Resuscitation training: a time for reassessment

The goal of resuscitation education is to impart the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully resuscitate a victim of cardiopulmonary arrest. This goal can be accomplished only if the interactions among the instructor, learner, and curriculum are optimized. Instructors must have a clear understanding of educational theory and a thorough grasp of the program materials. Learners must be motivated and committed to developing and maintaining a high level of competence. The in-hospital chain of survival for the resuscitation response system must be reorganized to include determination of the appropriateness of resuscitation and provision of first-responder defibrillation capability. Using creativity and flexibility to meet these goals, nurses can improve the practice and potential outcome of resuscitation.