Knowledge Level of Nursing Students on Nosocomial Infection

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge level of student nurses on nosocomial infection. Materials and Methods: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of a total of 208 nursing students in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year of a foundation university between February and March 2019. Study data were collected through "Student Information Form" and "Nosocomial Infection Information Form of Nursing Students" prepared in accordance with the literature. Results: The mean age of the student nurses was 21.78 +/- 2.21 years. Moreover, 27.4% of the students graduated from a vocational school of health services and 20.7% of them were already employed while continuing their education. Further, 72.1% of the student nurses stated that they received training on nosocomial infections, 90.4% needed training on nosocomial infections, and 76.9% required training, most importantly, on the measures related to the route of transmission. The item in which most of the student nurses provided an incorrect answer (92.3%) was "The intravenous catheters attached to the patient should be changed every 48-72 h at the latest." Conclusion: The total mean score of student nurses' knowledge level of nosocomial infection was above the moderate level. To meet the educational needs of the student nurses about nosocomial infections, provisions of more comprehensive trainings on this issue and of updated information in line with the recently published guidelines through continuing education programs after graduation are necessary.