Abstract 155: Undergraduate Student Nurse ACLS Certification to Improve Practice Transition and Confidence

Abstract

Abstract Summary: Simulation research is well-established for existing teaching methods in academic settings. The study introduced an in-class simulation method focused on the transformation of a stagnant classroom into an engaging, simulation arena to improve student’s recognition of a deteriorating patient. In addition to the in-class simulation, a leveled code blue curriculum and code blue multi-patient simulation provided a foundation for students to complete an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification prior to graduation from a traditional Baccalaureate of Science (BSN) nursing program. Purpose: The presentation synthesizes data on the impact of the in-class simulation experience. The specific area of interest is the ability of the nursing student to recognize and assess the deteriorating patient. It is through the swift acknowledgement of such life-threatening situations, that the development of code blue critical thinking can begin. In conjunction with simulation, a leveled code blue curriculum with the inclusion of an ACLS certification will facilitate student confidence for transition into clinical practice. Methods: An exploratory, single group design with a convenience sample of 92 BSN senior nursing students enrolled in the 3-credit, seventh semester medical-surgical, didactic nursing course. Variables: Variables included age, gender, race, exposure to code blue events in the clinical and work settings, and previous years of health care experience. Procedures: The modified 12-item survey, Code Blue Self-Confidence, assessed participant code blue confidence pre/post intervention. A demographic survey was utilized to measure correlative data with code blue skill confidence. Findings: Correlative findings revealed a significant improvement in student confidence with recognizing and intervening with the deteriorating patient to ensure swift implementation of code blue processes. Recommendations: Recommendations are for a multi-site study to replicate the validity of the in-class simulation, leveled code blue curriculum, and ACLS certification to facilitate the undergraduate nursing student’s transition into clinical practice. Practice Implications: Nurse response times greatly impact patient outcomes in critical situations. The safe zone of a simulation environment versus clinical practice creates opportunities for students to transition from novice to beginner to competent, while able to make errors and glean reflective knowledge before managing the direct care of a critically ill patient. One critical skill is the ability of a new nurse to identify and quickly respond to the needs of a deteriorating patient. Patient outcomes are improved when nurses launch proficiently from graduation into the transition of the nursing profession.