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Published on: October 3, 2016
Microbiology, infection control, immunizations, and infectious disease exposure: education and practices in United
1Infectious Disease Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15240.
Background:
Previous data suggest that nursing students in the United States are inadequately protected against hepatitis B. This survey focused on the immunization and education practices, infection control knowledge, and follow-up to infectious disease exposure by U.S. nursing schools.
Methods:
To ascertain education requirements, immunization practices, and infectious disease postexposure follow up, a survey was sent to the director or dean of 1164 U.S. nursing schools.
Results:
Seven hundred sixty-five schools (65.7%) responded to the survey. A microbiology course was required before clinical experience by 49% of schools. Clinical experience in the operating room was given by 16%, 65% of schools offered infectious and communicable disease courses, and 98% offered universal precaution instructions. The hepatitis B vaccine was required by 11%; 2% required yearly influenza vaccination. In a comparison of programs, the diploma schools were more likely to have written policies for infectious disease exposure follow-up and to use appropriate agencies for exposure follow-up (p = 0.0001).
Conclusions:
A microbiology course before clinical experience should be encouraged. Immunization policies and infectious disease exposure follow-up are currently inadequate in U.S. associate degree and baccalaureate nursing programs.
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