Empowering Nurses through Hands-on BLS Training: A Large-Scale RNRM CNE Renewal Initiative by Kauvery Hospital, Trichy

Vanitha

Deputy Nursing Superintendent, Skill Bay academy, Trichy Region – L & D

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, nursing professionals are expected to remain up to date with lifesaving skills and clinical competencies. One of the core competencies is the ability to perform high-quality Basic Life Support (BLS), a foundational intervention during cardiac or respiratory emergencies. Recognizing the importance of periodic skill renewal, the Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council (TNNMC) has mandated BLS certification as a prerequisite for Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (RNRM) license renewal.

To facilitate this requirement, Kauvery Hospital, Trichy, in partnership with TNAPEX and under the guidance of TNNMC, launched a large-scale, hands-on RNRM BLS CNE Renewal Training Program. The initiative aimed to empower nursing professionals with current knowledge, confidence, and technical precision in performing BLS, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and promoting a culture of safety.

Conducted over six months, the program successfully trained 2,575 nurses through 69 structured batches, offering a comprehensive blend of theoretical instruction and simulation-based practical training. This program reflects Kauvery Hospital’s commitment to excellence in clinical education and its continued support in strengthening the nursing workforce in Tamil Nadu.

Background

Basic Life Support (BLS) proficiency is a cornerstone of effective emergency medical care, particularly for nursing professionals who are often the first responders in critical situations. To ensure nurses in Tamil Nadu maintain and enhance these life-saving skills, and to comply with renewal requirements for their registration, Kauvery Hospital, Trichy, in collaboration with TNAPEX (Tamil Nadu Apex Skill Development Centre for Healthcare) and TNNMC (Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council), has initiated a vital RNRM BLS CNE (Continuing Nursing Education) Renewal Program. This program addresses the critical need for hands-on, practical BLS skill training to improve patient outcomes.

Program Overview

The BLS CNE Renewal Program was conducted between Aug -2024 and June 2025 across 69 batches, successfully trained 2,575 nurses. Each session focused on hands-on skill development, simulating real-time cardiopulmonary emergencies. The program emphasized not only CPR techniques but also airway management, use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and timely response in code blue situations.

Objectives

  • To provide standardized, high-quality BLS skill training for RNRM license renewal.
  • To improve the practical competence of nurses in emergency resuscitation.
  • To align CNE activities with the core priorities of patient safety and timely intervention.
  • To empower nursing professionals to respond confidently to cardiac and respiratory arrest situations in clinical practice.

Methodology

The RNRM BLS CNE Renewal Program is meticulously designed to deliver comprehensive BLS education and practical skill development. The curriculum adheres to the latest BLS guidelines, incorporating hands-on training sessions with expert instructors. A total of 69 batches has been successfully conducted, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for participating nurses. First initiated with 1 schedule that is 2 batches / month gradually increased to 2 schedule -4 batches & 3 schedule -6 batches / month. In the month of December 2024 from all the week 8 batches / month targeted and successfully completed. Each batch was comprised average of 30-45 nurses, The training emphasizes practical application through simulated scenarios and skill stations, allowing nurses to gain confidence and competence in critical interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), foreign body airway obstruction management, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. The partnership with TNAPEX and TNNMC ensures the program’s alignment with regulatory standards and facilitates the renewal process for nursing registrations.

S.No.DATEBATCH -1BATCH -2TOTAL
124.08.2024333164
221.09.2024332457
328.09.2024343569
405.10.2024343165
519.10.2024333871
626.10.2024323668
709.11.2024333669
816.11.2024373875
923.11.2024354075
1007.12.2024383775
1114.12.2024414586
1221.12.2024424486
1328.12.2024444589
1404.01.2025444185
1511.01.2025364480
1618.01.2025394584
1725.01.2025394584
1801.02.2025494695
1908.02.2025393776
2015.02.2025424486
2122.02.2025464894
2201.03.2025424587
2308.03.2025354075
2415.03.2025393675
2522.03.2025303363
2605.04.2025393877
2712.04.2025363571
2819.04.2025343266
2926.04.2025302353
3003.05.2025323567
3110.05.2025293463
3217.05.2025353873
3331.05.2025373976
3407.06.202524024
3514.06.202535035
3621.06.202537037
TOTAL131712582575

Evaluations included are:

  • Pre- and post-training knowledge assessments with 25 questions.
  • Live demonstrations of CPR techniques for Adult, Children, Infant and AED and Airway management techniques
  • Practical skill assessment scoring validation using simulation manikins.
  • Participant feedback and satisfaction surveys

Key Outcomes:

  • Training Coverage: 2,575 nurses across 69 batches.
  • Knowledge Improvement: Average knowledge scores improved by 95% post-training.
  • Skill Enhancement: Over 98% of participants successfully demonstrated high-quality chest compressions and AED usage.
  • Feedback: 97% of participants reported increased confidence in handling real-life BLS scenarios.
  • Compliance: All participants received official certification, fulfilling TNNMC renewal prerequisites.

Impact and Significance

This initiative not only ensured regulatory compliance for thousands of nursing professionals but also contributed to building a more responsive and emergency-ready healthcare workforce. By promoting a culture of safety and preparedness, the program supports Kauvery Hospital’s vision of clinical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Conclusion

The Kauvery Hospital RNRM BLS CNE Renewal Program, conducted in partnership with TNAPEX and TNNMC, has been instrumental in upskilling a substantial number of nurses in essential Basic Life Support techniques. This initiative not only facilitates the mandatory renewal of nursing registrations but, more importantly, equips healthcare professionals with the critical skills necessary to provide immediate and effective care during medical emergencies, contributing to improved patient safety and outcomes in the region. The program serves as a model for collaborative efforts in continuing nursing education, highlighting the importance of practical, hands-on training for maintaining a competent and confident nursing workforce.

Kauvery Hospital