An evaluative study of pre-registrationnursing studentsʹ skills in basic life support

Abstrac life support is identified as a skill in which the public expects nurses to be competent. However, a review of the literature suggests that many nurses are not competent in this skill. This study describes the performance of nursing students from three branches of nursing in basic life support skills. Individual performances were generally unsatisfactory, and significant differences between students from the different branches were noted. The implications of the study are of concern for all involved in nurse education.