NAGE Local R 3-19 advises all of the bargaining unit employees who are required to have ACLS training to seek VA funding for the ACLS program. We do not believe any RN should bear the cost of this training individually.

In accordance with VAMHCS Memorandum 512-11/COS-038, Staff Training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), dated August 2009, ACLS is required for RNs (1) administering medication to induce moderate sedation and monitoring patients receiving moderate sedation; (2) RNs working in the Intensive Care Units, Stabilization Unit, Cardiac Cath lab, GI lab, Emergency room, Urgent Care area, PAC, Interventional Radiology, and the most of the NODs; and (3)RNP who assist with critical care procedures or surgeries.

Much the ACLS training has been accomplished through the CHEP services. CHEP offers four (4) two day training sessions and four (4) one day refresher classes annually. These programs have 10 slots each reserved for VAMHCS employees. Recently, CHEP increased their fee to a cost of $75 per individual for each training session. Prior to this time CHEP fee was minimally. Historically, most RN paid for this training from their monies as the fee was minimal and because of the unwieldiness of the paperwork required getting payment reimbursement.

Completion of the web based program, Heart Code that is offered through Nursing Education, which results in an ACLS certificate, is more of testing program than an effective training session. The web based Heart Code simulations are designed to test only one participant at a time. Heart Code can be very time consuming both for the individual participant as well as Nursing Education. Furthermore, many RNs have found the Heart Code program to be less supportive in terms of learning in comparison to an instructor lead hands on program.

Additionally, there are numerous other companies that offer ACLS training at a substantially higher cost per session.

In accordance with the Master Agreement between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Association of Government Employees, Article 19, Training and Career Development, Section 3 (A) – Management will pay all expenses, including tuition and travel, in connection with training required and requested by management to perform the duties of an employee’s current position or a position to which an employee has been assigned.

Please check with your immediate supervisor regarding the process to seek VA funding on the requisite training for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). For any RN who is denied VAMHCS funding, NAGE encourages you to contact a Local NAGE representative.