The Repeated-Exposure Simulation Training for Ventilator Alarm Management in Novice Intensive Care Unit Nurses

Background: Ventilator alarm management remains a challenge for novice intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. Therefore, a three-cycle Repeated-exposure Simulation training for Ventilator Alarm Management (RSVAM) was developed and evaluated to improve novice ICU nurses' ventilator alarm competence. Method: The RSVAM included a case-based lecture, pre-learning with an exemplar video, three repeated simulation cycles using a high-fidelity manikin, and structured debriefings. In July to August 2023, the RSVAM was delivered to 32 novice ICU nurses at a regional tertiary hospital using a one-group pretest/posttest design. Outcomes, such as ventilator alarm knowledge, perceived clinical competency, and learning self-efficacy, were assessed before and after training. Results: Pretest/posttest comparisons indicated significant improvement in all outcomes: ventilator alarm knowledge ( Z = −3.69, p < .001, r = 0.66), perceived clinical competency ( Z = −4.53, p < .001, r = 0.80), and learning self-efficacy ( Z = −4.51, p < .001, r = 0.79). Participant satisfaction averaged 9.6 ± 0.7 of 10. Conclusion: The RSVAM's concise, repetitive format produced substantial, clinically meaningful gains in ventilator alarm competence. Future multicenter randomized trials and simulations incorporating broader case diversity are needed.