Rhythm Recognition: Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Course overview

ECG rhythm recognition and analysis continues to be a major nursing responsibility in the acute care setting, yet has expanded beyond into other clinical settings. Since the advent of bedside monitoring and coronary care units in the 1960s, the ability to understand and interpret a bedside monitor is no longer an expectation of only critical care and emergency nurses. Medical/surgical, ambulatory, OR, and even primary care nurses need to be competent in ECG rhythm analysis, a competency which is supported by the notable increase in patients requiring ECG monitoring. With an understanding of basic cardiac physiology and practice, successful ECG interpretation is possible. Gaining proficiency in ECG interpretation and rhythm recognition can help the nurse to intervene efficiently and effectively in a potentially difficult clinical situation and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.