Building academic and practical knowledge in nursing through TB skin testing certification in a BSN curriculum

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease with worldwide health care consequences. After decades of declining incidence there was a 14% increase in the United States from 1985 to 1992, although rates are now declining due to focused programs. The State of Indiana mandates continuous TB monitoring by health care workers who have completed an educational course. The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and the American Lung Association designed an educational program called a Basic TB Skin Test Course, which is used by the Community Health Nursing faculty at Indiana University School of Nursing (IUSON) in the baccalaureate curriculum to assist students in meeting state requirements. All students receive the didactic TB content of the course in the epidemiological concepts unit. Students can elect to receive certification by attending an additional 2-hour clinical session. Over 500 community health nursing students have completed the Basic TB Skin Test course in the past 5 years. The outcomes are positive for students, community, and public health.