Course Outline: 12 Lead ECG Interpretation Course

This clinical course has been designed for the nurse or paramedic who requires knowledge of how to interpret an acute myocardial infarction quickly and accurately in a patient with signs and symptoms of suspected acute coronary syndrome. It has been adapted to only focus on the essential skills of interpreting an acute myocardial infarction without being distracted by other cardiac disorders.

The longer a coronary artery remains blocked the greater the amount of cardiac muscle that is damaged. Once an infarction is even several hours old, much of the damage is permanent.   Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to assess patients who present with signs and symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction. Registered nurses must be able to recognise signs of an acute myocardial infarction on a 12-lead ECG. This ensures early diagnosis leading to timely treatment and reperfusion of the occluded coronary artery.

This course is applicable for Nurses working in any area where an ECG could be performed. Be that critical care, coronary care, emergency departments, Telemetry units as well as the general ward areas, and General Practice.

Key Points

  • Learn from anywhere with this 4 hour self-paced course
  • Presenter:  Anne Evans-Murray
  • $280 inc GST

You will learn:

  • How to quickly interpret a 12 lead ECG in three easy steps.
  • The common errors that are made in performing a 12 lead ECG
  • The warning signs of an acute myocardial infarction
  • How to recognise a patient deteriorating with a cardiac disorder
  • How to recognise the leads associated with different myocardial infarctions
  • How a patient with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) presents and the gender issues on presentation
  • To interpret a 12 lead ECG identifying angina, anterior and inferior STEMI
  • The foundation of interpretation of sinus rhythm
  • The cardiac complex: waves, segments and timing intervals
  • How to interpret deterioration of a monitored patient
  • Confidence in recognising an acute MI
  • The complications of an anterior and inferior myocardial infarction
  • To place an ECG on the right side of the chest
  • A serious complication of an inferior myocardial infarction
  • SCAD – Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Who is this course for:

  • Any Nurse working in critical care, coronary care, emergency departments as well as general ward areas and medical practices. It is designed not only for the critical care areas but ideal for the Nurse in a telemetry ward or any Nurse who performs a 12 lead ECG for a patient with chest pain.
  • Nurses in all areas of clinical practice require both basic and more advanced clinical knowledge and skills in the area of ECG Interpretation. This is due to the changing health environment with the introduction of ward-based telemetry units and acute patients being managed in general care areas.
  • Other health-care professionals who perform an ECG as part of their role are also welcome to enroll.

Module Overviews

Module 1 - Introduction to the interpretation of sinus rhythm and foundation principles

In this first module we will explore the five foundations of interpretation of sinus rhythm. When there is an understanding of the cardiac complex: waves, segments, and timing intervals, then the student can interpret when changes have occurred.
Understanding of normal sinus rhythm must be accomplished prior to moving to the next module which addresses the interpretation of a 12 lead ECG. The content covered is expected knowledge of Nurses working with patients on cardiac monitors or who perform a 12 lead ECG.

Module 2 - Interpretation of a 12 lead ECG 

In this Module the presenter will review the importance of examining the 12 lead ECG for Q waves and ST elevation and what those changes indicate, with emphasis on the presentation of an acute myocardial infarction. How to interpret the existence of angina will also be included in the discussion.

The session will focus on an understanding of the 12 lead ECG interpretation in relation to identifying changes related to acute coronary syndrome: ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction (NSTMI). Both an acute inferior and anterior ST Elevation myocardial infarction will be investigated.

This is essential knowledge for Nurses working in all areas. The ability to speak with knowledge and understanding of the Acute Coronary Syndrome and intervene for the patient in a timely manner is empowering.

Module 3 - Advanced interpretation knowledge of an acute myocardial infarction

This module will expand knowledge and skills in interpreting ECGs and identifying specific myocardial infarctions that are uncommon.

For example the expert nurse may require knowledge on how to recognise patterns associated with the uncommon posterior myocardial infarction or a right ventricular myocardial infarction developing after an acute inferior MI.

The module will also outline complications that are associated with specific myocardial infarctions. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of these complications and to monitor patients closely to recognise the deteriorating patient to provide the best possible outcome for that individual.

"Omg Anne, words cannot explain how easily you describe ECG and how easy you make it to remember."

– Liz | Telemetry 2022

How does the online course work?

The online tutor-led course has three modules which consist of video lessons with multi-choice questions and presenter led exercises from your course handbook.

There are no set class times – you can complete each module whenever it suits you.

Meet our Presenter

Anne Evans-Murray
Anne has extensive experience, with 26 years lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University, where she lectured in the Masters of Critical Care course.

Anne has also lectured at Bond University Medical School.
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Enrolment Conditions

By enrolling,
I agree to the enrolment conditions set out below:

  1. Please make sure you’ve chosen your course carefully.
  2. Once you have started your course, you are unable to transfer.
  3. We reserve the right to cancel a course or refuse any enrolment as permitted by law. We also reserve the right to change the presenter of a course in unforeseeable circumstances.
  4. All course materials are copyright and you agree not to sell, rent or otherwise distribute your course materials in any way.
  5. All enrolled online course attendees are automatically added to the Nursing CPD Institute’s mailing list which informs subscribers about upcoming courses, CPD activities and exclusive deals. You are able to unsubscribe at any time.
  6. When you have purchased a course, you have access to this course for 12 months from your purchase date.

So, that’s Interpretation of the 12 lead ECG Course and the interpretation of a Myocardial Infarction

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our super-friendly team on: 

enquiries@nursingcpd.com.au or 07 4151 3884 (Select Option 1)