ACQUIRED LEARNINGS FROM ARRYTHMIAS AND ACLS SEMINAR

Attending the recent Life Threatening Arrythmias and Advanced Cardiac Life Support
(ACLS) seminar on September 18th was an invaluable experience as I prepare to embark on my
nursing career. These life-saving skills are of paramount importance in the healthcare field. BLS
taught us the fundamental techniques for aiding individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or
respiratory failure. Understanding the significance of early defibrillation, effective chest
compressions, and proper airway management can be the difference between life and death in
critical situations. Furthermore, the ACLS course delved into more advanced cardiac
interventions, equipping us with the knowledge and skills to handle complex cardiac
emergencies, such as myocardial infarctions and arrhythmias.

One key takeaway from the seminar was the critical importance of teamwork in
emergency situations. Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare
professionals can significantly enhance patient outcomes during resuscitation efforts. This
underscores the fact that nursing is a highly collaborative profession, and being well-versed in
BLS and ACLS ensures that I can contribute to the healthcare team's success.

The Basic Life Support (BLS) seminar highlighted five fundamental standards that are
essential for healthcare professionals, including nursing students, to grasp. Firstly, recognizing
cardiac arrest promptly is paramount, involving the assessment of unresponsiveness and
abnormal breathing. Secondly, early and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is
emphasized, with the importance of correct compression depth and rate, maintaining a rhythm of
100-120 compressions per minute, and ensuring full chest recoil between compressions.

Another crucial aspect is early defibrillation using an automated external defibrillator

(AED) for certain arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation. Additionally, proper airway
management techniques, like head-tilt and chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuvers, are highlighted to
maintain a clear and open airway. Lastly, supportive care, which includes adequate ventilation,
monitoring vital signs, and administering appropriate care, ensures continuous support for the
patient until advanced life support providers arrive or the patient responds positively to
treatment. These standards are integral in equipping nursing students like us to respond
effectively during cardiac emergencies, saving lives, and upholding patient care excellence.

Additionally, the seminar focused on reading and understanding pertinent ECG patterns,
a skillset that is essential for identifying cardiac irregularities and arrhythmias. Recognizing ECG
patterns, such as ST-segment elevation or bundle branch blocks, can guide clinical decisions and
interventions, ultimately improving patient care and safety. Common EKG patterns and their
implications are crucial aspects of cardiovascular assessment in healthcare. Normal Sinus
Rhythm (NSR) signifies a healthy heart rate and rhythm, while Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) reflects
irregular atrial activity, increasing the risk of blood clots and stroke. Atrial Flutter presents with a
regular, fast atrial rhythm, potentially causing palpitations. Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach) is
characterized by wide QRS complexes, indicating a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia,
which can lead to hemodynamic compromise. ST-segment elevation in EKG, known as STEMI
(ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction), is a red flag for acute heart attack, requiring immediate
intervention. Conversely, ST-segment depression can indicate myocardial ischemia or
subendocardial infarction. Understanding these patterns enables healthcare professionals to
diagnose and manage cardiac conditions effectively, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

This newly acquired knowledge empowers me as a student nurse to be a more proactive advocate
for my patients, ensuring timely interventions when needed. And as I prepare to begin my duties
as a student nurse in a hospital, I now feel more confident and equipped to handle emergency
situations. These seminar gave me the confidence to provide high-quality care to my patients. I
am excited to put these newly acquired skills and knowledge into practice and make a positive
impact on the lives of those I will be caring for.