Question about EKG's and Rhythms

First of all, remember that you're still in school. Usually one or two hours is all that any school will spend on rhythm interpretation. No hospital anywhere will expect you to be an expert on rhythms when you first graduate, and all hospitals that I know of will have rhythm classes that are required before you start taking patients on monitors.

That being said, if you are really interested in learning more, that's great! I would suggest two books: the first is ECG Interpretation Made Incredibly Easy. I don't know the authors off hand, but I know you can have any bookstore order it for you. The second is Rapid Interpretation of EKGs, by Dale Dubin, MD. Both of these books are what I recommend to my students as excellent basic interpretation texts.

Good luck!

You might want to try this web site as well http://medlib.med.utah.edu/kw/ecg
it has tests and instructions and how to start from the very basics and work yourself up to a pro.
Hope this helps.
David-VA

I am returning back to the hospital after 11 years in home health. Got tired of putting 500 to 800 miles per week on my car to see patients............3 to 4 tanks of gas a week................I will be going to tele classes......never had tele on the floor I worked on...........thanks for the tip...


renerian

The only way to get really good at EKG's is to look at a lot. Memorize the basic arrythmia's and know what is "normal". After that it's just looking at lots and lots of strips

See if you can enroll in your local hospitals Basic Arrhythmia class. Our's is only 1 day and non-employees can go for a small fee.

I'm working on a MS/Tele unit and I havefound both of those books mentioned by Matt as very helpful.

Additionally, you might want to look at these websites:

(not just for docs, this is a preview and sample tutorial of the Dubin book) http://www.themdsite.com/physicians.htm

http://www.v-tachonline.com/

http://www-medlib.med.utah.edu/kw/ecg/tests/index.html

http://skillstat.com/index2.htm

GREAT site, have bookmarked it for my students

you are rightthat is not enough time. We spend more time on them than that ,but remember there is not enough time in school to teach you everything.we just try to cover all the basics.

but check out the website that LPN&EMT-CT recommended it is a good one, alsoif you like there are plenty good books available on this topic as well as videos. I think springhouse sells them.
if that is the area you want to work you can take basic arrhythmia courses then move on to more advanced ones,

Thanks for the great sites. I am new to ICU, but have been a nurse for 10 years. After one week, I'm beginning to wonder what the hell I've gotten myself in to. Anyone got any tips on learning vent settings and all the drugs and drips???

Go to the bookstore and buy books on the drugs and drug calculations (there will be a couple of chapters on drip calculations)....
Ask every respiratory therapist you meet to explain the vent to you. It doesn't take 5 minutes...it is fairly easy to learn...the vent is easy...it has alarms....but you do need to know how it works so you can work with it.

P.S. I didn't make myself clear...buy critical care drug books. I buy two or three at a time & take them to the hospital with me...handy.