Types of Rhythms Where Pacing Is Indicated
• Bradycardias that are unresponsive to drug therapy or are symptomatic
• 2nd degree heart block type II
• 3rd degree heart block

Clinical Note:
Atropine may be given to 2nd degree type II heart block or a narrow complex 3rd degree heart block as a trial but, when detected, the American Heart Association ACLS guidelines recommend that these dysrhythmias be managed by immediate application of the transcutaneous pacer and close observation of the patient for any signs of hemodynamic instability, e.g., shortness of breath – hypotension – altered level of consciousness – chest pain – pallor – nausea & vomiting – profuse sweating. If unstable and in 2nd degree heart block type II or 3rd degree heart block, then the pacer should be used to correct the rate only until transvenous pacing can be accomplished by a qualified person.

Remember from earlier in the reading that if a patient is bradycardic and hemodynamically unstable, as described in the previous paragraph, then transcutaneous pacing should be considered as a first line treatment.
Setting a transcutaneous pacemaker will be discussed in the electrical therapy station on day 1 of ACLS

Three Basic Rhythms
There are 3 categories of abnormal rhythms: too fast, too slow or none. Patients with any dysrhythmia may be stable, unstable or in cardiac arrest. Recognizing which type of patient you have will decide your treatment choices: medicine, electrical, and/or mechanical (BLS).

Too Fast
The first rhythm is too fast. Our goal is to slow it down. We have two methods to slow down a rhythm: electrical therapy and/or medicine. If the patient is hemodynamically stable, pharmacology should be the first line treatment. If our patient were hemodynamically unstable, synchronized cardioversion should be the first line treatment.

Too Slow
The second rhythm is too slow. Our goal is to speed it up. We have two methods of speeding up a rhythm: electrical therapy and/or medicine. If the patient is hemodynamically stable, pharmacology should be the first line treatment. If our patient were hemodynamically unstable, transcutaneous pacing should be the first line treatment.

None
Ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, pulseless electrical activity and asystole are the dysrhythmias associated with cardiac arrest. As these are lethal dysrhythmias, management must be quick and aggressive.

This advanced training is presented as an 8-hour course and includes theory and simulated practice on the anatomically correct Peter PICC line manikin. Successful completion allows the participant to insert this line according to healthcare facility policy*. This course is intended for the experienced Registered Nurse who wishes to stay current with the latest advancements in IV therapy. As more patients are being discharged earlier from hospitals, ways of decreasing their stay and accomplishing their therapy in alternative settings are being utilized. The use of the peripherally inserted central catheter in managing intravenous therapy in the hospital and home setting is increasing in importance. PICC lines establish venous access in patients in a safe, cost-effective and improved manner. If you want to keep current on the latest technology, register now, as the class size is limited. All classes are taught by RNs certified in PICC line insertion, who share Nursing Unlimited’s “Stress Free” approach to training. All instructors have clinical experience as well as the theoretical knowledge necessary to effectively conduct this program. This course is not affiliated with any manufacturer. We use a variety of different PICC lines and equipment to enable us to review the pros and cons of all product devices. A comprehensive reference manual is included in the course cost and will be given out on the day of the course.

Some of the Objectives Include:

1. List and Describe five components of the nursing care of the PICC line.
2. List complications associated with the PICC line and appropriate interventions.
3. Correctly insert a PICC line in an anatomically correct manikin.

*Hospital and Home Health Agency policies on insertion of PICC lines differ. In almost all cases however, a preceptorship is established in order for the nurse to demonstrate competence. Length of preceptorship is dependent upon the facilities policies regarding PICC line insertion. This certification course is the first step for the learner wishing to master this procedure.

The course fee is $245 for 6.1 Contact Hours and includes PICC Line, Dressing Kit & course workbook for each student provided on the day of class.

Don’t see the dates you want?  Call our office at (800) 852-4126 to schedule a private class around your schedule.

Upon successful completion of the course, post-test and evaluation, registered nurses will receive an ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Card. This card validates the participant has the theoretical foundation needed to administer cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents. The card is valid for two years.

Target Audience:

Participants must be licensed registered nurses who have been employed as such for a minimum of six months. This course content is appropriate for nurses who are new to chemotherapy administration, as well as for those who want a comprehensive review.

Upon completion of the course, the participant will be able to:
A. Identify various therapeutic modalities used to treat cancer with emphasis on chemotherapy and biotherapy.
B. Describe the investigational process all drugs undergo to gain approval for use.
C. Review ethical and legal issues related to cancer therapy.
D. Identify factors affecting response to cancer therapy.
E. Identify selected commonly used agents, their mechanisms of action, and any unique administration issues.
F. Discuss safety precautions necessary when handling cytotoxic agents.
G. Review chemotherapy dose calculations and practice examples.
H. Identify nursing procedures and interventions for administering cytotoxic and biologic agents.
I. Discuss two immediate complications of cancer therapy, extravasation and hypersensitivity, and the nursing measures required to prevent and/or reduce these complications.
J. Identify selected systematic side effects of cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents and the nursing interventions required to manage these
side effects.
K. Review specific patient and family education that may prevent and/or reduce the impact of systemic side effects.

Course Outline

1. Introduction

A. Definition of cancer
B. Treatment modalities
C. Drug development process/clinical trial process
D. Ethical and legal issues

2. Goals of Cancer therapy and measuring response

3. Principles of chemotherapy

4. Principles of biotherapy

5. Principles of Targeted Therapy

6. Safe practice considerations

7. Administration

A. Dose determination
B. Pre-treatment care
C. Routes of administration
D. Immediate complications of cytotoxic therapy

8. Care of the patient receiving chemotherapy/biotherapy

9. Side effects of cancer therapy

A. Myelosuppression
B. GI and mucosal side effects
C. Cutaneous Toxicity
D. Alopecia
E. Cardiovascular toxicity
F. Pulmonary toxicity
G. Hemorrhagic cystitis
H. Hepatotoxicity
I. Nephrotoxicity
J. Neurotoxicity
K. Cognitive changes
L. Ocular Toxicity
M. Pancreatitis
N. Fatigue
O. Alterations in Sexual and Reproductive function
P. Secondary Malignancies

10. Survivorship Care Plan

11. Case Studies (optional)

12. Exam and Course Evaluation

Continuing Nursing Education Credit:
• ONS will award 13.5 contact hours to nurses who attend this program in its entirety.
• ONS is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
• ONS is approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, Provider No. 2850.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:
Cancellations are entitled to a full refund minus a $105 administration fee. Cancellations must be received prior to the course date or
NO REFUND will be issued. Cancellations are not allowed if group or multiple course discounts were taken. Transfers are acceptable. If a program is canceled for any reason, full refunds will be given or a transfer offered without penalty.

Additional Information:
The ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course is NOT a certification course, and is not intended to measure competency. Individual institutions are responsible for determining their own requirements for assessing clinical competency.

For additional information, please contact:
Nursing Unlimited, Inc.
(800) 852-4126

Course Fee:
$295
The course fee includes: all course materials, copy of the Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Guidelines and Recommendation for Practice, 3rd Ed., and Continuing Nursing Education Credits.

Faculty:
This course is taught by ONS Trainer May Anne Milone, ARNP-BC, AOCN, PhD

Register online

This highly popular 30-hour IV Certification course meets the requirements of the Florida State Board of Nursing for certification of LPNs to administer IV therapy. It also serves as a welcome update for RNs who have been out of clinical practice for a while and want to improve and enhance their IV skills. Divided into 18 home study hours followed by 16 classroom hours (12 Contact Hours), the course consists of both theory and actual practice sessions.

Subjects covered include:

• fluid and electrolyte balance
• blood transfusion therapy
• hyperalimentation
• IV medication administration (including dosage calculations)
• care and use of central lines

Our emphasis is on quality of care issues, employing scrupulous aseptic procedure to prevent infection and proper insertion technique to minimize patient discomfort. There will be numerous opportunities for hands-on practice, including “live sticks” when requested. Join the thousands of LPNs and RNs that we have enabled to confidently and safely insert and maintain IVs.

Some of the Objectives Include:

1. Compare and contrast the RN and LPN scope of practice for IV therapy in the state of Florida.
2. Discuss the care and maintenance of three different types of central venous lines.
3. Demonstrate in simulated practice the starting and maintaining of peripheral IVs.

Who Should Attend:

LPNs & RNs

The course fee is $225* for 30 Contact Hours and includes all home study material.

***Important Note***
You MUST complete the 18-hour homestudy prior to the the class.  The Homestudy is returned the morning of Day 1 and graded.  A passing score of 70% or higher is required to remain in the class.

*Please remember to include $5.00 for shipping & handling

North Dade Nursing Unlimited Headquarters 18405 NW 2nd Ave Miami Gardens, Fl Thursday & Friday9:00am – 5:00pmJanuary 5-6 February 2-3 March 1-2 April 5-6 May 3-4 June 7-8 July 5-6 August 2-3 September 6-7 October 4-5 November 1-2 December 6-7	South Dade Kendall Regional Medical CenterMedical Office Building 11750 SW 40 St Medical Office Bldg Room 758 Miami, FL Saturday & Sunday9:00am – 5:00pmFebruary 11-12 May 19-20 August 11-12 November 10-11
West Broward Plantation General Hospital 401 N.W. 42nd Avenue Women’s Pavilion Plantation, FL Thursday & Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm March 22-23 (3rd Floor Classroom 1) September 20-21	Boca Raton West Boca Medical Center 21644 State Road 7 Education Center North Boca Raton, FL Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pmJanuary 7-8 March 31- April 1 July 7-8 October 6-7
West Palm Beach Palm Beach Staffing 1261 South Congress Ave West Palm Beach, FL Thursday & Friday 9:00am – 5:00pmFebruary 16-17 August 16-17

Purpose

This Dual Option course is designed to teach the knowledge and skills required to implement the American Heart Association’s ACLS treatment guidelines in the learner’s practice setting and improve the outcomes for adult patients with cardiac arrest and other cardiopulmonary emergencies.

 Target Audience

The participant in this course is a currently active healthcare provider based in a practice setting that requires ACLS knowledge and skills as a condition of employment. The 1-Day option is targeted to those experienced ACLS providers who routinely use ACLS in their practice setting as a part of their job duties.  The 2-Day option is for all other providers.

Prerequisites

Providers enrolling in the ACLS provider course are required to be proficient in the following:

• Performing BLS CPR skills using 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC
• Reading and interpreting ECGs
• Understanding ACLS drugs
• Performing the BLS Survey and the ACLS Survey

The choice of enrollment option is determined by the level of proficiency in the prerequisites.  The participant will be required to self assess their level of knowledge and skills by logging onto the American Heart Association web site (www.heart.org/eccstudent using the password “compression”) prior to registration.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

• Recognize and initiate early management of periarrest conditions that may result in cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation outcome
• Demonstrate proficiency in providing BLS care, including prioritizing chest compressions and integrating use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Recognize and manage respiratory arrest
• Recognize and Manage cardiac arrest until termination of resuscitation or transfer of care, including immediate post-cardiac arrest care
• Recognize and initiate early management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), including appropriate disposition
• Recognize and initiate early management of stroke, including appropriate disposition
•  Demonstrate effective communication as a member or leader of a resuscitation team and recognize the impact of team dynamics on overall team performance

2-Day Option

The course fee for the 2-Day option is $200  and includes the Nursing Unlimited Homestudy Guide and ACLS Provider Manual from Nursing Unlimited’s Library (which is to be returned at the end of class, or may be purchased for $30).

1-Day Option

The course fee for the 1-Day option is $140  and includes the Nursing Unlimited Homestudy Guide and ACLS Provider Manual from Nursing Unlimited’s Library (which is to be returned at the end of class, or may be purchased for $30).

If you are not practicing ACLS as a regular part of your professional role in your healthcare facility, it is recommended that you carefully read the pre-requisites to choose the correct course option.

Please remember to include $5.00 for shipping and handling.

***Florida Board of Nursing  no longer offers contact hours for the ACLS Update course***

A current BLS for Healthcare Providers card is no longer a prerequisite for entry into the ACLS program; the AHA requires “BLS SKILLS”.  However, if your BLS card has expired or is about to expire and you wish to renew, we still offer BLS certification within the ACLS course for a discounted price of $25.