Learning to read EKG strip??

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Specializes in Psych.

I've been an RN for several years, but work as a Psych RN and currently Dept Manager. I really want to learn to read EKG strips so I can one day take an ACLS class and possibly get into ER nursing. Any good books or web sites for self learning? Any pointers? All info is greatly appreciated. :yes:

This

Rapid Interpretation of EKG's, Sixth Edition:Amazon:Books

The best way to learn to read an EKG is to understand physiologically what is happening inside the heart. This book breaks it all down very well.

ACLS is easy, their rhythms are covered in the ACLS manual book and are very straight forward. A good library of complicated rhythms is ekglibrary.com

Make sure you know how to read a 12 lead EKG as this gives you a bigger picture of what is going on.

Check you local hospital, they may have an EKG course.

Specializes in Quality, Cardiac Stepdown, MICU.
Specializes in Internal medicine/critical care/FP.

its better to learn the physiology behind how they work, such as why they deflect certain ways, etc. I am by far not the best at them but it really does help over just looking for "tombstones" or other named waveforms.

Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

This was a good free site that helped me. EKG

You can also sign up for ECG/EKG Certification course through American Heart Association. It is a very thorough course and the final test is tough, you have 3 tries to complete it. Best wishes.

Specializes in Tele, Stepdown, Med/Surg, education.

The above looks like great resources try. EKG

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