6 Essential Tips For Excelling In The Hands-on Pals Class

Providing emergency medical care to sick or hurt children can be challenging, even for the most experienced healthcare workers. It is essential for anyone whose job involves taking care of kids to get a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification. 

The PALS course covers critical emergency response skills for working with children. These include figuring out what is wrong with an injured child, giving the right emergency treatments, and working with a team of doctors and nurses who help children in emergencies. Mastering these abilities can mean the difference between life and death for a sick or hurt child.

While learning these critical skills, the hands-on test part of PALS can cause stress and worry. However, preparation is crucial in overcoming fears about how you will do things and feeling confident about getting PALS certification.

This article discusses six essential tips for healthcare providers to excel in the hands-on skills evaluation of the PALS class. 

1. Review Materials Before Class

One of the best ways to prepare is by reviewing course materials before class. Familiarize yourself with pediatric anatomy, the PALS algorithms, emergency medications and dosages, common pediatric emergencies, and the equipment you will use during skills stations. 

Many training providers offer pre-course materials online to help with reviews. Spend time reading through these and making notes of any areas in which you need extra practice. Going into the hands on pals class with at least a basic understanding of topics will allow you to focus on skills rather than spend time learning new concepts. 

It also relieves some pressure so you can fully engage during hands-on lessons without worrying as much about absorbing new information simultaneously. 

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2. Practice Skills at Home

While reading helps, lots of practice is best. Before class, practice CPR, using a bag and mask, setting up emergency medicines, using an AED, starting IVs, and intubating at home if possible. You can use baby dolls or find how-to videos online. 

Focus on learning the essential steps and movements well. The more comfortable you feel and the more able you use basic skills before, the less pressure you will feel during the tests. It also lets you use class time to perfect minor details rather than learning skills from scratch.

Spending extra time reviewing the skills yourself will help you be relaxed and confident when it is time to demonstrate what you know in class.

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3. Bring a Support Buddy

It can help to bring a study partner, classmate, or colleague to skills practice sessions. Take turns practicing skills on each other and providing feedback. Have your buddy time your CPR cycles and check for complete chest compressions and ventilation volumes. They can also act as observers during mock codes to point out anything you missed. Their perspective will help identify areas for improvement and better prepare you to work as part of a pediatric emergency response team.

Consider enrolling and studying with others who are also taking the PALS course. Working through protocols and relying on peers for practice observations can exponentially enhance retained knowledge and skills performance over solely independent preparation. The mutual learning and support network afforded by a study buddy aids PALS students tremendously as examinations approach.

4. Get Plenty of Rest Before Class

Hands-on skills evaluation requires mental acuity and focus. Make sure to get a good night’s rest before your PALS class. Fatigue can negatively impact your performance, so it’s best to be well-rested. Rest will prepare your body and help your mind stay sharp during the simulated emergencies.

Catching up on sleep in the days leading up to PALS testing, if needed, will leave you feeling recharged and ready to tackle challenges across sessions effectively. Beginning the class feeling refreshed optimizes your problem-solving and recall under pressure on the assessment day. Adequate rest is thus an often overlooked but highly impactful preparation method to rely on clear thinking and composed responses throughout live skills evaluations.

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5. Dress Comfortably 

The PALS class involves spending all day practicing skills. Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows entire body movement. Avoid bulky or tight outfits. 

Also, consider pulling long hair back so it’s out of your face and taking off hanging jewelry or items that could get caught on equipment. This could cause safety issues. Being able to move freely without anything getting in the way is essential so you can do pediatric emergency responses as well as possible during the critical live skills tests. 

Furthermore, comfortable attire lets you fully concentrate on performing skills instead of what you’re wearing. Your clothing should not restrict movement at all during demonstrations.

6. Stay Calm and Focused During Testing

No matter how well-prepared you are, performance anxiety during skills testing is normal. Remember to take deep breaths and stay calm, confident, and focused. Examiners want to see that you know what you’re doing and can serve as effective pediatric emergency response team members. 

While they will take points off for mistakes, they evaluate your abilities, not you. Tell yourself you are prepared and try to get out of your head. Have your memory tools and protocols ready to reference if you freeze up. With the proper techniques, you can stay calm under pressure.

Wrapping Up

Following these six tips will help optimize your preparation and positively impact your performance during the crucial hands-on portion of the PALS class. With adequate review, practice, support, rest, and composure, you will feel much more comfortable and capable as you work to achieve this important pediatric lifesaving credential. 

Stay dedicated to mastering the skills, but also trust in all the work you’ve put in ahead of time. Your patients will be thankful for your efforts to become pediatric emergency experts.

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