Avatar-based simulation virtual learning models in Trauma Nurse Certification Courses. They Work!

At ACLS Academy one of our new Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) training features includes virtual learning modules with avatar-based simulation. 

Virtual reality learning provides a supportive environment for applied practice, the gold standard for learning to provide safe practice spaces to learn from mistakes and hone student’s skills. It is a superior format for immersing learners in realistic interactions that develop and reinforce neural pathways critical for turning new behaviors into habits. 

Interactivity is a key attribute of VR, making it more effective than video demonstration.  Avatar-based virtual reality simulations provide students with the opportunity to put intervention into practice on models to overcome problems they may encounter in real clinics.  Students can develop the nursing skills on virtual patients and perform interventions smoothly and confidently without running the risk of harming real patients. 

Virtual reality simulations boost students’ concentration, engagement, confidence, motivation, and creativity, and allow them to put theory into practice and learn at their own pace.  It also provides them with the opportunity to practice repetitively whenever they want in a safe environment without fear of making mistakes.

Interested in this safe and interactive method of learning TNCC skills? Learn more about our TCNN course with ACLS Academy and see our class schedules here.

Meet The ACLS Academy Co-Founders

After witnessing and responding to a medical emergency at Logan Airport in 2014, Shelley Lynch realized the need for more opportunities to train and educate the general public on CPR and AED use. Along with her husband, Shelley started the ACLS Academy and now provides CPR and AED training to both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals.

Today, we’re sitting down with the duo behind ACLS Academy to learn more about them, their accomplishments, and how you can get involved with their organization.

What made you decide to start ACLS Academy?

ACLS Academy was established by Shelley, with the tenet of providing consistent and accessible American Heart Association education for those in need. For years, Shelley was an AHA instructor, providing education to friends and peers in the workplace. It wasn't until she witnessed a cardiac event in a non-clinical setting that she realized the need for educating the public, too. I had always supported her various endeavors and agreed that this was another excellent example of her meeting a need for the common good. For the first few years, we grew the business in our spare time, from the kitchen table, balancing full-time jobs, grad school, and raising three toddlers.

What is the mission of your organization?

Our initial mission was to provide a first-class education for providers by providers. We have since recognized the need to educate beyond the healthcare provider scope and now offer classes to those people outside of traditional clinical roles.

Since starting ACLS Academy, what accomplishment are you the proudest of?

Wow, great question. It'd be hard to nail down one, as there have been so many accomplishments to be proud of. I’d say the fact that we have 3 Heartsaver Hero’s amongst our team is pretty impressive. I'm also proud of the team we have, their accolades as individuals, and their collective contributions to the local Healthcare community.

Running a business is so rewarding, but it can be hard (especially when you run it with your spouse)! Tell us, how do you push forward when things get difficult?

There is some truth to the additional challenges of running a business with a spouse. I think that because we both respect each other's contributions while recognizing we each have specific skill sets helps. When things get difficult, we see it happen and both take a step back. While we constantly talk 'shop,' we try to differentiate between the office and the kitchen table, which is no easy feat.

What are some of ACLS Academy’s goals for 2022?

2020 and 2021 created such adversity, and we responded creatively. We grew our footprint to allow for more spacious classes and brought in external partners. In 2022 the significant changes will be behind the scenes, improving our back-of-the-house functionality. The goal is to make the end user's ability to sign-up, see available classes, and access resources more readily.

On our vision board for the past five years was applying for AHA Training Center status. We will be pursuing this next step with the AHA this year.

What would make the greatest difference in helping your organization reach its goals?

Continuing to build relationships with industry partners will allow us to reach more students and provide more educational opportunities. The more we teach, the more we learn!

Is there anything you wish more people knew about ACLS Academy and healthcare training?

We are a small, family-run business, started with the intention of providing education for our peers, neighbors, and friends. We provide the same level of attention, care, and patience for everyone, whether they are a local scout group in need of first aid training to a Boston hospital looking to recertify a team of specialized physicians.

How can people get involved in your organization?

We pride ourselves on our reputation in the community and are always looking to grow. We value our team of instructors and our partners in the industry. We highly encourage anyone to reach out and see how our shared goals can align!

9 Summer Activities to Get You Moving

Summer is officially here and with the beautiful warm weather, it’s time to start spending more time outside! Not only is it good for your mental and physical health to get outside for your vitamin D levels but it’s an easy way to help with joint movement. But, keep in mind that extreme heat can cause dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn so it’s important to be prepared when you go outside. Make sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring water with you!

If you’re looking for ways to stay active and get outside this summer, give these summer activities a try!

9 Summer Activities to Get You Moving

Have a Picnic - Whether you simply bring your lunch outside or set up a full picnic in your local park, eating lunch outside is an easy way to break up your day while still keeping a similar schedule. It’s also always an adventure getting to experience the different sights and sounds.

Reinvent Your Green Thumb - There is no greater feeling than growing something yourself from a seed! Try making a vegetable garden outside or plant a few herbs and flowers inside. There are so many options depending on your mobility or lifestyle, too.

Join or Start Your Own Book Club - The best part about reading is that you can do it from anywhere! Grab a friend (or 15!), decide on a book, and get reading. Book clubs are a great way to meet new people and are a fun way to encourage quieter friends to come out of their shell. On nicer days, try meeting outside!

Sign Up for an Exercise Class - It’s no secret that exercising is one of the best ways to move your body! Depending on where you live, your community might have outdoor exercise classes like yoga in a park that you can attend. This is a fun and easy way to get moving and get outside.

Go on a Fishing Excursion - Whether you stay on land or go out in a boat, fishing is a relaxing but fun activity, especially for those with limited mobility.

Visit a Museum - On days that it’s not as nice out, museums are a great way to get moving but stay educated. Most museums offer discounts for seniors and have free admittance days, making them more affordable.

Find a New Hobby - The warm summer weather is a great time to find a new hobby! With all of the birds out, you can give bird watching a try. You can also try knitting and finding a bench in your local park to work on a design. You could also set up a blanket and try painting outside!

Work on a Puzzle - Puzzles aren’t just a great activity for indoors! Find a 500 or so piece puzzle you could complete in a day and bring it outside to your patio. This is a great way to get fresh air and work on your cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination.

Ice Cream Socials - No one wants to pass up ice cream on a hot day! Try hosting an ice cream social with friends and neighbors to get moving, enjoy a cold treat, and stay social.

The Essentials of a Stroke: what you need to know.

Strokes are one of the most common types of medical emergencies, commonly occurring in older adults. It’s likely that you personally know someone or know of someone that has suffered a stroke but what exactly is it? Today, our team at ACLS Academy is breaking down exactly what a stroke is, the different types, symptoms of a stroke, and the risk factors.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to a section of the brain is cut off and the brain cells are deprived of oxygen and start to die. When brain cells start dying off, the functions of that part of the brain can no longer perform. This causes loss of muscle control, memory, and speech.

Every stroke is different so the symptoms and how a person is affected can differ from person to person depending on where the stroke is in the brain.

The Different Types of Strokes

There are two types of strokes: Hemorrhagic and Ischemic.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes make up about 15% of strokes according to the National Stroke Association. This type of stroke happens when blood spills or leaks into the brain from a brain aneurysm burst or a weakened blood vessel leak. This type of stroke can happen intracerebral and subarachnoid.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

This type of bleeding occurs when a blood vessel bursts and leaks blood into the surrounding brain tissue, causing brain cells to die and the affected area to no longer work properly.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

This type of bleeding occurs between the brain and the tissue and is often caused by an aneurysm burst. This typically happens in patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), bleeding disorders, brain injuries, and those taking blood thinners.

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, making up 87% of strokes. This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel going to the brain is blocked by a blood clot, stopping the bleed vessel from delivering blood to the brain. This can happen in two ways - embolic and thrombotic.

Embolic Stroke

This happens when a blood clot or plaque forms in the body and travels to the brain and blocks blood vessels from getting through to their destination. This type of stroke is typically seen in people with atrial fibrillation.

Thrombotic Stroke

This type of stroke happens when a blood clot forms in one of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. This type of stroke is typically seen in people with high cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis.

Signs & Symptoms of a Stroke

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is crucial for ensuring a person gets the medical help they need immediately and makes a difference in treatment options and long-term effects.

Stroke symptoms to look out for:

• Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, and leg, especially on one side of the body

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding

• Sudden issues with sight

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, coordination, or loss of balance

• Sudden severe headache

Stroke Risk Factors

It is often believed that strokes cannot be prevented. While this is true for a lot of uncontrollable risks such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, and family history, there are several lifestyle and medical risk factors that can be managed to reduce stroke risk. These include:

• Eat a healthy diet

• 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week

• Eliminate the use of tobacco products

• Drinking alcohol in moderation

• Take control of high blood pressure or high cholesterol by eating healthy and exercising

Why Train with ACLS Academy?

With so many life support training facilities in the Boston area and across Massachusetts, it can feel overwhelming where to go. Trust us; we’ve been there! So why train with ACLS Academy? Let’s break it down for you!

Our Knowledge

Our instructors have at least five years (but most have 10-20!) of experience working hands-on in hospitals as physicians, registered nurses, and paramedics. Each of our instructors is still actively working in the healthcare industry in addition to teaching courses at ACLS Academy. Because of this, our students get access to the knowledge and experience of our instructors.

Student Satisfaction and Loyalty

ACLS Academy is here for you for the long haul! We have had the pleasure of training thousands of healthcare providers in various life support courses. Our students are consistently coming back for both new courses and recertifications!

We’re Reliable

We have a lengthy instructor list, and our calendar is always packed with course availability and times, so it’s easy to sign up for what course you need and when you need it! We also have three convenient locations around the Boston area (Newton, Quincy, and East Bridgewater), making it even easier to take our classes.

Our Professionalism and Support

We got into the business of teaching life support because we noticed there wasn’t enough in the area to train both healthcare and non-healthcare workers. Our entire staff and our co-founders, Shelley and Chad, are committed to providing you with all the information you need in an easy-to-digest way.

So what do you say? Are you ready to take a course with ACLS Academy? Learn more about our courses here!

7 Strategies to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in men and women in the United States. While some individuals have a genetic predisposition, there are several steps you can take to help prevent the onset of heart disease and reduce your risk.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you’ll feel healthier and more robust.

Exercise Regularly Throughout the Week

Participating in regular exercise or low-impact activity, such as walking, throughout the week can help lower your risk of heart disease, especially when paired with other lifestyle changes. Physical activity will help strengthen your heart and help control your weight, which can help reduce the strain on your heart.

Engaging in 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-5 times per week can offer heart benefits! And that doesn’t mean you have to do high-intensity exercise. Regular everyday activities such as housekeeping, gardening, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and taking your pup for a walk also count!

Before starting a new exercise regiment, consult with your doctor to ensure you’re adapting healthy regimens ideal for your age and health status.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet and limiting (or avoiding) foods high in salt and sugars in certain fats (saturated and trans fats) will help strengthen your heart.

Sources of saturated fats:

• Red meat

• Coconut and palm oils

• Full-fat dairy products

Sources of trans fat:

• Deep-fried foods

• Bakery products

• Packaged snack foods

• Crackers, chips, and cookies

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are extremely healthy options and are great for the heart and digestive system.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight can increase your risk of heart disease and other conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These conditions can impact blood flow to the heart, causing it to work harder. Weight loss, even by a small amount, can help reduce your risk of heart disease.

Manage Stress

Finding healthy ways to manage your stress is imperative for your heart health. Whether through relaxation exercises, meditation, yoga, or general physical activity, try finding a way to cope with the stress that works for you!

Get Regular Health Screenings

So many conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, can have little to no symptoms making these issues go unnoticed. Your healthcare provider will perform tests and screenings during your yearly physical to keep an eye on these conditions.

Depending on several risk factors, your provider might recommend certain screenings earlier or to screen more often.

Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco

What kind of healthcare professionals would we be if we didn’t tell you this? The chemicals in tobacco can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart. Over time, the arteries will become so narrow that blood can no longer travel through them, causing a heart attack. Smoking tobacco, and even secondhand smoke, can increase your risk of a heart attack. By quitting, your risk is significantly reduced.

Get Enough Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can be harmful to your health, and individuals that don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and depression.

Make sleep a priority to avoid damage to your body! Adults need an average of six to nine hours of sleep per night, and sticking to a sleep schedule will help ensure you get an adequate amount of sleep each night.

Tips for Healthy Aging

Americans are now living longer, healthier lives than in past decades. The term healthy goes beyond living a healthy lifestyle with a nutrient-rich diet and exercise and has a lot to do with mental and social wellbeing. As you age, it’s easy to become less social and less active. By taking steps to overcome these hurdles, you’ll age more gracefully, enjoy a more active, stimulating life, and feel younger.

1. Eat Healthy Foods. Everyone has different dietary needs, and consulting your doctor before adjusting your diet is crucial to make sure you’re avoiding the nutrients that won’t benefit your body. Focus on eating vitamin-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Maintain Your Brain. Some cognitive decline is normal as you grow older. As an increasing number of adults have Alzheimer’s Disease, it’s essential to continue to stimulate your brain to slow down cognitive decline. Simple tasks such as puzzles, attending lectures, and reading can make a big difference. Try a new exercise class or learn a new language if you want to push yourself further!

3. Live An Active Life. Living an active lifestyle reduces stress, memory loss, fatigue, and geriatric health conditions. Exercise and staying busy are key to maintaining mental and physical wellbeing.

4. Cultivate Relationships. Maintain relationships with friends and family members by scheduling time to get coffee, talk on the phone, or share a meal. Having social interactions with others decreases feelings of isolation and loneliness, common as you age.

5. Break Up Your Routine. Having the same routine every day can limit brain stimulation. Although many routines are in place for a purpose, you can easily make slight changes to them. When you’re eating, choose a different vegetable than you usually choose. If you’re running to the grocery store, take a different route than usual.

6. Practice Prevention. Many incidents and illnesses are preventable. You can prevent numerous illnesses by getting your yearly flu shot, washing your hands after using the restroom, and before handling any food. To prevent falls, wear appropriate footwear, complete an in-home safety check, exercise to keep your muscles working, keep items off the floor that can be tripped over, and check your vision.

7. Take Charge of Your Health. Whether you are on prescription medication or have had past health ailments, it’s important to take charge of your health and change your lifestyle to help improve any symptoms you might have. Before making any lifestyle changes, consult with your doctor first to figure out what is best for your health concerns

8. Engage in Community Activities. By engaging in community activities that are offered within the community you live in, the opportunity to have fun, meet new people, and make a difference in a non-stressful way can instantly increase your mood!

You, too, can live a long, healthy life if you feed your body, mind, and spirit with positive actions.

Why Learn CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR, is a life-saving technique that helps maintain blood flow between the heart and brain in an emergency.

CPR can save your life, your loved ones’ life, and even a stranger’s life. CPR training is extremely accessible, affordable, and easy to complete. Learning CPR basics will not only empower you in case of an emergency, but you’ll gain skills that will carry you through the rest of your life.

Here are a few reasons why CPR training is crucial.

CPR is a Work Skill

CPR is required for some professions, including lifeguards, child care providers, and healthcare assistants. And while many other jobs do not need CPR certification, having CPR training can be beneficial and valued in any workplace.

CPR is Not Performed Enough

More than half of those who suffer from cardiac arrest don’t receive CPR assistance before an ambulance arrives. The lack of CPR is not only because of the lack of bystanders who know CPR but also because many people who know CPR hesitate in administering CPR because of an aspect of fear.

Taking a CPR course will give you the confidence you need to administer CPR in an emergency.

CPR is Better in Numbers

Sometimes ambulances take longer than expected to arrive. If only one person is performing CPR, they can get tired. A second (or third) individual trained in CPR is needed when fatigue sets in! When an emergency happens in a public place, having more than one person trained in CPR can be beneficial.

Are you interested in learning CPR? Learn more about our Heartsaver course!

Which Life Support Course is Best for Teachers?

Teachers serve a critical role in educating our children. While we hope nothing bad ever happens in school, it is crucial to have appropriately trained teachers in CPR in an emergency. It can be hard to determine which one a teacher needs to take with so many CPR classes out there.

Best CPR Course for Teachers

Several courses are offered through the American Heart Association (AHA), but the best one for teachers is the Heartsaver CPR/First Aid/AED course. We designed for non-healthcare providers, our Heartsaver course providers teachers with the ability to effectively administer CPR, including the use of AEDs to adults, children, and infants.

What You Learn in the Heartsaver Course

When you take our Heartsaver course, you will learn the following:

• Responding to and managing illnesses and injuries in adults, children, and infants.

• First aid basics for first aid emergencies.

• How to perform life-saving skills.

• How to recognize cardiac arrest and what to do until EMS arrives.

After you complete and pass our Heartsaver course, you will be able to provide CPR, first aid, and AED to adults, children, and infants. To learn more and register for Heartsaver, view our class scheduled here!

How to Become an AHA Course Instructor

The American Heart Association (AHA) and ACLS Academy always look for healthcare professionals to conduct life support course training. If you’re passionate about healthcare, feel motivated to facilitate learning, and find it easy to make complex concepts more understandable to others, being an AHA course instructor might be for you!

How to Become an AHA Instructor

Becoming an AHA course instructor is easy! The first step will be consulting with the American Heart Association Training Center to determine whether that Training Center accepts new instructors. Once an Authorized Training Center has accepted you, you’ll complete the Instructor Candidate Application for the Training Center before enrolling in an AHA Instructor Course.

To become an Instructor in a given course, you must have current AHA provider status in that discipline (ACLS, BLS, PALS, Heartsaver).

Once you’ve signed up for the AHA Instructor Course, you will take the online essentials course and complete the didactic classroom course in the discipline before being monitored teaching a class within six months.

Instructor Courses at ACLS Academy

At ACLS Academy, we offer four Instructor Courses: BLS, Heartsaver, ACLS, and PALS. Each didactic part of the course is approximately 4-6 hours long.

Once you complete the course and are monitored teaching a class, you will become an instructor. As an instructor, you will have access to the most current emergency cardiovascular science, course updates, training resources, and tools and can teach AHA courses in your discipline.

To learn more about becoming an AHA course instructor, contact us today!

AED Project in Glendora, Mississippi

At ACLS Academy, we work with various organizations throughout the Boston area, including Six10 AED. In 2019, Six10 AED donated an AED box with funds from UMass Dartmouth students in Glendora, Mississippi. After the installation, ACLS Academy instructor Jenna Kennally and co-founder Shelley Lynch traveled to Mississippi to train Partners in Development staff over four days.

The AED box is secured to the Wellness Center (weatherproof) in Glendora and is locked with a four-digit lock code. When there is an emergency, and someone dials 9-1-1, the person will be given the code to access the AED.

Learn more about Six10 AED in our recent interview with them here.

Scott C. Interview

ACLS Academy is fortunate to have many outstanding healthcare professionals on our staff to train and certify (and re-certify) healthcare providers in BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, and ENPC.

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to ACLS Academy instructor, Scott C. Scott is a paramedic in the emergency department at Melrose Wakefield Hospital, as well as East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. With his 20 years of experience as a paramedic in various settings, Scott is able to give his students valuable insight and knowledge.

Keep reading to get to know Scott, his journey with ACLS Academy, and his favorite hobbies outside of work!

Hi Scott - tell us a little about yourself.

I have been a certified paramedic for 20 years. I have 2 children, ages 8 and 9. In addition, I have 3 fury children, Reba, Luna, and Scout. All 3 of my dogs come from rescue shelters throughout the United States.

What made you want to be in healthcare and start teaching with ACLS Academy?

I started at ACLS Academy as a student for my CPR certification and later took my PALS instructor-level class. Each time I was here, the instructor team was always friendly and had a strong desire to prioritize all the students' success. I knew that I wanted to continue the school’s mission of providing the students with the best learning opportunity possible.

Since starting at ACLS Academy, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

Since joining ACLS Academy, I am excited to become Training Center Faculty to mentor and work with new AHA instructors.

We know from experience that working in healthcare is so rewarding, but it can be challenging! Tell us, how do you push forward when things get difficult?

As a frontline provider, it can, at times, be very challenging. I get my greatest reward from seeing positive outcomes from a tough case. I have always found outdoor activity to affect me positively. It is incredible what a brisk walk or jog in the fresh air can do for you.

What is your best tip for balancing your career and personal life?

Self-care is crucial, whether listening to music and working out or spending the day with my kids. These things help to create a solid balance. My best tip for creating an equal balance is living in the moment and not worrying about stuff we cannot control.

What are some of your favorite things to do when you're not working?

One of my favorite things is to travel each year. I try to find a new tropical paradise that I have yet to explore. I also enjoy being around the water so that you can find me in my swimming pool or the beach in the summertime.

What’s your go-to beverage for a busy day?

My go-to beverage is a Starbucks dark roast to get the day started and plenty of water throughout the day.

What is one goal you’re working towards in 2022?

Being part of an amazing team of Instructors and staff here at ACLS Academy has allowed me to grow in my educational career. To continue my education, I am currently working towards my degree in nursing. My eventual goal is to become a clinical educator in a critical care setting.

5 Tips for Staying Active When It’s Cold Out

The winter season brings on plenty of challenges, especially when you’re trying to stay active. Between cold temperatures, slippery conditions, and fewer daylight hours, it can be hard to stay motivated and get your body moving. But, staying active is one of the best ways to not only stay on track with your fitness goals! It’s also a great way to improve your mental and physical health.

Regular physical activity will help you feel better, will strengthen your bones and muscles, keep you sharp, and even boost immune function, just to name a few benefits. If you’re having a hard time staying active when the weather isn’t great, keep these tips in mind!

Do An At-Home Workout

One of the benefits of technology is how easily accessible it makes it to get exercise without leaving the comfort of your home! There are so many free and low-cost exercise and meditation videos online that help you do cardio, stretch, build strength, and meditate.

Monitor the Weather & Plan Ahead

Staying active in the winter months has so many benefits but that doesn’t mean you have to get out every day. If the weather isn’t great and the conditions are slippery, consider staying inside to keep yourself safe. Always monitor the weather and plan your activities accordingly.

Take a Walk

Taking a walk outside is one of the easiest ways to get your body moving! Call up a friend and take a stroll around your neighborhood or head to a local park or reservation.

Wear Layers

Before you head outside, make sure you’ve dressed appropriately! When you’re outside in a cold environment, dressing warmly in layers that insulate your body but are easy to remove, you avoid getting too warm. You don’t need to go too crazy with your layers either. Opt for just three: an inner layer to wick moisture away from the body (stay away from cotton!), a middle layer that’s heavier (think wool!) to insulate the body, and an outer layer to protect your body against rain and wind.

Watch for Signs of Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite will occur when the cold induces constriction of the blood vessels, ultimately causing the hands, feet, nose, and ears to freeze. Symptoms of frostbite include a change in appearance of the skin and it becoming cold, numb, and painful.

Hypothermia is when body temperature is abnormally low. Some signs and symptoms include intense shivering, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and fatigue.

Meet ACLS Academy Instructor Jenna S.

Since its inception in 2014, ACLS Academy has had the pleasure of adding several outstanding healthcare professionals to our staff to help train and certify healthcare providers in BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, and ENPC. Without our team, we would not be where we are today. Today we have the pleasure of sitting down with and introducing you to ACLS Academy instructor, Jenna S.

Jenna has been a Registered Nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center since 2005 after graduating from Salem State University. In 2007, she joined the Cardiovascular ICU and is currently the night resource nurse for the unit. Jenna is also an ECMO specialist.

Keep reading to get to know Jenna, her journey with ACLS Academy, and her favorite hobbies outside of work!

Hi Jenna - tell us about yourself.

Hi! I have been a registered nurse for 15 years. I am married with two little girls and a dog named Lucky! Birthdays are special for us since my oldest was born 12-12-12, and Lucky was Valentine’s Day!

What made you want to be in healthcare and start teaching with ACLS Academy?

I was referred to ACLS Academy by a colleague of mine. I had been searching to become an instructor and I was having a challenging time finding a place to get certified. Shelley helped me take the path to become an instructor and I am forever grateful!

Since starting at ACLS Academy, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

Since I started my career at ACLS Academy, I am most proud of the people I have met and certified to continue our great work helping save lives!

We know from experience that working in healthcare is so rewarding, but it can be hard! Tell us, how do you push forward when things get difficult?

Healthcare has always been challenging, and as we know, these past two years have been the most challenging. I do my best to stay positive, knowing I am helping make a difference. I love to cook, so that allows me to clear my head.

What is your best tip for balancing your career and personal life?

My best tip is always to take time for your self-care. I love the beach, so I will often walk the beach and enjoy the quiet time. Family and friends are also so important to me. I always make sure that everyone gets a little bit of extra time with me.

When you’re not working, what are some of your favorite things to do?

When I am not working, you will find me at the beach! We live in New England, and the beach is not always warm, so you will find me walking Lucky or outdoors with my girls.

What’s your go-to beverage for a busy day?

Go to beverage is a Starbucks cold brew. I do my best with water by adding a little true lemon. Yum!

What is one goal you’re working towards in 2022?

One of my goals for this year is to continue to be a good human! Also, obtain my certification for PACU and maybe learn to teach PALS! Thank you to Chad and Shelley for this amazing opportunity to work side by side with each of you. What an outstanding team, and I am truly blessed to continue this journey with you!

How to Protect Your Heart When It's Cold Outside

Winter is here, and as temperatures continue to drop, protecting your heart and overall health is crucial, especially for those at high risk due to existing heart disease or stroke, high blood pressure, or being overweight. With increased respiratory infections and increased workload on the heart shoveling snow, there are more deaths from coronary artery disease in the cold winter months than in other seasons.

To help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, follow these tips!

Stay Warm

Cold temperatures can cause coronary heart disease to suffer from chest pain or discomfort, called angina pectoris. When it's cold, windy, and snowing/raining, the heated layer of air around the body is removed, and it causes the body to lose heat faster.

To help stay warm and avoid any discomfort, layer your clothing to form protective insulation. If you’re going outside, make sure to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves to help keep your body warm.

Avoid Sudden Cold Weather Exertion

Shoveling snow can be a healthy form of exercise, but if you’re typically sedentary, are in poor physical condition, or have risk factors, a sudden snowstorm and having to shovel can put extra strain on your heart. If possible, avoid shoveling or even walking through heavy, wet snow to avoid straining your heart.

Recognize Signs of Hypothermia

When your body can’t produce enough energy to keep your body warm enough, hypothermia can occur, which can kill you. Children, the elderly, and individuals with heart disease are at a higher risk for hypothermia and heart failure.

Being aware of the symptoms of hypothermia can help you act fast before it’s too late! Some symptoms include lack of coordination, mental confusion, slowed reactions, shivering, and sleepiness.

Avoid Drinking Alcohol Before Heading Outside

While alcohol can give you the feeling of warmth from the blood vessels expanding in the skin, it draws blood away from the body’s vital organs. To help avoid the likelihood of hypothermia, be sure to avoid alcohol consumption and physical activity in harsh winter weather conditions.

Be Prepared for an Emergency by Knowing CPR

CPR is a life skill and will allow you to jump into action if an emergency occurs. If you think a person is suffering cardiac arrest, follow these steps.

1. Check for response

2. Call 9-1-1 for help

3. Check for no breathing or only gasping - If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, begin CPR with compressions

4. Begin CPR - Push down two inches in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 pushes a minute and allow the chest to come back up to its normal position after each push

5. AED - If there’s an AED accessible, turn it on and follow the prompts

6. Continue with CPR until the person starts to breathe and move or until help arrives

NRP Updates

In June, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released the 8th Edition of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). While NRP instructors can teach the 7th edition until January 1, 2022, ACLS Academy has been working to roll out the 8th Edition over the last few months this past November.

New Materials Part of NRP 8th Edition

The Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation, 8th Edition has 11 lessons and 3 supplemental lessons.

There are two new levels of NRP provider learning:

• NRP Essentials - Includes skills through face-mask ventilation and laryngeal mask insertion.

• NRP Advanced - Includes chest compressions and resuscitation skills for tern and preterm newborns.

NRP 8th Edition Practice Changes

With NRP, 8th Edition, there are now two course offerings to help ensure NRP providers can excel in the material most relevant to their role and personnel resources. These courses are as follows.

NRP Essentials - For anyone involved in the care of a newborn

• Responsible for the material l in lessons 1-4 only.

• NRP Essentials students may study additional lessons (lessons 5-11 and supplemental lessons) but will not be tested on it.

• Most appropriate for healthcare professionals responsible for caring for a newborn at birth when there are no apparent perinatal/neonatal risk factors and for those who care for healthy newborns after birth.

NRP Advanced - For anyone expected to participate in resuscitation beyond PPV

• Responsible for the material in lessons 1-11.

• NRP Advanced students may study the supplemental lessons but will not be tested on it.

• Most appropriate for healthcare professionals who serve as members of the resuscitation team in the delivery room or in other settings where complex neonatal resuscitation is required.

What Stays the Same for NRP 8th Edition?

While there are some big changes for NRP 8th Edition, there are several things that will remain the same from the 7th Edition. These include:

• The AAP requires NRP Provider Card renewal every 2 years.

• Any person that works with newborns is eligible to take an NRP Provider course.

• NRP does not certify or ensure competence to perform resuscitation skills in an actual resuscitation.

• The recommended NRP instructor to learned ratio is 1 instructor to 3-4 learners.

To learn more about the NRP 8th Edition, click here.

If you’re ready to sign up for one of our upcoming NRP courses, register here.

Goals to Set for a Healthy New Year

With 2022 just around the corner, it’s officially the time of year that people start creating a list of resolutions and goals for the new year. So often, people forget about their resolutions within weeks. A major factor in why this happens is that so many people (us included!) create unrealistic goals that make it easy to give up.

This year, consider setting small, realistic goals that’ll help you boost your physical and mental health instead of putting an unnecessary amount of pressure on yourself!

Not sure where to start? Consider these goals for a happy and healthy 2022.

Drink More Water

Your body relies on water to function, and drinking more water is one of the easiest ways to improve your health! If you’re an active person or work out a lot, always drink water before, during, and after any physical exercise, so you don’t get dehydrated.

Eat More Plants

Eating a plant-rich diet can help protect the body against illness and certain conditions and provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function correctly.

Read a Book a Month

Not only is reading a great way to learn about different cultures and perspectives, but it’s also a great way to relax and ease any feelings of overwhelm, especially before bed! If reading books isn’t your thing, try a podcast, audiobook, or even picking up a new magazine with articles that interest you.

Limit Your Screen Time

No matter what your lifestyle looks like (or what you do for a job!), you’re likely spending a large percentage of your day on some sort of screen and reducing your screen time wherever you can help you feel better and more productive.

A Few Ways to Limit Screen Time:

• Remove social media apps from your phone

• Put your phone away an hour before bed

• Instead of texting with friends and family, give them a call

• Write out your shopping list on paper

Find an Exercise Routine That Works for You

How often do you find yourself saying you need to exercise more but never end up doing it? Instead of setting lofty goals of running three times a week and going to the gym the other days, start small. Start with walking (or a slow jog) a few days of the week, stretching daily, and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

And remember - just because one exercise routine works for one person doesn’t mean it needs to work for you. Find activities that work for YOU!

Write Down What You’re Thankful For

It can be so easy to fall into the cycle of everyday life and forget about all the amazing things around you that allow you to have the lifestyle you do. When you first get up in the mornings, write down one thing you’re thankful for to help you re-center the way you think.

It can be small things, too! A few things we’re thankful for today: warm cups of coffee on a chilly day, being able to celebrate the holiday season with family, and delicious leftovers for lunch.

ACLS Academy wishes you a happy and healthy new year!

Which Course is Best for Physical Therapists?

Physical therapists serve a critical role in helping patients manage pain and movement in the healthcare industry and are also key members of the rehabilitation stage after medical emergencies. Since physical therapists work so hands-on with patients, they must be appropriately trained in CPR if an emergency happens.

Best CPR Course for Physical Therapists

Several courses are offered through the American Heart Association (AHA), but the best one for physical therapists is the Basic Life Support (BLS) course. Designed for nurses, doctors, medical & dental assistants, EMS professionals, and physical and occupational therapists, BLS teaches single-rescuer and team basic life support skills for application in pre-hospital and in-facility environments.

What You Learn in the BLS Provider Course

When you take our BLS course, you will earn:

• CPR for adults, children, and infants.

• The importance of early use of AED.

• Ventilation using a barrier device.

• The importance of teams in multi rescuer resuscitation and the importance of an effective team member.

• Relief of foreign-body airway obstruction for adults and children.

After you complete and pass our Basic Life Support (BLS) course, you will be able to provide high-quality CPR and will receive your course competition card. To get more information and register for BLS, view our class schedule!

Stress Management Tips Around the Holidays

The holiday season is always a joyful time, but it can also be stressful. Whether you’re feeling pressured to buy and give gifts, worry about money, or plan to host family to celebrate the holiday season, things can feel hectic and overwhelming.

To help manage your stress during the season and to enjoy it a little bit more, we’re sharing our best stress management tips!

Don’t Lose Sight of What Matters

With all the extra pressures of gifting, budgeting, and hosting, it can be easy to lose sight of what matters during the holiday season - spending time with your loved ones. When you’re feeling frustrated or stressed, take a moment to reflect on what the holidays mean.

Take time to compliment someone, take inventory of the good things in your life, and do kind things for those around you.

Accept Imperfection

Are you always looking for ways to make things bigger and better than last year? Instead of getting stressed about being better, focus on accepting imperfections. Go with the flow, acknowledge things might not go as planned, and if it’s not perfect - that’s okay!

Always Respond with Kindness

While we can’t change how those around us act around the holidays, we can always respond with kindness and be compassionate to them. They might be experiencing a hard time, and the way they are acting towards you isn’t personal.

Ask for Help

Whether you’re trying to get your holiday shopping complete or figure out what to cook for a holiday meal, don’t let the stress get to you! When you need help, ask for it. Your loved ones will want to help and be part of the planning process with you. Plus, it’s extra time you can spend together!

ACLS Academy wishes you a Happy Stress-Free Holiday Season!

Why Choose ACLS Academy for Your Certification

Selecting an education center for your BLS, ACLS, and PALS training and certification can be overwhelming, but at ACLS Academy, we’re making it easy. ACLS Academy is an American Heart Association (AHA) aligned training center and is a recognized leader in resuscitation education. American Heart Association trained providers teach all our courses that provide professional, high-quality ACLS, PALS, BLS & Heartsaver classes.

High-Quality Training Saves Lives

All our classes are taught by bedside ED Physicians, Nurse practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Critical Care Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, and PACU Nurses. We can help improve patient outcomes by teaching the evidence-based guidelines from the American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Emergency Nurses Association on cardiac arrest, choking, identifying of an overdose, first aid, trauma care.

Care that is simply “good enough” won’t cut it! Our patients depend on high-quality care from their healthcare providers to survive, and with our classes, you’ll be able to provide them with that care.

Your Trusted Source for Training

Choosing a training provider based on the class price can cost you in the long run, which is why it’s crucial to select a training center that is experienced. At ACLS Academy, all our instructors are current bedside providers. The classes incorporate:

• High-quality CPR knowledge and skills competence

• Highly effective team skills and dynamics

• Chain of Survival approach

• Advanced Courses to meet your needs

Our Locations

With three convenient locations throughout the Greater Boston area, it’s easy to complete your certification around your busy schedule. We are located in Newton Center, Quincy, and East Bridgewater.

Ready to train with ACLS Academy? Check out our upcoming class schedule and register for your certification or recertification today!