Basic Life Support Education Changes Begin Sept. 1

Starting, Sept. 1, we are making a significant change to our Basic Life Support (BLS) education to provide a more engaging and practical learning experience. 

New Hire Changes

New hire employees who require BLS certification will receive the American Heart Association’s RQI BLS Entry module as part of their orientation. They will also be assigned the Team Dynamics course, which must be completed within their first 30 days. 

This course gives new hires an opportunity to practice how BLS principles are applied in Carilion care settings.

The new approach replaces in-person BLS orientation classes with a combination of e-learning and Team Dynamics, helping keep education consistent while reducing time spent in classroom-based orientation.

Current Employee Changes

For current team members with an active BLS certification, the Team Dynamics course will become part of your ongoing annual education. Employees who have not completed the course within the past 12 months will be assigned the course to complete over the next year and will receive a due date for completion.

You should complete assigned BLS education by the due date listed in Workday. Leaders and education partners will continue to support you as this new approach is introduced.

The update is designed to provide a more flexible, engaging and practical learning experience while helping our teams build and maintain the skills needed to respond confidently in patient care situations.

“By shifting the initial learning experience, Carilion can give time back during orientation while continuing to keep BLS education active, relevant and connected to the work our team members do every day,” says Jacqueline Demarco, director, HR Education and Organizational Development.