This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of

Anatomy and physiology relevant for performance of an ECG Normal ECG rhythms and abnormal ECG activity

Appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of power and other resources

Causes of common trace interference and the appropriate remedies

Confidentiality and privacy requirements of client information

Electrical safety requirements

Principles of function usage indications limitations and care of equipment relevant for performance of an ECG

Routine maintenance policy and procedures

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Communicate effectively with clients in relation to the procedure and manage clients anxiety level

Comply with organisation policies and procedures including those of WHS and infection control

Demonstrate all steps that must be taken to ensure equipment is safe for use

Identify and manage all forms of interference with trace

Identify the equipment requirements for performance of an ECG

Prepare different types of equipment for the performance of an ECG

Produce a good client ECG trace

Recognise boundaries of responsibilities and refer problems to supervisor or other appropriate health professional

continued

Essential skills contd

In addition the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to

Communicate with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

Correctly operate an ECG machine

Correctly prepare skin and place electrodes

Deal with conflict

Identify an ECG trace that is unsatisfactory for diagnostic purposes

Manage the known common interferences in the production of an ECG trace

Prepare and use equipment for performance of ECG

Produce an ECG trace satisfactory for diagnostic purposes

Recognise life threatening cardiac rhythm abnormalities

Solve problems Problem including an ability to use available resources

Use effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons Organisation may require competence in English or a community language depending on client group

Use effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons
Organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations recording stock levels and statistical information

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation including skills in asking questions providing clear information listening to and understanding workplace instructions and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisationThe level of skill required involves reading and documenting clinical information and understanding policy and procedure manuals

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation
The level of skill required involves reading and documenting clinical information and understanding policy and procedure manuals

Work with others and display empathy with client and relatives

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Where for reasons of safety access to equipment and resources and space assessment takes place away from the workplace simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Access and equity considerations

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Method of assessment

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting laboratory If successful a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Observation of work activities when performing an electrocardiography ECG

Observation of simulation andor role play when performing an electrocardiography ECG

Discussion of physical andor behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care

Authenticated transcripts of relevant educationtraining courses

Recognition of relevant lifework experience

Written assessmentsprojects questioning elearning can be used to assess knowledge

Authenticated reports of experience in performing an electrocardiography ECG documentation associated with performance reviews supervisorcoordinator evaluations of work performance

Training records associated with performing an electrocardiography ECG first aid occupational health and safety training orientationinduction training safe manual handing universal infection control procedures

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Related units

This unit can be assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged

ECG machines may include:

Checking of equipment must include:

Request may come from:

Client information may include:

Client positioning may be influenced by:

Trace production must include:

Sources of interference may include:

Assistance for the client may include: