Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice of Neonatal Resuscitation at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Background: Neonatal asphyxia accounts for a significant proportion of neonatal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, and prompt resuscitation by skilled nurses can prevent mortality. Aim: This study assessed nurses' knowledge and practice of neonatal resuscitation at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, South East Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used. Eighty registered nurses and midwives working in the neonatal and labour wards were recruited through total population sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and clinical observation checklists. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used in analysis. Results: Fifty-five percent of nurses demonstrated adequate knowledge of neonatal resuscitation steps, but only 42% performed resuscitation procedures correctly during observed scenarios. Deficiencies were most notable in the use of bag-valve-mask devices and post-resuscitation monitoring. Years of experience and completion of Helping Babies Breathe training were strongly associated with improved practice. Conclusion: Critical gaps in neonatal resuscitation practice persist despite moderate knowledge levels. Mandatory Helping Babies Breathe refresher training, regular simulation drills, and adequately stocked resuscitation equipment are essential strategies to reduce preventable neonatal deaths at Nigerian teaching hospitals. Keywords: neonatal resuscitation, nursing practice, Abakaliki, neonatal mortality, Helping Babies Breathe.