Lesson 3 • ACLS Pharmacology Essentials

Covers mechanisms, dosing, and adverse effects of core ACLS drugs. Prepares nurses to anticipate drug selection during algorithm execution.

Lesson 1 • Advanced Airway Placement

Addresses supraglottic devices and endotracheal intubation within the ACLS context. Emphasises minimising CPR interruptions during advanced airway placement.

Lesson 2 • Basic Airway Manoeuvres and Adjuncts

Covers manual manoeuvres and adjunct devices used before advanced airway placement. Establishes the skill foundation required for escalation to advanced techniques.

Lesson 3 • Ventilation Quality and Monitoring

Focuses on capnography, tidal volume targets, and avoiding hyperventilation during resuscitation. Connects ventilation quality to cardiac output and survival outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Shockable Arrest Rhythms

Identifies ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia with precision. Connects rhythm recognition directly to defibrillation decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Tachyarrhythmias Requiring Intervention

Identifies stable and unstable tachycardias including SVT, atrial fibrillation, and wide-complex rhythms. Connects stability assessment to cardioversion vs. pharmacological management decisions.

Lesson 3 • Bradyarrhythmias and Conduction Blocks

Distinguishes sinus bradycardia, junctional rhythms, and AV blocks requiring ACLS intervention. Prepares nurses to apply the bradycardia algorithm accurately.

Lesson 4 • ECG Fundamentals and Waveform Analysis

Reviews lead placement, waveform components, and normal intervals as the baseline for pathological comparison. Establishes the measurement skills needed for rhythm classification.

Lesson 1 • Adult Compression Technique

Specifies hand placement, depth, rate, and recoil standards for adult CPR. Provides the technical foundation for skill station performance.

Lesson 2 • CPR Science and Physiology

Explains how chest compressions generate blood flow and why quality metrics matter for survival. Grounds technique requirements in haemodynamic evidence.

Lesson 3 • CPR Feedback and Quality Monitoring

Introduces real-time CPR feedback devices and physiological monitoring to guide quality. Nurses learn to interpret feedback data and adjust technique immediately.

Lesson 1 • Transcutaneous Cardiac Pacing

Addresses pacing indications, pad placement, rate and output titration, and capture verification. Connects pacing to the bradycardia algorithm as a bridge intervention.

Lesson 2 • Synchronised Cardioversion

Teaches synchronised cardioversion for unstable tachyarrhythmias, including sedation considerations. Distinguishes cardioversion from defibrillation in technique and energy selection.

Lesson 3 • Defibrillation Principles and Equipment

Explains the electrical basis of defibrillation and the differences between monophasic and biphasic devices. Prepares nurses to operate any defibrillator encountered in clinical settings.

Lesson 1 • Resuscitation Team Roles

Defines each team role, its responsibilities, and its boundaries during a resuscitation event. Establishes role clarity as the foundation for coordinated team performance.

Lesson 2 • Debriefing and Performance Improvement

Introduces structured debriefing models used after simulations and real events to drive improvement. Nurses practise facilitating and receiving feedback constructively.

Lesson 3 • Closed-Loop Communication

Teaches the call-out, check-back, and read-back cycle to eliminate communication errors during resuscitation. Connects communication failures to adverse outcomes in real events.

Lesson 1 • Tachycardia Algorithm Application

Executes stable and unstable tachycardia pathways including vagal maneuvres, adenosine, and cardioversion. Trains nurses to reassess stability continuously and escalate appropriately.

Lesson 2 • Bradycardia Algorithm Application

Applies the bradycardia algorithm from symptom assessment through atropine, pacing, and dopamine infusion. Connects each decision point to clinical signs of haemodynamic compromise.

Lesson 3 • Cardiac Arrest Algorithm: PEA and Asystole

Executes the non-shockable algorithm with simultaneous H's and T's investigation. Trains nurses to drive reversible cause identification while maintaining CPR quality.

Lesson 4 • Acute Coronary Syndrome Algorithm

Covers the ACS algorithm from symptom onset through reperfusion decision support. Prepares nurses to initiate time-sensitive interventions and coordinate with the cardiac team.

Lesson 1 • Haemodynamic Optimisation Post-Arrest

Covers blood pressure targets, fluid resuscitation, and vasopressor selection after ROSC. Addresses avoiding hypotension and hypoxia as primary secondary injury drivers.

Lesson 2 • Return of Spontaneous Circulation Assessment

Identifies clinical and physiological signs of ROSC and initiates the post-arrest care bundle immediately. Connects early recognition of ROSC to improved survival outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Transfer and Handoff Communication

Structures the SBAR handoff for post-arrest patients transferring to intensive or cardiac care units. Ensures continuity of the post-arrest bundle across care transitions.

Lesson 4 • Targeted Temperature Management

Explains the evidence for and implementation of targeted temperature management in comatose survivors. Nurses learn cooling initiation, maintenance, and rewarming protocols.