CPR certification for nurses
Working nurses need BLS Provider, and many units add ACLS or PALS. What your employer is likely to require, and how to keep it current.
This guide has not yet been reviewed by a certified instructor. It is written from published course materials — confirm requirements with your employer or school.
Which certification is requested
BLS Provider is the baseline for practising nurses in almost every setting. Beyond that, the requirement depends on the unit:
- Emergency, critical care, telemetry, PACU, cath lab — BLS plus ACLS.
- Paediatrics, NICU, paediatric emergency — BLS plus PALS, and NRP in some neonatal settings.
- Medical-surgical, clinic, outpatient, school nursing — BLS is often sufficient.
Employers set this, not the state board in most cases, so two hospitals in the same city can differ.
Which issuing organizations are accepted
Hospitals most commonly specify the American Heart Association, particularly for BLS, ACLS and PALS. The American Red Cross is accepted by many employers but not universally in clinical settings.
If your employer's policy names the AHA, treat that as a hard requirement rather than a preference.
Is online-only enough?
No. BLS, ACLS and PALS all require hands-on skills assessment. Blended formats — coursework online, then a skills session with an instructor — are widely accepted and are usually the fastest option for someone working shifts.
For ACLS and PALS renewals, look for formats described as HeartCode or flipped, which compress the classroom time considerably.
How often you need to renew
Two years for BLS, ACLS and PALS. Employers generally expect a card to be current for the whole of a scheduling period, so renew ahead of expiry rather than in the month it lapses. A lapsed card can mean being pulled from the schedule.
What to verify with your employer
- Which certifications your specific unit requires, not just the hospital baseline.
- Whether AHA is mandatory or another issuing organization is accepted.
- Whether they run in-house classes — many hospitals do, often free.
- Whether they will reimburse an external class if you book your own.
- How far in advance of expiry they expect the renewal to be completed.
Requirements vary by employer, unit and state, and they change. Confirm with your employer before booking.