Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge and Training Needs in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) at Al-Shoumali General Hospital, Babylon, Iraq

الملخص

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a fundamental life-saving intervention, and nurses play a crucial role in its timely and effective application. However, variability in CPR knowledge, skill retention, and confidence remains a challenge. This study aimed to evaluate nurses’ knowledge of first aid related to CPR, identify existing knowledge gaps, and explore factors influencing their competency to guide future educational strategies.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured electronic questionnaire distributed to 89 nurses. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics and key aspects of CPR knowledge, including basic procedures, patient assessment, hand placement, compression and ventilation ratios, Automated external defibrillator (AED) use, airway management, age-specific CPR techniques, and self-reported confidence. Data were collected between April 29 and July 15, 2025, and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Results showed that nurses demonstrated an acceptable baseline knowledge of CPR. While 69.3% correctly identified basic CPR steps and 79.5% recognized proper hand placement, only 39.8% demonstrated adequate knowledge of AED use. Confidence was high for adult CPR (82.8%) but considerably lower for infants (40.2%) and pregnant women (34.5%). A strong demand for additional, practical, and specialized training was reported.
Conclusion: Although nurses possess foundational CPR knowledge, notable deficiencies remain, particularly in AED use, age-specific CPR, and confidence in managing vulnerable populations. Targeted and continuous practical training programs are essential to enhance nursing preparedness and improve outcomes in cardiac arrest situations.