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Recommended Citation
Keeling R, Jester L. Category II Tracing Simulation. 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: A common reason for primary cesarean sections is abnormal fetal tracings, specifically category 2 tracings. The expectation of Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurses is to be able to recognize these category 2 tracings and implement interventions to promote the best possible outcomes for the mom and baby and reduce the likelihood of progressing to a cesarean delivery.
Local Problem: All Labor & Delivery nurses at Advocate Christ Medical Center (CMC) take a fetal monitoring course when hired. However, there is no platform to allow them to practice applying this knowledge into their practice. Therefore, the nurses are not always confident in identifying a category 2 tracing. This could lead to a delay in implementing interventions and/or notifying the physician in a timely manner.
Method: To increase the L&D nurses comfort level with identifying abnormal fetal tracings and their management, the OB department and the Simulation Lab team developed a simulation focusing on recognition and management of category 2 fetal tracings. Between November and December of 2024, L&D nurses attended a simulation. The nurses completed an anonymous survey about their comfort level with category 2 tracings before and after the simulation.
Results: Compared to the pre-survey, the post-survey showed a 47% increase in the nurse’s comfort level with recognizing and managing abnormal tracings.
Implications for Practice: Simulation allows leaners to apply their knowledge in a safe, non-threatening environment without fear of mistakes that could potentially harm patients. Increased comfort level can lead to feeling more secure in decision making and contribute to psychological safety.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Category II Tracing Simulation
Background: A common reason for primary cesarean sections is abnormal fetal tracings, specifically category 2 tracings. The expectation of Labor and Delivery (L&D) nurses is to be able to recognize these category 2 tracings and implement interventions to promote the best possible outcomes for the mom and baby and reduce the likelihood of progressing to a cesarean delivery.
Local Problem: All Labor & Delivery nurses at Advocate Christ Medical Center (CMC) take a fetal monitoring course when hired. However, there is no platform to allow them to practice applying this knowledge into their practice. Therefore, the nurses are not always confident in identifying a category 2 tracing. This could lead to a delay in implementing interventions and/or notifying the physician in a timely manner.
Method: To increase the L&D nurses comfort level with identifying abnormal fetal tracings and their management, the OB department and the Simulation Lab team developed a simulation focusing on recognition and management of category 2 fetal tracings. Between November and December of 2024, L&D nurses attended a simulation. The nurses completed an anonymous survey about their comfort level with category 2 tracings before and after the simulation.
Results: Compared to the pre-survey, the post-survey showed a 47% increase in the nurse’s comfort level with recognizing and managing abnormal tracings.
Implications for Practice: Simulation allows leaners to apply their knowledge in a safe, non-threatening environment without fear of mistakes that could potentially harm patients. Increased comfort level can lead to feeling more secure in decision making and contribute to psychological safety.
Affiliations
Christ Medical Center