A study into safe and efficient use of defibrillators by nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To find out if ward nurses can perform rapid defibrillation at six months and one year after they have completed training in this procedure.


METHODS
A longitudinal quasi-experimental study.


RESULTS
Fifteen registered nurses and one enrolled nurse demonstrated rapid and safe defibrillation at six months and one year after training.


CONCLUSIONS
Ward nurses who have a range of qualifications and experience can deliver safe and rapid defibrillation.
Gullick
Janice
J
Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000592:standards*; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000592:standards*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009517:New South Wales; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012449:Safety / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors