J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2025 Jan;31(1):110-119. 10.11111/jkana.2025.31.1.110.

Nurses’ Experiences of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: An Integrative Review of Qualitative Studies

• Jeon M
• Kang H
• Kim S

• KMID: 2566074
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2025.31.1.110

Abstract

Purpose
This study analyzed and evaluated qualitative studies of nurses' experiences with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to understand their awareness and develop effective strategies.
Methods
This study used an integrated literature review method developed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). The scope of the literature search was broad and encompassed qualitative research exploring the experiences of nurses involved in CPR in hospitals. This search was conducted on March 27, 2023. For domestic literature, databases such as KOREAMed, KMBASE, and RISS were used, while foreign literature was sourced from PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and COCHRANE databases.
Results
After careful analysis, nine relevant literature pieces were selected, leading to the derivation of four key themes: “Perception of CPR,” “Positive Experiences during CPR,” “Barriers Impacting CPR Execution,” and “Strategies for Enhancing CPR Effectiveness.”
Conclusion
To positively reinforce the CPR experiences of nurses, it is necessary to establish educational programs and debriefings that reflect situations for effective coping with sufficient consideration of the medical environment of individual hospitals. Future research should consider comparative analyses of nurses' CPR experiences based on cultural factors and their respective working departments to identify areas for improvement.

Keyword

Nurses; CPR; Defibrillation; Qualitative; Phenomenology