Basic EKG Class

Designed for healthcare staff (RN, LPN, ECG techs, etc) and motivated students who want to learn the basic ECG skills of measuring, recognizing, and interpreting simple cardiac rhythms. Motivated healthcare students also welcome. Topics include correct lead placement, troubleshooting poor tracings, recognition and measurement of various EKG waves. Recognition of ectopic beats, bundle branch blocks, and ST changes are covered along with 14 common rhythms.

The class involves lecture, time to work independently in the AHA workbook, dialogue with case scenarios, and 1:1 assistance. The participants will take a rhythm test at the end of class to ensure learning objectives have been met.  Rhythm flashcards and worksheets will be available to take home for practice time.

Learning Objectives:

1. The learner will identify who should be on a cardiac monitor and why.
2. The learner will identify how to apply the cardiac monitor, correct lead placement, and strategies to troubleshoot poor tracings.
3. The learner will be able to recognize and measure the P wave, QRS complex, T-wave, PR interval, and QT interval.
4. The learner will be able to recognize and identify common cardiac rhythms that include:
   • Sinus bradycardia
   • Sinus rhythm
   • Sinus tachycardia
   • Junctional rhythm
   • Atrial fibrillation
   • Atrial flutter
   • First-degree heart block
   • Second-degree heart block
   • Third-degree heart block
   • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
   • Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
   • Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
   • Asystole
   • Pulseless Electrical Activity

5. The learner will recognize T-wave abnormalities such as T-wave inversion, ST depression, and ST elevation.
6. The learner will recognize ectopic beats that include: Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). They will also be able to understand why the patient is having ectopic beats, when they are significant, and when you should call a physician or report it to a nurse.
7. The learner will recognize bundle branch blocks, when they are significant, why does the patient have them, and when they should call the physician or report findings to a nurse.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

Satisfactory completion of the rhythm test at the end of the class will award the participant 5 contact hours. Fort HealthCare Learning Center is a continuing education unit (CEU) provider through the Wisconsin Society for HealthCare Education and Training (WISHET). Please note that one hour of instruction = 0.1 CEU (i.e. 1 contact hour = 1 CEU).

Class fee includes American Heart Association ECG/Pharmacology workbook and ECG caliper.  For more information contact Lisa Rudolph RN, MSN, CCRN-K,   Fort HealthCare’s Educational Services Coordinator lisa.rudolph@forthc.com or 920.568.5206.

**NOTE** Withdrawals or cancellations less than 14 days prior to class will be charged a $25 fee**