Nail the Fundamentals: BLS that Fits Your Schedule
High-quality compressions, early defibrillation, and effective ventilation: BLS is the through-line in every successful resuscitation. If you’re starting clinical rotations, onboarding to a new unit, or renewing credentials before the new year, getting BLS done early removes a major administrative roadblock—and strengthens the skill most likely to change patient outcomes.
Chicago’s Pulse makes the process efficient. On the BLS for Healthcare Provider page, you’ll find an extended list of upcoming dates across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends—each with a clearly marked start and end time, price, and a “Sign up for class” link. That matters if you’re juggling preceptorships, PRN shifts, or school schedules; you can pick a slot that leaves your week intact and your manager happy. chicagospulse.com
What’s covered? The AHA BLS curriculum focuses on high-quality adult, child, and infant CPR; AED operation; 1- and 2-rescuer sequences; and ventilation with barrier devices and bag-mask. Chicago’s Pulse instructors—experienced clinicians—emphasize feedback-driven compressions and smooth team choreography. Expect brief bursts of instruction followed by hands-on practice and testing to AHA standards. Upon successful completion, your AHA e-card is issued quickly, so you can meet employer documentation requirements without delay. chicagospulse.com
Why prioritize now? Two reasons: skill decay and scheduling. Compressions and ventilation degrade without practice; doing BLS sooner gives you more time in the year to use, reinforce, and maintain what you learned. Scheduling also tightens around holidays—classes fill fast and PTO windows shrink. Booking a seat now keeps you in compliance and avoids last-minute scrambles that can jeopardize shifts or clinical eligibility. The posted calendar and pricing take the guesswork out of planning. chicagospulse.com
Pro tip for departments: align renewals. If your unit or cohort aligns BLS expirations, you simplify reminder workflows and reduce the odds of last-minute lapsed cards. Chicago’s Pulse lists enough sessions to stage small groups without stripping coverage from the floor, and their policies are easy to review in advance for rescheduling conventions.
Finally, commit to keeping BLS sharp. Use feedback manikins if your facility has them. Run 2-minute compression drills at in-services. Pair with an AED skills check monthly. And if you’re headed for ACLS or PALS soon, mastering BLS timing and hand-offs will give you a head start—every advanced algorithm assumes BLS is excellent.
Sign up: BLS for Healthcare Provider — View schedule & register. chicagospulse.com