I have been attending ACLS, PALS, and CPR courses at the Peterson location since 1996. For many…read moreyears, I had Ms. G. Limos as my instructor, and she set the standard for what a great instructor should be: punctual, respectful, approachable, knowledgeable, and able to create a comfortable learning environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions. The classes were always efficient, engaging, and respectful of the fact that many attendees are experienced healthcare professionals.
Unfortunately, my recent experience at the Foster location with Ms. Eun Goldstein was the complete opposite and, without question, the worst ACLS/CPR class I have attended in my entire nursing career.
At the beginning of class, she confidently stated that she was "the best ACLS instructor you will ever have." Such a statement naturally sets very high expectations. However, while she may be knowledgeable about the course material, knowledge alone does not translate into being an effective educator.
A great instructor teaches, guides, encourages, and builds confidence. Unfortunately, the teaching style I experienced was rude, intimidating, and condescending.
I have 12 years of experience as an ER nurse and open-heart ICU nurse, and I worked as an in-house registry nurse in the Rush Oak Park Emergency Department while also working full-time in AMITA Health BH. Despite this diverse clinical background, I was publicly belittled when she made comments implying that because I work in psychiatric nursing, I "do not know anything." She laughed in front of the class, which was humiliating, unprofessional, and completely inappropriate.
During mock codes, students were frequently called out or criticized in a manner that felt more humiliating than educational. On one occasion, I answered a question correctly according to ACLS guidelines, but was criticized for giving a "bookish" answer because it was not the exact response she wanted in a real-life scenario.
I also witnessed other students being spoken to in a manner I found unacceptable. A Loyola student who struggled to answer a question was referred to as "low class," and a new graduate nurse was told they had a "poor education" because they did not understand her question. Those comments have no place in a professional educational environment.
Communication was also a significant challenge. Many students had difficulty understanding her explanations throughout the class, yet asking questions did not feel welcomed. At the beginning of the course, she specifically instructed the class not to ask her questions. A student sitting in the front row was publicly reprimanded for looking into their bag while she was speaking and was told, "All eyes in front of me. What are you doing?"
ACLS and CPR classes are meant to strengthen clinical skills, critical thinking, confidence, and teamwork during high-stress emergencies. Students attending these courses include experienced nurses, new graduates, and healthcare professionals from different specialties. Every student deserves to be treated with patience, dignity, and respect.
Paying $150 for a class where students feel intimidated, embarrassed, and afraid to participate is extremely disappointing.
For anyone seeking a professional, respectful, and engaging ACLS experience, I strongly recommend the Peterson location with Ms. Gloria Limos. She demonstrates what an exceptional instructor should be--knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to helping students succeed.
I sincerely hope the Foster location addresses these concerns, because clinical expertise alone does not make someone a great educator. Professionalism, humility, communication, and respect for students are equally important.
My advice to future students: choose your instructor carefully.
