ekg certification worth the time and money?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2013

Ekg interpretation must be done by a physician. Learning to read telemetry will be beneficial to patient care and your marketability.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 17, 2013

hmm - whether or not it is 'worth it' or even whether the real nurses use it... is dependent upon where you work. These days, telemetry is available in a lot of different areas in a hospital but in many areas, the staff nurses rely on someone else to monitor rhythms and let them know if there something significant (actionable) going on. If rhythm interpretation is a job requirement, your employer will provide resources to develop & maintain that competency. However, if you have some 'evidence' of proficiency on your resume, it may give you an edge over the other applicants.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2013

Ekg interpretation must be done by a physician.

Absolutely not true. Plenty of RNs-- and paramedics-- interpret 12-leads and rhythm strips. It's not rocket science. Hell, in many settings, the "interpretation" is done by the machine.

However, in answer to your question, unless you are seriously targeting CCU/cardiac stepdown/cardiac rehab against a lot of competition, don't waste your time and money. They'll send you to class sooner or later after they hire you.

allnurses Guide · Sep 17, 2013

Ekg interpretation must be done by a physician. Learning to read telemetry will be beneficial to patient care and your marketability.

I interpret them daily.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Sep 18, 2013

Absolutely TRUE , grn tea.

I can look at an ekg , note the criteria for an MI.. however a physician must interpret it before treatment can begin.

As far as the "interpretation " done by the ekg computer? No way are those taken into consideration. It's software that I've seen artifact identified as V-Tach.

happyinillinois · Sep 18, 2013

Use it everyday in the ER. Knowledge is power, only you can decide if its worth it to you.

allnurses Guide · Sep 18, 2013

Absolutely TRUE , grn tea.
I can look at an ekg , note the criteria for an MI.. however a physician must interpret it before treatment can begin.
As far as the "interpretation " done by the ekg computer? No way are those taken into consideration. It's software that I've seen artifact identified as V-Tach.

It's not just physicians....

canned_bread · Sep 18, 2013

Kind of depends on where you work. I work in a cardiac/neuro cath lab, so knowing them is essential. Thus I did a course and researched myself until I had understanding. If I was you, unless you know you want to work in cardiac or ER (somewhere where these will come up), I would not worry about it just yet, or instead research yourself.

My employer paid for me to go and do the training, plus some extra training that was required. If you find the courses are expensive, I would also wait until you need it.

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2013

I interpret EKG's every day. Other nurses even bring me their 12-leads to "read" for them. I have never had an employer "send me to class" to learn them. In every job I have had as an RN, I have been expected to know it. I think any skill you have is important. I study all the time, and even re-new my EKG reading skills regularly. I agree that you are far more "marketable" by being well-rounded in your skills.

MendedHeart · Sep 18, 2013

We interpret EKGs all the time, every shift. A MD does not have to confirm rhythm before treatment. We call in AFib, SVT, Vtach allthe time and treat it without the MD ever looking at it.

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Sep 18, 2013

We interpret EKGs all the time, every shift. A MD does not have to confirm rhythm before treatment. We call in AFib, SVT, Vtach allthe time and treat it without the MD ever looking at it.

Are you saying you give meds without doc order based on your ekg interpretation or doc orders meds without seeing ekg? Or are you in the field?

I'll call a mi but no iv meds without orders.