Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in hospitals has become more complex since it was
one of the first importance for nurses who work in medical and critical care units. Aim to;
evaluate the effect of application of training program about electrocardiogram on nurses
competency level and expected clinical outcome of cardiac patients. Subjects and Methods: The
study was conducted in emergency, and cardiology department and coronary intensive care unit
(ICU) at the Aswan University Hospital. A convenience sample of 43 nurses was recruited in this
study and 70 adult patients with chronic medical condition at selected setting. Design: A quasiexperimental research design was utilized to meet the aim of this study. Two tools were used:
(observational checklists and patient outcome tool), during 2014-2015. The results: findings
revealed that staff nurses showed high percentage level of competence in knowledge and
practices post application ECG training program than pre application p- value of <0.001. 51.28%
of patients had satisfactory outcome with no complications X2
= 18.97 at P<0.0001, high
statistical significance deference was existed regarding to length of hospital stay. In the light of
the study finding, it is concluded that, statistically significant difference was existed between
pre- post application for nurses' competence performance, also a statistically significant positive
patient's outcome regarding length of hospital stay and complications. The study recommended
that, Nurse's competence level of knowledge and practice regarding ECG interpretation in
emergency department must be considered in periodically evaluation.