Teaching cardiac rhythm strip interpretation within a cross-cultural context: using Nicaraguan nurses as a model

Critical care nurses have been interpreting rhythm strips in the United States for years, and recently this concept has become a new responsibility for critical care nurses in Nicaragua. The focus of this article is on the unique challenges encountered by a nurse educator when teaching critical care concepts to non-English-speaking critical care nurses. Using Nicaraguan nurses as a model, the author shares experiences of teaching advanced concepts to non-English-speaking nurses. The specific concept taught was rhythm strip interpretation and the potential value in nursing care practice.