New Grad Training: Telemetry Realistic?

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Hi everyone,

Is it normal to get trained in telemetry in a new grad program for a med-surg unit by way of power point modules? We had to complete these modules within 10 hours on our own - then take a multiple choice rhythm strip test after a day of cardiac rhythm review in class. After this - we are considered sufficient to carry a pager for the patients on the med-surg floor to monitor and assess their dysrhythmias every shift and as the alarms go off.

I just don't feel ready to be comfortable to assess patients with EKGS despite this quick training. It feels rushed.

Anyone have advice on this topic? Aren't there EKG certification classes that should be taken before officially signing off on this type of skill - not just getting through a powerpoints and a multiple choice test?

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Yes it does. I would look for another class and purchase a book.I know someone will chime on with the most popular ones. I also learned a lot from asking to be trained by the monitor techs.They are awesome and if they like to teach you can learn so much.

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Ludicrous training! Telemetry interpretation is complex.

I have no leads ( no pun intended) as to where you could get the training you need. Hopefully you flunked the corporate master's "test' so you not be responsible for nursing care of a monitored patient!

Don't let them push you into it, demand decent training.

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Specializes in Critical care.

My facility does a 4 day course. It includes classroom instruction and simulations. We are also pointed to online review material if we want extra practice before taking the exam. If a certain score isn't obtained on the exam there is individual remediation.

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Specializes in ICU.

Take ACLS and then you should have a good handle on basic rhythm interpretation.

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Yes, I feel the same about this training. It feels too rushed -- along with the expectation of taking care of 6 patients by week 7 of training. The goals are stated that I am to care for these patients independently since I have my RN license already -- and the RN preceptors are to just be a resource for questions. But I find I have to ask a lot of questions -- such as the protocol for doing a Type and Screen -- which there is a protocol to do it. But the EKG monitoring does make me nervous -- because what if I have a patient go into V TACH -- or V FIB -- or worse yet -- two patients in my assignment both go into VTACH AND VFIB at the same time -- and I don't interpret the strip right -- then it falls on me.

I need this job as a new grad RN for experience -- but I don't think risking my license is worth it if this is the way the training is going!!

By the way -- two RN's have since left the unit! They also had two travel nurses here at night on night shift crew since I started. Not a good sign to me.

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Thanks for the websites!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Mother-Baby and SCN.

You shouldn't be as worried about the Vtach and Vfib, those are pretty recognizable... what about the 2nd degree heart block vs. PACs with non conduction... etc. :blink:

I just got a book that comes highly recommended called Rapid Interpretation of EKG's: Dr. Dubin's Classic, Simplified Methodology for Understanding EKG's. I would recommend getting it and studying it. Your training sounds very insufficient and makes me nervous for the patients of your hospital if that is the training they give to those responsible for interpreting ecg's! :bag:

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Yes, I feel the same about this training. It feels too rushed -- along with the expectation of taking care of 6 patients by week 7 of training. The goals are stated that I am to care for these patients independently since I have my RN license already -- and the RN preceptors are to just be a resource for questions. But I find I have to ask a lot of questions -- such as the protocol for doing a Type and Screen -- which there is a protocol to do it. But the EKG monitoring does make me nervous -- because what if I have a patient go into V TACH -- or V FIB -- or worse yet -- two patients in my assignment both go into VTACH AND VFIB at the same time -- and I don't interpret the strip right -- then it falls on me.

I need this job as a new grad RN for experience -- but I don't think risking my license is worth it if this is the way the training is going!!

By the way -- two RN's have since left the unit! They also had two travel nurses here at night on night shift crew since I started. Not a good sign to me.

No not, a good sign.You can take of 6-7 independently, but CANNOT be expected to know all the rhythms and their treatments.

I would have no problem whenever a nurse handed me a strip and asked me what I thought is was. Definitely use your coworkers.

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You are right - VFIB and VTACH are pretty easy to interpret -- I was just using them as an example.

And yes -- the heart blocks and PACs are more of a concern to try to interpret so that you ensure you know what is what -- and how to read them correctly. T

hey didn't go over any treatments with us -- just a quick review of the different rhythms - and then a multiple choice test.

Last week - three of the patients on my floor needed the Rapid Response Team brought in -- one of which was mine. This patient needed to go to the ICU -- keep in mind I did make all the proper assessments throughout the day -- and actions were taken to improve the patient's condition -- but ultimately -- she still needed to be taken to the ICU as her condition began to decline again.

I am thinking this new grad program is not worth risking my license if the training is this rushed! My license and patient safety comes first. Period.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Dubins... yes that is the one I heard was great... tx

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