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Recommended Citation
Lloyd-romig J. The Efficacy of Realistic Code Simulation on Nurses' Preparedness and Anxiety. Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background: In a hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, the patient's life and functional outcome rely on the efficiency of the care team. When a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit team member inquired about unit concerns, many nurses shared challenges managing code situations. Factors relating to this problem include limited real-life experience and the non-unit-specific nature of ACLS/ BLS training.
Local Problem: To better understand the scope of the issue, a 10 question survey was created and administered to staff to assess their preparedness and anxiety levels during code situations. This survey revealed high levels of anxiety and low levels of confidence, highlighting a need for targeted intervention.
Methods: The aim of this project was to evaluate whether a unit-specific simulation training for new-graduate nurses could improve nurse preparedness and anxiety levels during code blue events in the Neuro ICU. Four simulation sessions were conducted, each involving realistic, unit-based scenarios followed by debriefing and educational discussions. Nurses completed the same preparedness/ anxiety survey before and after participating. Data was analyzed using a paired samples t-test.
Results/ Conclusions: 19 nurses with under 2 years of experience voluntarily completed the training. Post-simulation surveys showed an average preparedness score of 7.42 out of 10, demonstrating a 2.79 point increase from pre-simulation. Anxiety scores averaged 4.48 out of 10, which is a 1.46 point decrease from pre-simulation. This data reflects a statistically significant decrease in anxiety (p=0.028) and increase in nurse preparedness (p=3.145E-05).
Implications for Practice: The outcome of this quality improvement initiative suggests that the implementation of unit-tailored code simulation in addition to ACLS/BLS training will increase nurses' perception of preparedness and decrease anxiety levels. This may lead to a more organized and effective code team, which has the potential to enhance both patient outcomes and staff well-being.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
The Efficacy of Realistic Code Simulation on Nurses' Preparedness and Anxiety
Background: In a hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, the patient's life and functional outcome rely on the efficiency of the care team. When a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit team member inquired about unit concerns, many nurses shared challenges managing code situations. Factors relating to this problem include limited real-life experience and the non-unit-specific nature of ACLS/ BLS training.
Local Problem: To better understand the scope of the issue, a 10 question survey was created and administered to staff to assess their preparedness and anxiety levels during code situations. This survey revealed high levels of anxiety and low levels of confidence, highlighting a need for targeted intervention.
Methods: The aim of this project was to evaluate whether a unit-specific simulation training for new-graduate nurses could improve nurse preparedness and anxiety levels during code blue events in the Neuro ICU. Four simulation sessions were conducted, each involving realistic, unit-based scenarios followed by debriefing and educational discussions. Nurses completed the same preparedness/ anxiety survey before and after participating. Data was analyzed using a paired samples t-test.
Results/ Conclusions: 19 nurses with under 2 years of experience voluntarily completed the training. Post-simulation surveys showed an average preparedness score of 7.42 out of 10, demonstrating a 2.79 point increase from pre-simulation. Anxiety scores averaged 4.48 out of 10, which is a 1.46 point decrease from pre-simulation. This data reflects a statistically significant decrease in anxiety (p=0.028) and increase in nurse preparedness (p=3.145E-05).
Implications for Practice: The outcome of this quality improvement initiative suggests that the implementation of unit-tailored code simulation in addition to ACLS/BLS training will increase nurses' perception of preparedness and decrease anxiety levels. This may lead to a more organized and effective code team, which has the potential to enhance both patient outcomes and staff well-being.
Affiliations
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center