The purpose of this (3) hour course is to provide the healthcare professional the tools to perform basic electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. This course is designed for the healthcare professional who has limited or no previous ECG experience. Key basic rhythms will be taught along with nursing priorities and initial treatment strategies for each rhythm. To facilitate learning, a systematic approach for interpretation will be used throughout this course. You need limited supplies and tools to make this learning opportunity a success. To enhance ECG strip analysis, we recommend you purchase hand calipers to determine heart rate, regularity, and all ECG intervals. If you do not own calipers already, they can typically be purchased at most medical book and uniform stores.

By the end of this course, you will have the skills to:

✔️ Describe the flow of blood through the normal heart and lungs.

✔️ State the differences between electrical and mechanical cells within the heart.

✔️ Describe the location and function of the following structures: Sinoatrial (SA) node, Atrioventricular (AV) junction, Bundle of His, Bundle branches, Purkinje fibers

✔️ Name the three cardiac pacemakers, their locations and intrinsic heart rates of pacing.

✔️ Describe the correct electrode placement for leads I, II, III and MCL1 or V1.

✔️ Define and describe the significance of: P wave, PR Interval, QRS complex, ST segment, T wave, QRS Interval

✔️ State one method of heart rate calculation.

✔️ Describe ECG characteristics, nursing priorities, and initial treatment options for the following rhythms: Normal sinus rhythm, Sinus bradycardia, Sinus tachycardia, Atrial fibrillation, Atrial flutter, Junctional rhythm, First degree AV/heart block, Second degree AV/heart block, type I, Second degree AV/heart block, type II, Third degree AV/ heart block, Premature ventricular contraction (PVC), Ventricular tachycardia, Ventricular fibrillation, Asystole, Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)