Effect of Simulation-Based Training Program on Nurses’ Performance Regarding caring of Preterm Infants with Apnea at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background: Nurses must have a standardized level of knowledge and practical skills within the neonatal intensive care unit, enabling them to provide safe and effective care for premature infants with apnea to minimize hypoxia and the resulting neurodevelopmental damage. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation-based training program on nurses’ performance in caring for preterm infants with apnea in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Design: quasi experimental study design (one-group pretest–posttest) was used. Setting: the study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at El-Manzala General Hospital at, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A convenience sampling of all nurses working at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the previously mentioned settings during period of collecting data (60 nurses). Tools: Data collection procedure was accomplished using two tools including; (1) questionnaire for nurses’ knowledge regarding apnea care in neonatal intensive care units, and (2) simulation-based performance observational checklist that evaluates nurses’ practice regarding apnea care. Results: The findings of the current study showed that total nurses’ knowledge improved post training program .Also, total practice increased post-program. Moreover, there was statistically significant relation between nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding preterm apnea care in neonatal intensive care unit. Conclusions: The simulation-based program significantly enhanced nurses’ knowledge and standardized critical bedside practice for managing apnea in NICU. Recommendation: Implement routine onboarding training with quarterly refresher sessions and annual competency evaluations. Establish clear unit protocols supported by bedside checklists.