Abstract: Objective To develop a training program for cardiac surgery nurse specialists and to provide reference for the cultivation of cardiac surgery nurse specialists in China. Methods With Tyler model, a preliminary training program was developed via literature review and semi-structured interviews. Through 2 rounds of Delphi letter consultation, the items were selected combined with the criteria and expert opinions and the weight of each item was identified. Results The response rate of the two rounds of expert inquiry was both 100%, and authority coefficient of 0.890 and 0.906 respectively. Coordination coefficient for the first and second-level indicators in the second round of inquiry was 0.119 and 0.113, respectively (both P<0.05). The final program included four parts of training objectives, content, management, and evaluation. There were 3 first-level and 19 secondary indicators in training objective; 8 first-level and 68 secondary indicators in training content; 5 first-level and 21 secondary indicators in training management; and 3 first-level and 5 secondary indicators in training evaluation. Conclusion The training program is scientific and reliable, and it provides reference for the cultivation of cardiac surgery nurse specialists.

Key words: Taylor model, cardiac surgery, nurse specialists, training, Delphi method