Necessity of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Refreshment Course Among Registered Nurses

Abstract

Aims and objective: To (1) examine the level of comfort in performing CPR skills among registered nurses, and (2) assess the need for supplemental education between periods of recertification.

Background: While Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other Basic Life Support (BLS) skills are pivotal for patients experiencing life-threatening arrhythmias and cardiopulmonary arrest, there are limited studies assessing the comfort of registered nurses in performing these necessary skills.

Design. A descriptive survey design was used to determine the comfort level of Registered Nurses performing CPR and perceived need for a CPR refresher course over the 24-month interval of CPR certification in registered nurses.

Method: An online quantitative survey consisting of thirteen items was used to assess comfort, the need for supplemental education, and demographic variables in participating registered nurses.

Results: Forty-one registered nurses (RNs) completed the online survey. Ninety percent (n=37) of the RNs responding indicated that they would feel comfortable performing CPR in an emergency situation, leaving 10% (n=4) of nurses who would not feel comfortable. Although the majority reported they would feel comfortable performing CPR, 63.2% (n=24) expressed an interest in taking a refresher course to improve their comfort. When asked about the motivation leading the need to refresh their CPR skills, 37.21% (n=16) reported due to a lack of practice, 30.23% (n=13) reported as the drive to become proficient, and 18.6% (n=8) because of their experience with witnessing/participation in cardiac arrest situations.

Limitations: A small sample size (Comfort, n=41 & Need Assessment, n=24) and our tool of measurement was not previously validated. This can serve as a pilot for further research, although we would like to continue to have the survey open so as to increase the sample size and then recalculate and analyze the data.

Conclusions. Ninety percent (90%) of registered nurses indicated that they felt comfortable in performing CPR, however, more than half expressed an interest in taking a refresher course to improve their comfort.

Relevance to clinical practice. Providing frequent refresher courses between recertification periods is suggested as a way to increase the level of comfort among registered nurses in emergency situations where those skills are required.

Key words: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, refresher course, comfort, need assessment, registered nurses