Preparing Nurses for Medical Emergencies: Developing a Collaborative Mock Code Training Program

Medical emergencies are stresstul and anxiety producing situations that require quick and precise action. As first responders in the hospital setting, nurses are often responsible for initiating resuscitative efforts until additional help arrives. Positive patient outcomes are dependent on the nurses\u27 ability to quickly and accurately utilize basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) to deliver the care needed during the critical first few minutes following cardiac arrest. It is very difficult for nursing staff to maintain emergency medical response skills and knowledge when they are only required to practice them once a year for their annual competency or biennially for their BLS/ACLS renewal. Several studies have demonstrated that the skills and knowledge gained from these training sessions quickly deteriorate. In addition, the low incidence and high risk of code situations have contributed to the need to transform the way nurses are trained to respond to medical emergencies. In response to this need, the development and implementation of a collaborative mock code program utilizing Benner\u27s Novice to Expert Theory as a conceptual guide is discussed. This program would allow for nursing staff to have the hands-on practice with the equipment, skills, and knowledge needed during a medical emergency. The proposed project is to implement a collaborative mock code training program on all progressive care/intensive care units at alarge Midwestern teaching hospital to improve nursing confidence, knowledge, and performance when responding to medical emergencies