Would it be worth it to take an EKG cert class while in nursing school?

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My school is offering a summer course to get certified as an EKG tech, while I'm in the RN program.

I realize that I won't be working as a tech, but would this experience and certification help me in my job search? I've heard that it would, but I was looking to get some more opinions from others, and any advice or help would be appreciated!!

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Only:

If you don't have to pay for it and it includes interpretation, then yes... :uhoh3:
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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

take the class for general knowledge...i am in the middle of acls and i am somewhat struggling with reading strips....i don't know if ekg techs can read strips and recognize issues but anything you can do to familiarize yourself with this is nothing but a plus..anything you can learn will do nothing but help you......

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Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

I am in the camp that it certainly cant hurt. Its good to have a basic understanding of strips-you never know when you might across one in the setting.

I took a basic dysrhythmia interpretation course over my winter break and my interest is not in ED, ICU or tele, but rather maternity/L&D. I still found it helpful and informative. And now a days as you are coming across those who are sicker and sicker, you just never know when the skill might come in handy.

Knowledge is power. I say go for it, especially if cost is not of much concern.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.
how is it not a leg up on the competition if i've already learned those types of things? the school i go to is a pretty good one, and i've never run into any weird money grabs like what you mentioned.

and yes, i would specifically like to go into the cvicu or perhaps er, and it just seems logical that getting a head start on something i'd be using or looking at all the time would be beneficial. they've told us that a big part of the course is specifically doing interpretation of the readouts and so forth, which i think would be very helpful.

ahhhh, if your going to get interpertation... then absolutely. sorry, but our techs have no idea how to read anything just push and print (was trying to protect you here). so yes! i recant what i said. that will help you get a leg up, can't hurt a bit. sorry, in this nursing crunch, several schools have offered junk classes and i'm hearing stories from our new hires about them. :uhoh3:

it can only help you... sorry for the confusion, your techs function differently than those in my facility. should have clarified the class with you further!

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Specializes in LTC.

I think it's a good idea! I find things I'm familiar with to be easier to learn. For instance, having a baby 2 years ago I had a pretty easy time with the OB unit. I have several family member with diabetes, and work in a nursing home where I swear 50% of the population has DM and so I had an easier time with endocrine.

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Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about an EKG certification at this point, you need to maintain that knowledge to be up on it so if you get a job that isn't in Tele or ICU/ER then you will forget the info easily so for now I wouldn't stress the extra stuff, get through the RN program first then do the little extra's later. Good Luck!!

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I think it would only help you and make you more marketable. Go for it!

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Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.

Trust me, usually if you get a job on a Tele unit they will offer their own Tele course but either way I'd focus on your RN program because if you aren't doing well in the program or lose focus on that then having an EKG certification isn't going to help unless you want to be a Tele Tech. Which by being in a RN program I doubt is your goal, so focus on your RN program and studies and then worry about the EKG and extra's. Do well in your program and learn as much as you can because once you're out of school you will have more time on other things. Especially being a New Grad you will be more worried about your first year as a Nurse than anything else.

Good Luck either way!!

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Specializes in ICU, Med-Surg, Post-op, Same-Day Surgery.

My opinion is no because you are already so overwhelmed with school, graduation, NCLEX and trying to find a job in this new economy. You come out with the same qualifications as every other new grad, and a class or certification here and there probably won't make you stand out as much as good interview skills, a good personality and showing a willingness to learn. Focus on that for now. Or focus on trying to get a part-time nursing tech job or CNA job since they may give you an "in" for future employment. Besides, wherever you end up your first employer should pay for all that stuff. Most big hospitals offer those kind of classes for free as part of training and continuing education. Don't waste your time, money or energy now...enjoy your last bit of school while you still have it!

:twocents:

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Specializes in Corrections,Med/Surg, Infectious Disease.

Exactly!!!!! Focus on your school/RN Program for now!!!

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