Publication Date

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Wei-Chen Tung

Keywords

Simulation-based training, ICU nurses, Shockable rhythms, Defibrillation

Abstract

Early recognition of shockable cardiac rhythms and timely defibrillation are critical components of effective resuscitation during in-hospital cardiac arrest. Despite established guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), nurses may experience uncertainty or reduced confidence when identifying shockable rhythms and delivering timely defibrillation during cardiac arrest events. The purpose of this project was to examine whether a structured educational intervention incorporating simulation-based training could improve intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ confidence and knowledge in recognizing shockable rhythms and performing timely defibrillation. A pre-and post-intervention design was implemented among ICU nurses at a large academic medical center between September and October 2025. The educational intervention consisted of didactic and simulation sessions on shockable rhythm recognition, defibrillator operations, and timely defibrillation per resuscitation guidelines. A total of 10 participants completed pre-and post-intervention, self-reported assessments of confidence and knowledge related to rhythm recognition, defibrillator operation, and cardiac arrest management. Results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores following the intervention t(8) = -3.36, p = .010. Although overall confidence scores increased, the change was not statistically significant; however, one confidence item related to preparing the defibrillator to administer a shock showed significant improvement, p = .039. Simulation performance outcomes also improved, with faster time to defibrillation and an increased number of correctly completed resuscitation skills during post-training scenarios. These findings suggest that structured simulation-based cardiac arrest training may enhance ICU nurses’ confidence, knowledge and preparedness in recognizing shockable rhythms and initiating timely defibrillation. Results are limited by the small sample size, and further studies are needed to evaluate clinical impact.

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