In the healthcare industry, there are various roles and positions that individuals can pursue. Two of these roles are ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and Registered Nurse. While both positions are related to healthcare, they have distinct differences in terms of job description, education and training, as well as career outlook and salary. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between ACLS and Registered Nurse, helping you make an informed decision about which path may be best for you.

What is ACLS and Registered Nurse?

Before we delve into the differences between ACLS and Registered Nurse, let's first define what each of these positions entails.

ACLS: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) is a certification program that equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to cardiovascular emergencies. ACLS providers are trained to recognize and intervene in cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening situations. They are responsible for administering medications, performing advanced cardiac life support procedures, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Registered Nurse: A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who is licensed to provide a wide range of medical services to patients. RNs work closely with physicians and other healthcare team members to provide direct patient care, including administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. Registered Nurses can specialize in various areas of healthcare, such as pediatrics, oncology, or critical care.

Difference between ACLS and Registered Nurse

Now that we have a basic understanding of ACLS and Registered Nurse, let's take a closer look at the differences between these two roles:

• Scope of Practice: ACLS providers have a more specialized scope of practice, focusing primarily on cardiovascular emergencies. They are trained to respond to specific situations, such as cardiac arrest and stroke. On the other hand, Registered Nurses have a broader scope of practice and can provide care across various medical conditions and settings.

• Certification vs Licensure: ACLS is a certification program, meaning that individuals must complete a specific course and pass an exam to become ACLS certified. This certification is typically valid for two years, after which individuals must renew their certification. Registered Nursing, on the other hand, requires licensure. This means that individuals must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), and meet other state-specific requirements to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.

• Level of Training: ACLS training is typically shorter in duration compared to the education and training required to become a Registered Nurse. ACLS courses can be completed in a matter of days or weeks, while becoming a Registered Nurse requires completing a nursing program, which can take anywhere from two to four years, depending on the level of education pursued (associate degree in nursing or bachelor's degree in nursing).

• Responsibilities and Duties: ACLS providers are primarily responsible for responding to cardiovascular emergencies and providing advanced cardiac life support. They work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to stabilize patients in critical condition. Registered Nurses, on the other hand, have a broader range of responsibilities and duties. They provide direct patient care, administer medications, coordinate patient care plans, and educate patients and their families on managing their health conditions.

ACLS vs Registered Nurse: Job Description

The job descriptions of ACLS providers and Registered Nurses vary significantly due to their different roles and responsibilities. Here's a breakdown of what each position entails:

ACLS Provider:

• Assessing patients in cardiovascular emergencies
• Administering medications, such as anti-arrhythmics and thrombolytics
• Performing advanced cardiac life support procedures, including intubation and defibrillation
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans
• Documenting patient information and maintaining accurate records

Registered Nurse:

• Assessing patients' physical and emotional needs
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
• Performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results
• Collaborating with healthcare team members to develop and implement patient care plans
• Educating patients and their families on managing health conditions and promoting wellness
• Documenting patient information and maintaining accurate records

ACLS vs Registered Nurse: Education and Training

The education and training required to become an ACLS provider and a Registered Nurse differ significantly. Here's what you need to know:

ACLS Provider:

• ACLS certification requires completion of a specific course, which can be completed in a matter of days or weeks.
• The course covers topics such as cardiac arrest algorithms, pharmacology, and advanced cardiac life support procedures.
• After completing the course, individuals must pass an exam to become ACLS certified.
• ACLS certification is typically valid for two years, after which individuals must renew their certification by completing a refresher course.

Registered Nurse:

• Becoming a Registered Nurse requires completing a nursing program, which can take two to four years, depending on the level of education pursued.
• Nursing programs can be pursued at various educational institutions, including community colleges and universities.
• The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
• After completing a nursing program, individuals must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.
• Continuing education is often required to maintain licensure and stay up to date with advancements in the field.

ACLS vs Registered Nurse: Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook and salary prospects for ACLS providers and Registered Nurses can vary. Here's what you can expect:

ACLS Provider:

• ACLS providers often work in emergency departments, intensive care units, or other critical care settings.
• The demand for ACLS providers is expected to grow, as there is an increasing need for healthcare professionals trained in advanced cardiac life support.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for all healthcare practitioners and technical occupations, which include ACLS providers, was $68,190 as of May 2020. However, it's important to note that specific salary figures for ACLS providers may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.

Registered Nurse:

• Registered Nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
• The demand for Registered Nurses is projected to grow significantly, driven by factors such as an aging population and an increased focus on preventive care.
• According to the BLS, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses was $75,330 as of May 2020. However, the earning potential for Registered Nurses can vary depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and specialization.

Final Thoughts

In summary, ACLS and Registered Nurse are both important roles in the healthcare industry, but they have distinct differences in terms of job description, education and training, as well as career outlook and salary. ACLS providers focus primarily on cardiovascular emergencies and require certification, while Registered Nurses have a broader scope of practice and require licensure. When considering a career in healthcare, it's essential to carefully evaluate your interests, skills, and long-term goals to determine which path may be the best fit for you.

Dreambound's programs are accessible in various locations. To gather more information about these two vocations, check out:

• ACLS in Kansas
• Registered Nurse in Kansas
• ACLS classes near you
• Registered Nurse classes near you