Implementation of the RQI System: Baseline Skills and Self-Report Competence and Confidence Data From 12 NLN Inaugural Change Agent Nursing Programs.

Aim: This article describes the implementation, baseline cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills, and competence and confidence in skills of participants in 12 nursing programs piloting the Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) program. Of 1,847 participants, 175 had not previously completed a CPR course.

Method: Schools could choose the sequence for completing baselines skills and required e-learning modules. For baseline skills, participants did 60 compressions and 12 continuous ventilations with RQI feedback turned off. Self-report competence and confidence in CPR skills data were collected.

Results: Forty-five percent of participants achieved passing scores on adult ventilations and compressions; 31 percent achieved passing scores on infant compressions, and 34 percent on ventilations. Forty-five percent were confident in their adult CPR skills; 32 percent were confident in their infant CPR skills.

Conclusion: Nursing students and faculty, regardless of previous health care experience or CPR courses, need more frequent opportunities for CPR skill practice and assessment.