[nyforlove]

Originally Posted by deeDawntee

I agree that knowing the leads is very important. I can call the Doc and say it looks like this pt is having an inferior MI or an anterior MI etc. There IS a different degree of urgency depending on the area of the heart that is effected and how large that area is. Knowing those complications that you could expect as you see an MI happening to one of your patients really makes you ready to help.

However, if you have one week to cram for the test, I can see that it seems like a lot of information. It does concern me that skipping some crucial information for your practice in order to cram for the CCRN really isn't what certification exams are all about.

Does that make sense?

Thanks for the feedback...I'll re-consider, but it seems like such detailed memorization...kind of like memorizing the twelve nerves and what they represent---that's what a reference book is good for....In my ICU, the monitors at the bedside have 5 connections on the patient....we can't even see all these numerous leads unless we bring an EKG machine to the bedside and perform a 12-lead EKG...and, frankly, it seems few RNs and few MDs really understand EKGs....I have yet to find someone who can explain what a "lead" is...i.e., is it a "connection spot" on the patient or is it the combination of two connection spots, e.g., the right-arm and left-leg connection spots together reflect a "lead" of electricity travelling across the heart??? [Most people don't even notice/realize that a 12-lead EKG machine has only TEN "connection spots" on the patient.] Sorry to sound so lame..I'm actually fairly smart, but I just think that truly understanding 12-lead EKG analysis would take a one-semester college course...I'd rather skip it all than act like I understand it---"a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing..." I do appreciate everyone's feedback....maybe I'd feel differently if I worked in a CARDIAC or TELEMETRY care unit (for example, in my ICU--small combined med/surg ICU--I have NEVER witnessed anyone contacting the MD and stating "the patient is having an inferior vs. anterior MI".........Thanks.

[XIGRIS]

I have NEVER witnessed anyone contacting the MD and stating "the patient is having an inferior vs. anterior MI".........Thanks.

I have noticed that very few nurses have the guts to talk to MD regarding 12 lead and the changes noted. I saw that when I used to work in ICU and I would always emphasize to nurses the significance of learning how to read a 12 lead EKG. I do not work in ICU anymore and once in a while in my practice I see these EKG changes and I tell my physician counterpart.
Good luck on your test ...

[deeDawntee]

There are only 3 basic MI's that I find important to know for my practice (and this is what I learned in my ICU class at my facility)

1) Acute Anterior MI: this represents the left coronary artery. (this MI is often the most critical) it shows up in V1-V4. May cause: pump failure (be ready for a balloon pump) second degree heart block type 2 and third degree heart blocks.

2) Acute Inferior MI: represents the right coronary artery. This shows up in leads II, III and AVF. this may cause sinus bradycardia, first degree heart block and second degree heart block type one.

3) Acute Lateral MI: represents the circumflex. This shows up (in the other leads) I, AVL, V5, V6. This may cause LV dysfunction.

Really if you know the first 2, you will know A LOT of what you will need to know for your practice, since most MI's will be one of these. And you are correct in that a 12 lead EKG to a Cardiologist's eye says a lot more than to mine. But, as an ICU nurse, I believe they expect me to know these basics and will ask. "what leads do you see changes".

So, nyforlove, it really comes down to what you want to know for your practice. Personally, this has been a very important skill to have. An MD has a lot of respect for you. As I work my "other" job which is a busy ED, to have that knowledge has "wowed" a few of the physicians around. And I am just talking those 3 basic MI's!! Pretty cool information to know!
There is no judgment intended here. Please know that I support you in your journey, whatever you decide!! Good luck studying!! What day is your test?

[nyforlove]

Thanks! My test is scheduled for July 10th!

Originally Posted by deeDawntee

There are only 3 basic MI's that I find important to know for my practice (and this is what I learned in my ICU class at my facility)

1) Acute Anterior MI: this represents the left coronary artery. (this MI is often the most critical) it shows up in V1-V4. May cause: pump failure (be ready for a balloon pump) second degree heart block type 2 and third degree heart blocks.

2) Acute Inferior MI: represents the right coronary artery. This shows up in leads II, III and AVF. this may cause sinus bradycardia, first degree heart block and second degree heart block type one.

3) Acute Lateral MI: represents the circumflex. This shows up (in the other leads) I, AVL, V5, V6. This may cause LV dysfunction.

Really if you know the first 2, you will know A LOT of what you will need to know for your practice, since most MI's will be one of these. And you are correct in that a 12 lead EKG to a Cardiologist's eye says a lot more than to mine. But, as an ICU nurse, I believe they expect me to know these basics and will ask. "what leads do you see changes".

So, nyforlove, it really comes down to what you want to know for your practice. Personally, this has been a very important skill to have. An MD has a lot of respect for you. As I work my "other" job which is a busy ED, to have that knowledge has "wowed" a few of the physicians around. And I am just talking those 3 basic MI's!! Pretty cool information to know!
There is no judgment intended here. Please know that I support you in your journey, whatever you decide!! Good luck studying!! What day is your test?

[~FloridaCCRN~]

Just wanted to share that I passed CMC today!
I continued reviewing cardiac (more in-depth though) after taking CCRN and was inspired to go for it and I'm glad I did!

[stressgal]

Originally Posted by shirleyland2

Hello to all who are studying and those who are already pass the CCRN. I am beginning to study, I have Laura Gasparis dvd's and her book, Pass ccrn, and Med-Ed CCRN exam review. Any feedback about Med-Ed? deeDawntee is it possible you can PM me the tips you have about the CCRN and what to memorized. I noticed that no one has posted on the thread since June 11th, where is everybody am I the only one studying?

Hi guys. I was planning on taking the CCRN last fall. My father suffered from ESRD and I needed to spend the time with him, not studying. After his death I was enrolled in classes working toward my BSN and thought I would resume thinking about the CCRN this fall once that was completed. I decided to take the summer off of classes and cannot see wasting this eight weeks so... I have decided to study for CCRN. If I feel I am ready I will take the exam the end of August, before my classes start again. I have the Gasparis videos (LOVE them!) and Pass CCRN. I will probably be stopping by for encouragement. I want this BAD! I don't get any big incentive from work I just want to feel as if I know my stuff. My problem is that I am a bit (LOL) of an overacheiver and am afraid of failure. I know I do not have to tell anyone that I am taking the test and if I am not successful the first time out no one needs to know. That said, I'm afraid of letting myself down. Okay, I've said it out loud now it's time to study!

[stressgal]

Originally Posted by graduate_2002

Just wanted to share that I passed CMC today!
I continued reviewing cardiac (more in-depth though) after taking CCRN and was inspired to go for it and I'm glad I did!

Congrats! How long after the CCRN did you sit for the CMC?

[ghillbert]

Originally Posted by graduate_2002

Just wanted to share that I passed CMC today!
I continued reviewing cardiac (more in-depth though) after taking CCRN and was inspired to go for it and I'm glad I did!

Congrats!! Can you tell us some more about how and what you studied, and how you found the test??

NY, I so vehemently disagree with you about nurses understanding ECGs. I did a critical care course for a year, which did include a lot of ECG courses, but most good ICU nurses I know are very familiar with 12 leads - and could certainly explain what each "lead" of the 12 lead means (see Einthoven's triangle). Dawn gave you a great summary of the stuff to learn as a basic requirement for CCRN. The type of MI has huge implications for what adverse effects you can expect of your patient, so it's not just memorization, it needs to be understood.

[deeDawntee]

Originally Posted by graduate_2002

Just wanted to share that I passed CMC today!
I continued reviewing cardiac (more in-depth though) after taking CCRN and was inspired to go for it and I'm glad I did!

graduate_2002 YOU ROCK!!! That is soooooo awesome that you have 2 Certifications!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS CCRN and CMC!!!!




YAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

[deeDawntee]

Originally Posted by stressgal

Hi guys. I was planning on taking the CCRN last fall. My father suffered from ESRD and I needed to spend the time with him, not studying. After his death I was enrolled in classes working toward my BSN and thought I would resume thinking about the CCRN this fall once that was completed. I decided to take the summer off of classes and cannot see wasting this eight weeks so... I have decided to study for CCRN. If I feel I am ready I will take the exam the end of August, before my classes start again. I have the Gasparis videos (LOVE them!) and Pass CCRN. I will probably be stopping by for encouragement. I want this BAD! I don't get any big incentive from work I just want to feel as if I know my stuff. My problem is that I am a bit (LOL) of an overacheiver and am afraid of failure. I know I do not have to tell anyone that I am taking the test and if I am not successful the first time out no one needs to know. That said, I'm afraid of letting myself down. Okay, I've said it out loud now it's time to study!

I am sooooo sorry to hear about your Dad. If you would like to share with us what that was like for you, I would be very interested in listening. My Mom died of ESRD as well, so perhaps we would have something in common.

I am also VERY proud of you for carrying on and going forward in your career. I totally understand that you wouldn't want to tell anyone about the CCRN exam!! I didn't tell anyone at work either!! But I want to tell you something you WILL pass...we have a tried and true method!! Not only that, it is really fun, with Dr Laura etc. Please stay in communication, as I know it inspires others!!

Thanks for your courage and strength to move on.