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.