All participants had more difficulty with the 3-lead ECG SOE station
compared with other assessments, and their objective assessment
scores were mirrored by lower self-assessment scores for this skill. A
possible reason for low success in rhythm strip interpretation may
be due to the lack of underlying practice or experience in analyzing
ECG rhythms by nurses in Sri Lanka. Despite the “3-lead ECG” being continuously
displayed on the bedside monitor, many participants
reported anecdotally that they had not previously considered ECG interpretation
as a nursing skill. In comparison, many nurses reported some
previous experience of ABG interpretation, which is likely to account for
the greater pass rate seen in the ABG SOE when compared with ECG
interpretation. The absence of pre-course ECG/ABG SOE precludes
further interpretation of this finding. Thus, further development of the