Published Feb 23, 2008
pagandeva2000, LPN
7,984 Posts
I think I mentioned here before that I was interested in working in telemetry as a monitor nurse (per diem). My main job is working in a hospital clinic (which I have NO intention of leaving). Well, I was approached by this woman who works in Staff Ed who really, really likes me. She told me that the hospital is opening up new monitors and they would probably need nurses (LPNs in particular), that will monitor these patients. I took an EKG Interpetation and 12 Lead Interpetation course last year for continuing education. I told her this, and she told me to contact the Med Surg Nursing Administrator and tell her of my interest. I would be paid as an agency worker (which would be better money than my regular salary, and get paid quicker than plain overtime).
I emailed the administrator on Wednesday, telling her of all of the continuing ed courses I took (wound care and diabetes), and also asked if I can come to telemetry for a day or two without pay to watch what they do to get a feel. She emailed me back immediately and gave me her extension and pager number. I reached her, finally on Friday, and she told me she wants me to take a test with the med-surg staff ed nurse and call the staff ed nurse on Monday. I am now getting anxious. I am reading over the EKG information, and I am having hopes that they will at least give me a week to fully recover the information. I remember most of it, but it was the small details I basically forgot (P-R interval being 0.12-0.20 for example) and I want to practice some strips from my CD ROMS.
Has anyone taken an EKG test for a job? If so, what were the questions like? At this moment, while I am reviewing all of them, I am trying to focus on the heart blocks (which are MOST confusing to me), ventricular rhythms and junctions (which always looked a bit insane to me). I wish I had continued to read everything continously when I completed the class last April, but I was not exposed to many EKGs. I am remembering alot more as I read, but I guess I am anxious, because I really want this! It would be a bit easier on the body (not the eyes, though, I am sure), to monitor these things, and then, I do really LOVE studying and analyzing EKGs! They are so fascinating! I like trying to figure out what is happening with the heart.
What does a monitor nurse do? As an LPN, it is not covered under my scope of practice to administer the majority of the drugs that are used to treat the patients, since they are IV push, but I am trying to make a note of them, anyhow. Does the monitor nurse also go to see the patient, or do they tell the nurse in charge of that patient that something appears to be wrong?
Oh, please send me positive energy...I want this! And, I am excited to try and take a stab at something new. Thanks, everyone!!
EmmaG, RN
2,999 Posts
Awesome! Prayers and positive thoughts headed your way! :)
leslie :-D
11,191 Posts
aw pagan, you're going to ace this.
i'm getting awesome vibes.
do you want some links on ekg's?
i have a couple of awesome ones...
big hugs, my friend.
leslie
Sabby_NC
983 Posts
I wish you well, sounds like this job is hand made for you.... I am sure you will pick up the strips well... Let us know how things go for you..
aw pagan, you're going to ace this.i'm getting awesome vibes.do you want some links on ekg's?i have a couple of awesome ones...big hugs, my friend.leslie
Gimmie all you got, leslie!! (((Hugs and thank you...))
Awww, thanks, Emmanuel!! There is nothing evil about you, liberal!!!!!:heartbeat
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
17 Articles; 45,819 Posts
good luck, deva!!
check out this sticky thread in the ccu for helpful information for the unit . you'll find lots of ecg links!!
ok, here's a few more.
we'll just overwhelm you.
http://www.medi-smart.com/ecg14.htm
http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/class/bio202/cyberheart/ekgqzr.htm
(you need to scroll entire page)
http://www.library.med.utah.edu/kw/ecg/intro.html
ok-3rd link not working.
try typing it in.
no biggie if it doesn't work.
Midwest4me
1,007 Posts
Pagandeva: I'm sending all kinds of POSITIVE ENERGY and good luck wishes!!! Let us know how things go! Think thumbs up!!!!
Tweety, BSN, RN
35,420 Posts
Good luck!
All the EKG tests I've ever taken have involved interpreting strips. You get a blank strip and you have to say what it is. If they're really picky, you have to list the treatment.
RNDreamer
1,237 Posts
GOOD LUCK! Keep us posted!
Good luck!All the EKG tests I've ever taken have involved interpreting strips. You get a blank strip and you have to say what it is. If they're really picky, you have to list the treatment.
I am concentrating a bit on the treatment, but am secretly begging that they don't ask for them...I may not have much time. Thanks, Tweety!!:heartbeat