Transvenous Pacing
September 16, 2008
For ACLS purposes, we are primarily concerned with two basic types of pacing. The first, transcutaneous pacing, is an emergent procedure which uses 2 gel pads. One is placed at the 5th intercostal space mid-clavicular on the left side of the anterior chest wall, and the other in between the backbone and shoulder blade on the left side of the back. The electricity travels through the pads and innervates the heart. This form of pacing is temporary. It is especially uncomfortable for the patient, and therefore should only be used as a means of maintaining stability in the bradycardic patient while attempting other interventions, such as drug therapy, or preparing for a more permanent transvenous pacemaker which causes no pain.
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.
Prevention of Medical Errors
July 13, 2008
Course Overview
Today, more people in the United States die from medical errors than from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer or AIDS. While not all adverse patient outcomes are due to medical error, medical errors represent adverse outcomes that are preventable with our current state of medical knowledge. It is therefore imperative that all healthcare professionals recognize the factors contributing to the occurrence of medical errors, in order to develop more effective processes to prevent their occurrence. This course examines the systemic causes of medical errors and outlines steps that can be taken, both by institutions and by individual care providers, to reduce the incidence of errors. Attention is paid to the particular vulnerabilities of special patient populations, such as children, the elderly and psychiatric patients. This course meets the mandate of the Florida State legislature (Florida Statute 456.013) requiring training on the prevention of medical errors, and follows the curriculum guidelines of the Florida State Board of Nursing for the issuance of 2 contact hours needed for license renewal. Join us and participate in lively class discussions, sharing real-life experiences and solutions as you satisfy your re-licensure requirement.
Some of the Objectives Include:
1. Identify factors that contribute to the occurrence of medical errors.
2. Recognize error-prone situations.
3. Discuss processes and strategies to improve patient outcomes.
4. Recognize responsibilities for reporting medical errors.
5. Discuss the need for public education on the occurrence of medical error
Who Should Attend:
All RN’s & LPN’s
The course fee is $25 for 2 contact hours.
Don’t Forget Your CPR Update, HIV/AIDS Update and Domestic Violence
Mandatory Requirement.
Complete this class online now!
| North Dade
Nursing Unlimited Headquarters 2nd Saturday of every month |
Domestic Violence
July 13, 2008
Course Overview
Since domestic violence occurs in approximately one out of three intimate relationships, both heterosexual and homosexual, chances are great that any healthcare provider will encounter both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence on a routine basis. Providers must realize that ignoring domestic violence is essentially an act of collusion with the perpetrator. The price of not intervening may be preventable death, serious injury or persistent mental and physical problems. The role of healthcare professionals is to be fully informed, clear in understanding the destructive nature of domestic violence and available over time to facilitate change. This course meets the mandate of the Florida legislature requiring training on domestic violence, and follows the curriculum guidelines of the Florida State Board of Nursing for issuance of 1 contact hour needed for license renewal. Experienced educators weed through the myths about domestic violence, offering real solutions for positive interventions. Join us for an informative and serious discussion of this problem as you satisfy your relicensure requirement.
Some of the Objectives Include:
1. Identify three “red flags” of a battering personality.
2. List three reasons that victims may stay in an abusive relationship.
3. Describe screening procedures used to identify and assist both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence.
4. List three community resources available to assist the victim, the perpetrator and the family.
Who Should Attend:
All persons required by Florida statute to take a Domestic Violence course
The course fee is $20 for 2 contact hours
Don’t Forget Your CPR Update, HIV/AIDS Update and Prevention Of Medical Errors
Mandatory Requirement.
| North Dade Nursing Unlimited Headquarters 2nd Saturday of every month Monday January 25 |
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HIV / AIDS / OSHA – TB for the Healthcare Workers
July 13, 2008
Course Overview
This dynamic course meets state HIV and federal OSHA requirements regarding training for health care professionals. OSHA requires healthcare facilities to develop an internal Exposure Control Plan and to provide employees with specific training on the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, the intent of which is to protect workers from potential workplace hazards.
The first one-hour segment of this course provides the learner with crucial information concerning bloodborne and airborne pathogens, including TB, and describes in detail the precautions necessary to minimize or eliminate occupational exposure to such pathogens.
The second segment of this course provides the student with a one-hour update on HIV/AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized in 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Remarkable medical advances, including life-prolonging antiretroviral therapy, have allowed longer survival times, but AIDS is still among the leading causes of death globally. Take a look at the latest national and international statistics, advances in pharmacology, medical management, testing and a variety of other topics of compelling interest to the healthcare professional concerned about an epidemic that currently afflicts over 30 million worldwide.
Some of the Objectives Include:
- Describe Universal Precautions and their application to the healthcare arena.
- Define potentially infectious materials.
- Describe 3 items of personal protective equipment.
- List 4 components of an Exposure Control Plan.
- Describe modes of transmission of TB, HBV, HCV and HIV.
- List 4 symptoms of active TB infection.
- List 3 drugs commonly used in HIV treatment.
- Identify 3 of the most common transmission categories for HIV/AIDS.
Who Should Attend:
All persons required to take HIV / OSHA for employment/licensure purposes, as well as all medical professionals wanting an update on this epidemic.
The Course fee is $20 for 2 Contact Hours.
Don’t Forget Your CPR Update also Domestic Violence Mandatory Requirement
and Prevention Of Medical Errors Mandatory Requirement
| North Dade Nursing
Unlimited Headquarters 2nd Saturday Monday January 25 |
“Stress Free” Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Class
July 10, 2008
Course Overview
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. The curriculum provides the structure to simultaneously educate learners based on their existing knowledge base and associated skill sets. Learners are categorized into two defined groups based on proficiency and offered the appropriate course option.
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
| North Dade Nursing Unlimited Headquarters 18405 NW 2nd Ave Miami Gardens, Fl |
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| One Day Class
Saturday July 24 Register Online |
Two Day Class
Saturday Sunday July 24 – 25 Register Online |
| North Dade Nursing Unlimited Headquarters 18405 NW 2nd Ave Miami Gardens, Fl |
|
| One Day Class
Tuesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm July 27 Register Online |
Two Day Class
Tuesday 9:00 am – 12:50 pm Wednesday 9:00 am – 4:50 pm July 27 – 28 Register Online |
| South Dade Kendall Regional Medical Center 11750 S.W. 40 Street 3rd Floor Auditorium Miami, FL |
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| One Day Class Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm July 10 Register Online |
Two Day Class Saturday 9:00 am – 12:50 pm Sunday 9:00 am – 4:50 pm July 10 – 11 Register Online |
| South Dade Kendall Regional Medical Center 11750 S.W. 40 Street 3rd Floor Auditorium Miami, FL |
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| One Day Class
Friday |
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| West Broward Plantation General Hospital 401 N.W. 42nd Avenue 3rd Floor, Classroom 3 Plantation, FL |
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| One Day Class Tuesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm August 24 Register Online |
Two Day Class Tuesday 9:00 am – 12:50 pm Wednesday 9:00 am – 4:50 pm August 24 – 25 Register Online |
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West Broward
Plantation General Hospital Medical Office Building II 4101 N.W. 3rd Court, Suite #7 Plantation, FL |
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| One Day Class Wednesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm July 14 Register Online |
Two Day Class Wednesday 9:00 am – 12:50 pm Thursday 9:00 am – 4:50 pm July 14 – 15 Register Online |
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North Broward
Keiser University 1500 NW 49 Street (Please go to the front for classroom assignment) Ft. Lauderdale, FL |
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| One Day Class Tuesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm June 15 Register Online |
Two Day Class Tuesday 9:00 am – 12:50 pm Wednesday 9:00 am – 4:50 pm June 15 – 16 Register Online |
| Boca Raton West Boca Medical Center 21644 State Road 7 Education Center North Boca Raton, FL |
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| One Day Class
Saturday June 26 Register Online |
Two Day Class
Saturday Sunday June 26 – 27 Register Online |
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West Palm Beach
Palm Beach Staffing 1261 South Congress Ave West Palm Beach, FL |
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| One Day Class
Saturday July 17 Register Online |
Two Day Class
Saturday Sunday July 17 – 18 Register Online |





