New Telemetry nurse needs advice...

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in tele and stroke.

Hello,

I am a new nurse on a Telemetry floor. Just trying to get used to the beeping, and wires, etc. I am shaky with the rhytmns and obviously this is a huge part of the job. Does anyone have any book suggestions, or studyguides to help me better understand ekg monitoring and the different rhythms?

Thanks!

Specializes in Critical Care.
Hello,

I am a new nurse on a Telemetry floor. Just trying to get used to the beeping, and wires, etc. I am shaky with the rhytmns and obviously this is a huge part of the job. Does anyone have any book suggestions, or studyguides to help me better understand ekg monitoring and the different rhythms?

Thanks!

Hmmm..including a link here: http://www.amazon.com/ECG-Interpretation-Made-Incredibly-Easy/dp/1582551359 you don't have to buy it from amazon but I like looking up books there cause it gives you publishing info if you want to order from someone else. :-) Just remember you made an important point: you're a NEW nurse. Give yourself time to get used to it all....you'll get there. Hugs to you.

Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

http://www.amazon.com/ECG-Workout-Exercises-Arrhythmia-Interpretation/dp/0781782309/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228950947&sr=1-6

This is also a good book. Like highlandlass stated, you're new and you will get the hang of it. when I first started on telemetry I didn't think I'd ever get it but it will come to you in time. Good luck.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Good recommendation above. Hang in there. :)

Every unit is run differently. Do you have a monitor technician or do you watch your own monitors? If you have a monitor tech, ask your manager which one is the strongest as far as rhythms goes and ask if you can using education time to sit part of one shift with him or her and just practice, practice, practice.

The books are great but in real life you will see some pretty strange rhythms that don't fit the textbook strips. But hey you got to start somewhere.

There are also dvd's out there that actually show you the rhythms in motion. those might help

Just a reminder to be pt. with yourself. As you can see from my name I was once a new tele nurse...now close to 5 years later...ANYWAY. It will take time to UNDERSTAND the rythems. There are still some that stump lots of the nurses on the floor. Remember to monitor your PATIENT as well as the telemetry. You will find LOTS of useful info here. GOODLUCK!!

Specializes in Pyschiatry/Behavioral (Inpatient).

Get a pocket guide.

Since you're Tele, I would recommend ACLS. But in order to take that you will have to be comfortable with EKG and drugs because they're not supposed to teach you that, you should already know it.

Specializes in Pyschiatry/Behavioral (Inpatient).

If you ask any cardiologist what a rhythm is, they will all go through the same questions.

"What is the rate?" "Is it regular or irregular?" "Is there a P wave for every QRS complex?"

After you determine that, then you can get fancy and ask: "Wide or narrow QRS?" "What is the PR Interval?" "What is the QT interval?"

You'll see a lot of neat stuff. Always remember: Treat the patient, not the monitor. Joe Smith might be in his room alert and talking and the monitor may look like V-Tach.

Take advantage of your orientation, take whatever classes your facility offers you regarding EKGs. Get ACLS =)

Specializes in tele and stroke.

Thank you so much for all the advice!

On my floor we all carry beepers of which our patients are assigned to. Every time they go above limits, irregular rhythm, etc the beeper goes off. I never seem to know what I am looking at. A pocket book would be great, does anyone know of a pocket ekg book??

I had ACLS (ironically before having my dysrhythmia class- scheduling glitch!)

I am trying to be patient with myself. Its hard enough being a new nurse just getting used to the hustle and bustle and the patient demands, to throw on top the Tele beeper that goes off non stop is a little mind blowing!

Again thanks for the comments, it is nice to hear advice from those who have been in my shoes. I can't wait to start feeling comfortable at work like I know what I am doing!!!! I will be off orientation Jan 23rd. I will be doing night shift too.

Specializes in Pyschiatry/Behavioral (Inpatient).

When in doubt, ask a colleague "Hey, what's this look like to you?"

I always have to remind myself that others are around as a resource.

and again ... Ask for help from the other nurses.

Remember the ECG is only another tool, just like B/P, and Temp. Ultimately it's knowing what to do with the reading. I suggest a chart to help you remember what else do you want to check (after you check the patient), and possible interventions. Look up the H's& t's we go through those alot in tele. Ask what's up when you hear the alarm for someone else's pt.

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