Effect of Basic Life Support Training on Nurses’ Knowledge and CPR Performance: A Simulation-Based Assessment Study

Background Basic life support (BLS) competency is essential for nurses, who are often the first healthcare professionals to recognize and respond to cardiac arrest in hospital settings. Maintaining up-to-date resuscitation knowledge and skills through continuing education is critical for improving patient outcomes. Method This prospective educational intervention study evaluated the impact of a standardized BLS training program on nurses’ knowledge and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance. A total of 321 nurses participated in a 45-minute training session based on European Resuscitation Council guidelines. Knowledge was assessed using a 10-item questionnaire administered before and after training. CPR performance was evaluated using a simulation-based cardiac arrest scenario and a structured 10-item checklist. Results Post-training knowledge scores increased significantly (2.9 ± 1.6 vs 4.2 ± 1.1, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.97). Successful CPR performance was observed in 81.3% of participants. Higher post-training knowledge scores were independently associated with CPR success (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.13–2.16, p = 0.007). Knowledge scores demonstrated modest predictive ability for CPR success (AUC = 0.62). Conclusion Integrating structured BLS training with simulation-based assessment may strengthen nurses’ preparedness for cardiac arrest situations. Integrating simulation-based resuscitation training into continuing nursing education programs may strengthen nurses’ preparedness for cardiac arrest situations.