A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Ecg Interpretation During Cardiac Emergencies Among the Staff Nurses of Selected Cardiac Hospitals of Bathinda in Punjab

interpretation by nurses is a valuable tool for the initial evaluation of patients with cardiac problems which may lead to potentially life threatening complications. Nurses usually being the first ones to handle the ECG made them to be more creative to take appropriate decisions to save a life especially in critical units of hospital. Hence there is a need to increase the knowledge of the nurses on ECG interpretation to provide right intervention and to avoid complications. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge in ECG interpretation during cardiac emergencies among the staff nurses. This descriptive study was conducted on the registered nurses who worked at selected cardiac hospitals at Bathinda. A total of 70 staff nurses were selected who voluntarily consented to be the sample of the study. A structured questionnaire that was developed by the researcher on the basis of the literature was used as data collection tool. Data were collected using a questionnaire after obtaining the ethical approval. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-Square tests were used in analysing the data. Results of the study showed a good level of knowledge among nurses, regarding the ECG interpretation during cardiac emergencies. Working unit in hospital and previous ECG training courses play an important role in defining the professionalism of nurses to have a good experience in ECG interpretation. Training courses for nurses under the supervision of qualified staff especially for nurses who work in critical care area in hospital, with continuing self learning programmes and staying up to date to any changes and development of new protocols or technology help increase patient outcomes.