Infection prevention prelicensure nursing education: Exploring graduating student and preceptor experiences

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Healthcare Quality

Background:

• Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial in healthcare settings.
• Pre-licensure nursing students' understanding and application of IPC practices are vital for patient safety.
• Clinical preceptors play a key role in shaping students' IPC competency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions and experiences of final-semester pre-licensure nursing students regarding IPC.
• To investigate the perspectives of clinical preceptors on IPC education and student preparedness.
• To identify areas for improvement in IPC training and collaboration within nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design.
• Data collected through interviews or surveys with nursing students and clinical preceptors.
• Thematic analysis of participant experiences and perceptions.

Main Results:

• Identified gaps in nursing students' IPC knowledge and practical application.
• Highlighted preceptors' observations on student readiness and training needs.
• Revealed a need for better integration of IPC principles in clinical settings.

Conclusions:

• Stronger emphasis on infection prevention and control (IPC) education is required for nursing students.
• Enhanced collaboration between infection preventionists and nursing faculty is essential.
• Improved IPC training will contribute to better patient outcomes and healthcare safety.