In the field of healthcare, there are many different roles and certifications available. Two of these roles are the Acute Care Nursing Assistant and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support). While both roles are important in the healthcare industry, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore what an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and ACLS are, the difference between the two, their job descriptions, education and training requirements, as well as their career outlook and salary potential.

Introduction

Healthcare is a vast and diverse field that requires a variety of professionals to provide quality care to patients. Acute Care Nursing Assistants and ACLS certified individuals are just two examples of the many roles available in healthcare. These roles require different levels of training and have different responsibilities, but both are crucial in providing care to patients in need.

What is an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and ACLS?

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• An Acute Care Nursing Assistant is a healthcare professional who works closely with registered nurses and other medical staff to provide direct patient care in acute care settings such as hospitals and clinics.
• They assist with activities of daily living, monitor vital signs, collect specimens, and provide emotional support to patients.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants may also help with medical procedures, such as wound care and basic life support.

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support):

• ACLS is a certification that healthcare professionals can obtain to provide advanced care for patients experiencing cardiac emergencies.
• ACLS certified individuals are trained in advanced cardiac life support techniques, including identifying and treating life-threatening arrhythmias, managing cardiac arrest, and administering medications.
• ACLS certified individuals are typically healthcare professionals such as registered nurses, paramedics, and physicians.

Difference between an Acute Care Nursing Assistant and ACLS

• Acute Care Nursing Assistants primarily provide direct patient care and support under the supervision of registered nurses, while ACLS certified individuals are trained to respond to cardiac emergencies and provide advanced life support.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics, while ACLS certified individuals can work in various healthcare settings, but their focus is on responding to cardiac emergencies.
• Acute Care Nursing Assistants do not require ACLS certification, while ACLS certified individuals often have additional certifications and training beyond their basic healthcare education.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs ACLS: Job Description

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
• Monitoring and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
• Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care, catheter insertion, and basic life support.
• Collecting specimens and performing basic laboratory tests.
• Providing emotional support to patients and their families.
• Assisting with patient transportation within the healthcare facility.
• Documenting patient information and maintaining medical records.

ACLS certified individual:

• Responding to cardiac emergencies and providing advanced life support.
• Identifying and treating life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Managing cardiac arrest and performing CPR.
• Administering medications, such as epinephrine and antiarrhythmic drugs.
• Performing advanced airway management techniques.
• Collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care during cardiac emergencies.
• Documenting patient information and maintaining accurate records of interventions performed during cardiac emergencies.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs ACLS: Education and Training

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• Education: Acute Care Nursing Assistants typically complete a state-approved nursing assistant training program, which can range from a few weeks to a few months in length. These programs often include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
• Certification: After completing a nursing assistant training program, individuals must pass a state competency exam to become certified as a nursing assistant.
• Training: Acute Care Nursing Assistants receive on-the-job training from registered nurses and other medical staff to learn the specific procedures and protocols of their healthcare facility.

ACLS certified individual:

• Education: ACLS certification is typically obtained by healthcare professionals who have completed a basic healthcare education program, such as registered nurses, paramedics, and physicians. These individuals have already obtained a degree or diploma in their respective field.
• Certification: ACLS certification is obtained by completing an ACLS training course, followed by a written exam and a skills evaluation. This certification must be renewed every two years.
• Training: ACLS training courses provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to cardiac emergencies and provide advanced life support. These courses include both classroom instruction and hands-on practice.

Acute Care Nursing Assistant vs ACLS: Career Outlook and Salary

Acute Care Nursing Assistant:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing elderly population and the need for long-term care services.
• The median annual wage for nursing assistants was $30,850 in May 2020, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $23,280 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $42,490.

ACLS certified individual:

• Since ACLS certification is typically obtained by healthcare professionals who are already working in the field, the career outlook and salary will vary depending on the specific profession.
• Registered nurses, for example, have a projected employment growth of 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, with a median annual wage of $75,330 as of May 2020.
• Paramedics, on the other hand, have a projected employment growth of 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, with a median annual wage of $37,850 as of May 2020.

Final Thoughts

Both Acute Care Nursing Assistants and ACLS certified individuals play important roles in the healthcare industry, but they have different responsibilities and training requirements. Acute Care Nursing Assistants provide direct patient care and support, while ACLS certified individuals respond to cardiac emergencies and provide advanced life support. The education and training required for these roles also differ, with Acute Care Nursing Assistants completing a nursing assistant training program and ACLS certified individuals obtaining certification through an ACLS training course. The career outlook and salary potential for these roles also vary depending on the specific profession. Ultimately, both roles are crucial in providing quality care to patients in need.

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• Acute Care Nursing Assistant in Alabama
• ACLS in Alabama
• ACLS classes near you