Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Learning Experience, Knowledge, and Performance in Newly Graduated Nurses

Chun, Sun Hee; Oh, Yun Hee; Kim, Sung Soo

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning experience, knowledge, and performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in newly graduated nurses, and to identify differences related to learning experience.
METHODS
The participants were 114 new nurses in the hospital. They were asked to complete a questionnaire, which included CPR learning experience. They were evaluated by a written test and a skill test using a manikin and check list.
RESULTS
All participants attended CPR lectures and underwent practice while in university. Only 12.28% of participants were taught by a certified Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor. The mean scores of the written and skill tests were 79.82+/-12.69 and 64.41+/-11.71, respectively. The nurses lacked CPR knowledge related to checking breathing, the frequency of 30 chest compressions, compression rate, and automated external defibrillator use. They also lacked skill in performing CPR related to checking breathing and pulse and giving 2 breaths. CPR performance differed according to learning time (p=.047) and BLS educator (p=.029).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study reveal that CPR performance by newly graduated nurses is poor and suggest that CPR education by trained instructors, practice-based education, and reeducation programs must be provided to newly graduated nurses in the hospital.