Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

Spring 4-24-2026

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Susan Stafford

Abstract

PURPOSE

This quality improvement project aimed to implement HeartCode Complete (HCC), a simulation-based BLS training platform, at a 154-bed community hospital. The goal was to replace instructor-led BLS training, improve training efficiency, reduce costs, increase certification compliance, and enhance staff satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining competency in CPR is a regulatory requirement for healthcare providers. Traditional instructor-led BLS training requires scheduled classes, instructor availability, and staff time away from clinical duties, contributing to certification delays and operational inefficiencies. Simulation-based training platforms offer self-directed learning with real-time feedback.

METHODOLOGY

This quality improvement project used Lean Six Sigma principles and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to guide implementation of HCC. The intervention replaced instructor-led BLS skills checkoffs with self-directed simulation training using feedback-enabled manikins. Data were collected from 38 staff members who completed BLS certification during the implementation period. Outcome measures included certification compliance, staff satisfaction, training time, and cost. Data sources included learning management system reports and voluntary staff feedback surveys. Descriptive analysis was used to evaluate outcomes.

RESULTS

Following implementation, 100% of staff due for BLS renewal completed certification on time. Survey responses (n = 8) indicated high satisfaction, and all respondents recommended the training model. Final time and cost outcomes could not be reliably quantified because complete objective data were unavailable.

IMPLICATIONS

Implementation of HCC improved certification compliance and staff satisfaction while eliminating instructor-led training, suggesting potential reductions in training-related resource utilization. These findings support the feasibility of simulation-based BLS training as a sustainable strategy to improve workforce efficiency and training accessibility in community hospital settings. Continued monitoring of time and cost outcomes is recommended.

Keywords: CPR, heartcode, BLS training, certification compliance, training efficiency, staff satisfaction

Keywords

CPR, heartcode, BLS training, certification compliance, training efficiency, staff satisfaction

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