As a nurse in training, you may be used to learning new material every day. However, CPR courses can be challenging for pediatric nurses, since it involves a high-pressure situation where a child isn’t breathing. Here are a few items you should expect during your first CPR training courses. 

3 Items to Expect During Initial CPR Courses

1. Learn Various Techniques 

Before you practice CPR, you need to understand how the process works. Since CPR is different for infants than it is for teenagers, it’s crucial for pediatric nurses to be well-versed in different techniques.

For instance, providing CPR to teenagers and adults involves opening the airway, offering two rescue breaths, and then delivering 30 quick compressions about 2 inches deep. However, infants have smaller bodies, so you should only be offering compressions 1.5 inches deep.

2. Hands-On Practice

After you understand different techniques, you’ll practice CPR on a variety of different sized CPR dummies. These props are designed with a head and compressible torso, giving nurses the chance to practice mouth breathing and chest compressions. Emergency situations will be simulated, and then you will have the chance to run to the dummy, get on the floor, and practice CPR for a set amount of time. 

3. Testing 

To demonstrate your understanding of CPR, pediatric nurses will also have to pass a written and physical exam to become certified. Student nurses will be observed carefully as they administer CPR to ensure quality compressions and an understanding of the timing involved. When all exams are passed, students will receive a CPR certification card to keep in their wallets. 

If you’re a pediatric nurse who is looking for an excellent place to work, consider J&D Ultracare in Suffern, NY. In addition to providing skilled pediatric nurses, this trusted home care and nursing agency has been focused on pairing newcomers with their ideal jobs for over 30 years. To learn more about how they can help, visit their website or call (845) 357-4500.