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Preparedness and Confidence Levels of Nursing Students in Executing Basic Life Support

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): Desember:

Ihab Ahmed Rzaij (1)

(1) Assistant Lecturer, College of Dentistry, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq
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Abstract:

Basic Life Support (BLS) is delivered swiftly and performed accurately BLS encompasses critical emergency procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the utilization of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and airway management. Examine the relationship between prior BLS training and the confidence levels expressed by the students. This research adopted a descriptive cross-sectional approach and relied on an online survey developed from a standardized, previously validated instrument. The participants in this study were fourth-year undergraduate nursing students enrolled in accredited nursing programs throughout Iraq.    Most participants were affiliated with the College of Nursing at Thi-Qar University (72.2%), while lesser proportions represented Al-Muthanna University (14.8%) and Al-Ain University (11%). The ages of the pupils ranged from 21 to 40 years, with the most prevalent ages being 22 and 23 years, each accounting for 25.9% (n = 14). Students with previous BLS training demonstrated a marginally higher average confidence score (Mean = 3.42, SD = 0.81) in comparison to those without such training (Mean = 3.13, SD = 1.11). notable deficiencies remain—particularly concerning the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and the extent of prior formal training. The absence of a notable correlation between prior BLS training and confidence levels emphasizes the importance of implementing structured, standardized, and periodic training programs within nursing curricula.


Highlights



  1. Nursing students demonstrated moderate readiness and confidence in performing Basic Life Support, with overall scores around the midpoint of the scale.

  2. Knowledge and confidence related to Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use were consistently the weakest areas.

  3. Prior BLS training showed no significant association with confidence levels, underscoring the need for structured, repetitive, and simulation-based training programs.

References

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