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 $185 for 6.1 Contact Hours and includes PICC Line, Dressing Kit & course workbook for each student provided on the day of class.

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

The Oncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course provides a comprehensive review of the knowledge needed to administer chemotherapy.  Nursing Unlimited is proud to offer this program, which is rapidly becoming the standard by which chemotherapy practitioners are measured and accepted.  Topics include:  the theoretical basis for chemotherapy administration, specific chemotherapy drug classifications, safe handling, safe administration, side effect management, and patient teaching strategies.  Case studies related to these concepts will also be presented.

Registered nurses who attend this program in its entirety and successfully complete the post-test (open book) and evaluation form will receive a laminated ONS Cancer Chemotherapy Card.  This card validates that the participant has the theoretical foundation needed to administer chemotherapy. This is NOT a competency or certification course.  The individual employer or institution should determine clinical competency.  The card is valid for two years, and may be renewed by completion of an independent study.

Note: For a complete list of objectives including the new biotherapy components, please call our office.

Who Should Attend:

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

The course fee is $350 and includes all course handouts and one copy of the Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Guidelines and Recommendation for Practice, 3rd Ed. which are provided on the day of class.  This course is taught by ONS Trainer, Janet Williams, ARNP, MSN, OCN.

The laminated ONS Chemotherapy Provider Card is mailed by the ONS 6-8 weeks after class along with a certificate for 13.5 Contact Hours.

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.

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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 12 classroom 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.

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*Please remember to include $5.00 for shipping & handling
See our course discounts.

Dosage calculation is an area of nursing practice that often inspires anxiety, even in the most competent and experienced nurses. Published accounts of alarming numbers of fatal medication errors each year only emphasize the vital importance of correctly calculating dosages to ensure that patients are treated appropriately. This fast-paced, 8-hour course is a must for LPNs and RNs taking our IV therapy courses, and for new nursing grads preparing for state boards and pre-employment pharmacology tests.

Difficulties often arise when converting from one system of measurement to another and when converting standard mathematic calculations (e.g., fractions into decimals, etc.). All of these elements will be reviewed in depth, using common medications to illustrate practical applications of the information presented. Upon successful completion of this course, new nurses seeking employment will be able to navigate any medication test given in South Florida, while the currently employed nurse can proceed to confidently administer medications, assured that patients are being suitably treated.

Some of the Objectives Include:

1. Comprehend basic math skills.
2. Determine the value of “x” in simple equations.
3. Recall from memory the metric and household approximate equivalents.
4. Convert from one unit to another within the same system of measurement.
5. Convert units of measurement between different systems.
6. Convert all units of measurement to the same system and same size units.
7. Consider the reasonable amount of the drug to be given.
8. Use the formula (D/H)Q to calculate p.o. and parenteral dosages.
9. Measure insulin correctly.
10. Convert insulin units to milliliters.

Who Should Attend:

• All students taking IV courses
• Nurses planning a job change
• Inactive nurses wishing to return to the work force

The course fee is $90 for 5.9 Contact Hours

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Who Should Attend
The participant in this course is a 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
The choice of enrollment option is determined by proficiency in the subject matter. The participant is required to self assess their knowledge and skills at time of registration according to the criteria defined below.

• Performing BLS CPR skills using the most recent American Heart Association Guidelines
• Reading and interpreting ECGs
• Understanding ACLS drugs and treatment algorithms
• Performing the BLS Primary Survey and the ACLS Secondary Survey

Providers enrolling in the 1-Day option are required to be proficient in the criteria listed above.
Providers enrolling in the 2-Day option are expected to have a basic understanding of the criteria listed above.

Some of the Objectives Include
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Recognize and initiate early management of peri-arrest conditions that may result in
cardiac arrest or complicate resuscitation outcome.
• Demonstrate proficiency in providing BLS care, including prioritizing chest compressions and
integrating AED use.
• Manage cardiac arrest until return of spontaneous circulation, transfer of care or termination of resuscitation
• Identify and treat ischemic chest pain and expedite the care of patients with acute coronary syndromes
• Recognize other life-threatening clinical situations, such as stroke, and provide effective initial care and transfer to reduce disability and death.
• 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 for 9.2 contact hours 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 fee for the 1-Day option is $140 for 6.9 contact hours 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.

If you do not feel comfortable reading and interpreting ECGs, understanding ACLS drugs or treatment algorithms please refer to our ACLS Preparation course CLICK HERE.

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.

Register Online for 2-Day ACLS Class

Register Online for 1-Day ACLS Class