N479 Professional Activity Evaluation Form

Your Name: Haley Kennedy Date of Activity: 10/1/19 Faculty name: Mary O’Connell

Describe the community service/professional activity/s you attended or participated with (be
specific about the purpose and your role):

The professional activity I completed was an ACLS class. The purpose of this class was to
become proficient in providing advanced cardiac life support including being able to read life
threatening ECG rhythms, perform as a leader in emergency situations, and know which
medications to use in what situation. My role in this class was to be a student.

Where was this held and what was was program/activity length?

This particular class was through Firehouse ACLS/CPR Solutions. The instructor actually taught
the class out of his own home but works under CPR Solutions in Phoenix, which is an accredited
ACLS program through the American Heart Association. The class was 8 hours, 8 am-4 pm.

Discuss the value of this experience to you (be specific).

I learned so much during this 8-hour class. I feel much more comfortable with reading ECG
rhythms. I learned the different algorithms the AHA has for emergency situations such as cardiac
arrest and symptomatic bradycardia. I learned which medications are indicated for which
situation and heart rhythm. I also became more comfortable in being able to lead a team in an
emergency situation.

How would you continue to use this experience throughout your nursing career?

This is a certification that is recommended, if not required, for almost every nursing position.
The neurological unit I have applied to requires ACLS training either before employment or
sometime during the orientation process. These will be skills I can use in my nursing practice as
well as in an emergency situation outside of the hospital. I will continue to become recertified in
this skill as I progress through my career.
Would you recommend this specific communnity/professional experience in the future; why or
why not? (Describe)

I would definitely recommend Firehouse ACLS specifically for getting this certification. The
instructor was a retired paramedic and was very knowledgeable in this area. Not only that, but he
was able to explain concepts that I have been confused about in nursing school so well. ECG
reading has always been very difficult for me, but he had many tips and tricks on how to
remember different rhythms. Overall, I would highly recommend becoming trained in ACLS as
this has allowed me to feel more confident in handling an emergency situation in my nursing
career.

Brochure or proof of attendance obtained if applicable? Certification hardcopy Signature on

validation of clinical hours form obtained? Yes