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Show Developing Code Blue Simulation for the Labor and Delivery Nurse Georgette L White, MSN, RN, DNP Student Julie Balk, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC and Gwen Latendresse, PhD, CNM, FACNM Key Findings: Code Blue events, while always possible, are infrequent in Labor and Delivery. In this 146 bed hospital, the Labor and Delivery staff includes 34 nurses reported feeling uncomfortable and having a lack of competence and confidence in their role in a Code Blue medical emergency. Simulation training provides an effective opportunity to increase the comfort, competence and confidence of the Labor and Delivery nurse during a Code Blue medical emergency. Background Results The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) does not mandate advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) for perinatal nurses. Pre-survey data indicates that the Labor and Delivery nurses are not comfortable, competent or confident in their ability to actively participate in a Code Blue medical emergency. About 830 women die each day from pregnancy or related complications in the world. Simulation training was provided during the Bi-Annual Skills Update which allowed nurses to actively participate in a Code Blue scenario. The role of the team members in a Code Blue was explained and demonstrated. With skilled nursing care the lives of women and babies can be saved before, during and after childbirth. Simulation training is an effective method for learning and development which promotes the nurses’ confidence with hands on training. Methods Participants are 34 nurses currently working in a labor and delivery department in a 146 bed hospital with approximately 2,600 deliveries a year. Pre-survey to evaluate the nurses' comfort, competence and confidence in a Code Blue. Development and implementation of a Code Blue simulation training for the Labor and Delivery nurses during the Bi-Annual Skills Update. Post-survey to evaluate the nurses’ comfort, competence and confidence after participating in Code Blue simulation training. Post-survey data indicates that simulation training did increase the comfort, competence and confidence of the Labor and Delivery nurses in a Code Blue medical emergency. Conclusions Simulation training is an effective and safe learning tool for nurses to practice established ACLS and BLS algorithms. The use of simulation training offers the Labor and Delivery nurse an opportunity to become comfortable, competent, and confident in their role as a Code Blue team member. By providing a safe environment in which to learn, the Labor and Delivery nurse can improve their skills and knowledge in a Code Blue medical emergency so that they can provide the best care for their patients and their families. COLLEGE OF NURSING |
