Originally Posted by sscathlab
I too have the job of training all tele techs along with all new ICU nurses in EKG. I had a manual that my manager at the time wanted me to use. IT didnt do the job. So I wrote one that covers everything from basic A&P to all the rhythms including electrolyte imbalances to basic 12 lead and finally drugs used in the ICU and how they are mixed at my faculty. I cover the information in a 4 hour class. Then they are precepted. We at this time dont have an ekg competency but I am planning on doing one. IF you want I can mail you a copy of my ekg teaching information.
Well, as a cardiac monitor tech, our training comprised of 5 4-hr days. It was broken up into sinus rhythms, junctional rhythms, atrial rhythms and ventricle rhythms. We also covered the heart blocks. At the end of the course we had to pass the test with 80%, however if we missed one of the lethal rhythms regardless that got the other 96% correct.
While it's important to understand the anatomy and physiology, I really don't see the point for training to include electrolyte imbalances or the 12 lead. It is more important for them to identify the rhythm and let the RN know ASAP...it is up to them, to check the patient and contact the MD to get orders. We do have a preceptorship of usually 4 to 6 weeks unless we request more. The only thing that I can suggest is that CMT's get periodic breaks, even if it is just five minutes every couple of hours so they can get away from the monitors. In the beginning it can be quite overwhelming and it takes some time to feel comfortable.
Kris
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