Examining the Knowledge Level of the Nurses and Midwives Had Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Practitioner Training Course

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge level of nurses and midwives about the level of knowledge about neonatal resuscitation and the effect of education on knowledge levels. METHODS: The research was applied in January 2016 to the nurses and midwives who worked in neonatal intensive care units, gynecology and maternity wards at Cukurova University Balcalı Hospital, Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital, Adana Maternity and Children Diseases Hospital, and had received Neonatal Resuscitation Program practitioner training course. All of the target populations were included in the research before the sample was determined. Data were collected using a questionnaire form consisting of 40 questions including sociodemographic information and knowledge level related to NRP. RESULTS: It was determined that the nurses and midwives answered the questions correctly related to oxygen usage (98.1%) and all the things that should be conducted in order to prevent heat loss in baby (98.1%). It was determined that NRP knowledge points of nurse/midwives were intermediate level as 23.06 ± 3.47 (min: 12; max: 30) and most of the participants (37%) had got NRP course in the last 4–5 years. There was a statistically significant difference between participating time to NRP practitioner training course and working years (p < 0.05). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Systematic repetition of knowledge and skills through in-service training programs is important, as it will lead to a reduction of mortalities of newborns. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: It was observed that the knowledge points were quite good considering that the participants of the NRP practitioner-training course had taken the course in the last 4–5 years.