Making your way to a successful career is done by continuously learning, and refreshing your skills but also not being afraid to experience new things and put them into practice. To always do your best, you need to think outside of your comfort zone. If you have been researching PALS certification, then you probably need it for your job or for looking after someone in your family. Here we will cover the meaning of this skill, how to obtain this certification and which jobs require it.
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What Is PALS Certification?
PALS stands for Pediatric Advanced Life Support. It is a skill similar to BLS (Basic Life Support) and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) but far more advanced and dedicated to treating ill or injured children who are at risk of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies.
Children require specific treatment and respond differently than adults. Their bodies are formed in a way that whether you perform basic CPR, you may hurt them or not help them when they need urgent medical care. The heartbeat of an infant is distinct from that of a grown person. Performing CPR on an adult means putting a lot of pressure on their chest which must not be the same when helping an injured child. These are one of many reasons why PALS exists and why children need special treatment. Training to learn the skill should be approved by the Board Certified Physicians and be designed according to the latest standards and guidelines. This way you get a program with the latest research and examples.
How Can You Get A PALS Certification?
Depending on how much time you have, you can pick between in-person classes and online training. Both options offer you certification and guarantee that you are prepared to perform PALS when needed. Of course, you should check if the programs are legitimate and their certification is accepted.
With not much time to spare, people who need this skill turn to online learning platforms. This way they can proceed with daily obligations and learn PALS anytime and anywhere. They are not required to go to a classroom because all the material is available online. After completing all the activities, you can get a PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification and add this valuable skill to your resume. For certain job positions, it is requested you renew your accreditation. It is common in healthcare because doctors and nurses need to react swiftly and systematically.
Do You Need This Certification?
If you are thinking about working in healthcare, this is a requirement. People working in emergency response, intensive and critical care need to know PALS. This also goes to doctors and nurses working in pediatrics. This training is also good preparation for medical students whose goal is working with infants and children. It gives them an overview of what they could expect in emergencies and if they are ready to react properly.
Let’s not forget jobs outside healthcare. There are various career opportunities for people who love being around children and want to be a part of someone’s growth but are not looking for a medical career. Such jobs are a teacher, a daycare worker, or a social worker. One of their daily obligations is children’s safety and having a PALS accreditation makes a huge difference in urgent situations.
Lastly, being a parent is the greatest job of all, yet not an easy one. Attending PALS classes is not obligatory for new parents but you feel safer when you or your partner know the basic steps to take if your child needs immediate medical assistance. When you wait for the emergency team, these minutes can be life-saving.
The Takeaway
No matter where you work or what your goals are, working with babies and children is a great responsibility. They are young and completely rely on you. It is enough reason to start your PALS training. Also, continuously working on your education shows your ambition and will to work on yourself whenever you get the chance.