Overview
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Heart disease remains one of the leading global health challenges, and nurses play a crucial role in identifying, monitoring, and managing cardiovascular conditions. The Medical-Surgical Nursing: Cardiovascular & ECG Essentials course equips learners with the knowledge and understanding necessary to care for patients with cardiovascular disorders and interpret electrocardiograms (ECGs) accurately and confidently.
Designed for nursing and health science students, this entry-level program combines foundational anatomy and physiology with applied clinical concepts. Through interactive lectures, case-based examples, and guided ECG analysis, learners gain essential skills in recognizing cardiac rhythms, understanding cardiovascular pathophysiology, and supporting evidence-based patient care.
This program prepares learners for roles in medical-surgical nursing, cardiac monitoring, and telemetry units, where ECG interpretation and cardiovascular knowledge are vital. By mastering these competencies, learners build a strong foundation for clinical practice or further specialization in cardiac nursing.
Syllabus
- Course 1: Cardiovascular System: Anatomy & Physiology
- Course 2: Cardiovascular Disorders: Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Course 3: Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Courses
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This course focuses on the pathophysiology, assessment, and management of common cardiovascular disorders within the context of medical-surgical nursing practice. Learners will explore diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular disorders, hypertension, and arrhythmias. Emphasis is placed on understanding underlying mechanisms, interpreting clinical signs, and applying evidence-based nursing interventions to promote cardiovascular health and recovery. The course integrates anatomy, physiology, and clinical reasoning to help learners connect theory to bedside practice. Through case-based learning, diagnostic interpretation, and care planning exercises, students will gain the knowledge and confidence to recognize cardiovascular emergencies and support patient outcomes in diverse clinical settings.
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This course explores the structure and function of the cardiovascular system, providing a comprehensive foundation in both anatomy and physiology. Learners will study the heart’s chambers, valves, and conduction system, as well as the major blood vessels that maintain systemic and pulmonary circulation. The course also examines key physiological principles such as cardiac output, blood flow regulation, and blood pressure control. Through detailed visuals, clinical examples, and guided review materials, students will develop a clear understanding of how the cardiovascular system sustains life and responds to physiological demands—essential knowledge for nursing, medical, and allied health education.
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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to electrocardiography (ECG), focusing on the principles of ECG interpretation and the recognition of cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Learners will begin by exploring the fundamentals of ECG recording, including lead placement, waveform components, and measurement techniques. Core topics cover the cardiac conduction system, normal sinus rhythm, and common dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, flutter, bradycardia, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, and heart blocks. Through detailed explanations, ECG strip analysis, and guided examples, learners will develop the ability to identify normal and abnormal patterns, interpret rhythm disturbances, and understand their physiological basis. The course also introduces clinical considerations for recognizing life-threatening arrhythmias and appropriate initial responses in nursing contexts. Designed for clarity and practical application, this course builds confidence in reading and interpreting ECGs across healthcare settings.
Taught by
Darren Salmi, MD, MS, Jasmine Clark, PhD and Rhonda Lawes, PhD, RN