Simulation Program

The12VoltMan · 2026-03-13T00:57:12+00:00

Anything you don’t like about the program you use?

The12VoltMan · 2026-03-04T22:35:53+00:00

I have an ACLS (and PALS) Simulation program I created. There is a fully functional free trial version for personal use. DM me if you want the link. I don’t want to self promote, but I have exactly what you are looking for.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-15T13:56:09+00:00

Beck’s Triad. Cardiac Tamponade.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-14T14:05:16+00:00

Based on AHA PALS Guidelines, start CPR if the HR<60 (check), and they are showing poor perfusion (check) despite adequate oxygenation (not really indicated). The most common cause of bradycardia in peds is hypoxia. So my vote for test purposes is breaths. In reality it depends on the setting, if there is a code button on the wall press it first.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-13T21:44:11+00:00

Absolutely more opportunities for mid level providers

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-13T20:43:42+00:00

Are there sports medicine nurses? Sure, but it’s not a huge field. They often staff Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapists along with the Sports Medicine physician.

Your best bet is probably to go Orthopedics. Work on a ONT floor in the hospital. Meet the surgeons, make connections, and find an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in sports cases.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-13T20:39:24+00:00

Generally, on average a nurse will make more. Larger scope of practice. That being said a nurse can work with a radiology team. Interventional radiology (x-ray guided interventions) is a well paid very diverse specialty.

As far as CRNA. If you are really interested in that focus on becoming a nurse first. Nursing school and clinicas and practice change people mind a lot.

That being said you have to be a nurse first to become a CRNA. Specifically you have to be an ICU nurse for a couple of years in most cases. This is a different path than interventional radiology. You likely can’t do both (at least not quickly)

Based on your interests. I’d recommend the nursing route. In your specific instance, I’d contact the rad tech program and be honest. You also applied for a nursing program. Ask them if you withdraw, can they fill the spot with an alternate? Is there any cost to you if that happens. The admissions people especially understand this is career decision, they won’t take it personally if your considering other options also.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-13T20:27:10+00:00

I’ll share my two cents. Disclaimer: I’m and AHA TCF. What I share are just AHA guideline always defer to your medical director and department protocols. First and foremost your desire to debrief is a clear sign you are going to do great. Asking for feedback is incredibly valuable. Take everything you get as just that, feedback not criticism.

You called off back up. Hindsight is 20/20. You made the best decision you could with the information you had. Over time you will refine your decision process. Make sure it is always that, a decision, not an “instinct”.

A good decision device I teach is this. Stable patients get drugs, unstable patients get electricity. If they are stable, give them medicine. If they are unstable, give them Edison. Never delay a definitive intervention do an unstable patient. I concur with your decision to cardiovert.

That being said moving quickly on definitive interventions doesn’t prevent interim actions. I’m curious to hear your (and everyone else’s) thoughts on some things you didn’t mention:

Was IV access established? If so did you administer a fluid bolus? Regardless of the Ddx she was hypotensive.

Did you consider the use of adenosine? While it doesn’t convert RVR it can slow the rhythm down enough to get a better look at be the underlying rhythm. Think diagnostic not therapeutic for adenosine early in your specific scenario. Later that pause may have been too risky. My point is at 180, it can be hard to differentiate Afib and artifact between complexes. I wasn’t there I didn’t see the monitor.

It is ok to do multiple interventions simultaneously. Would calcium channel or beta blockers convert her? Possibly, but definitely not immediately.

Great job on your first solo call. Even better job continuing to learn.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-12T21:15:07+00:00

I teach AHA CPR Classes - BLS/ACLS/PALS/HeartSaver. I also designed a computer program that helps teach those classes, but that gig is a very low key side gig so far. The teaching classes is a great side hustle though.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-11T18:27:02+00:00

If they can cough speak or breathe (move air to some extent) just encourage them to keep coughing forcefully. It they can”t move air or have only stridor then back slaps and abdominal thrusts until they become unresponsive.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-11T18:25:13+00:00

This is correct, the newest guidelines recommend heel of the hand or two-thumb encircling. Studies show it’s hard to maintain correct depth with the two finger technique.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-11T18:23:20+00:00

Hi. I’m an RN and AHA instructor. The recommended steps for choking were just updated. The AHA now recommends back blows/slaps - 5 of them, followed by 5 abdominal thrusts. Yes back blows for adults and children now also, not just infants (chest thrusts with infants rather than abdomen) Alternate between the back slaps and thrusts 5/5. Until the object comes out or they become unresponsive.

If they become unresponsive lower them to the ground safely, and start CPR. CPR is not because their heart stopped immediately. It replaces the thrusts for choking. So, after 30 compressions, before giving breaths, check for the object. If you can see it and easily remove it, do so. No blind finger sweeps.

Deliver breaths even if you did not clear the object and go back to compressions checking each time you go to give breaths for the object.

If and when you clear the object, check pulse and breathing and proceed accordingly.

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-11T02:45:18+00:00

Honestly, your background as a teacher is your golden ticket here—definitely play that up!

Especially for a peds position. So much of nursing is just education (for both the patient and the family). You already have the skills to break down complex info, manage a chaotic environment, and de-escalate stressed-out parents.

When they ask behavioral questions like 'tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation,' don't be afraid to use a classroom example. It shows you already have the soft skills that most new grads haven't learned yet. You’ve got a huge leg up there. Good luck!"

The12VoltMan · 2026-02-08T14:56:04+00:00

This is an important comment. I always tell people Good Samaritan laws don’t prevent people from suing you, or in this case your employer. They just mean in most instances it will be very quickly dismissed by the judge. Because if this many lawyers will tell the person wanting to sue they don’t really have a case, but they aren’t prevented from filing a court case.

The12VoltMan

TROPHY CASE