| The ability to accurately interpret and treat cardiac rhythm abnormalities is a required competency for many nurses. This ability may be affected by how often practitioners have the opportunity to see and treat such problems, and whether a mentor is available to provide assistance and guidance. No literature was located related to knowledge retention of basic electrocardiogram interpretation.; The purpose of this study was to examine what effect clinical monitoring experience, presence at emergent cardiac events, and the availability of mentors had on knowledge retention for interpreting and treating abnormal cardiac rhythms after an educational program. This study used a post-test and demographic survey design to assess knowledge retention in a convenience sample of registered nurses.; Data analysis included descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Statistically significant results were noted for ECG rhythm interpretation and presence at emergent events, and availability of mentors and correct treatment of abnormal cardiac rhythms. |
