| 350 |
Clinical Research
|
Effects of certification and education on pressure ulcer knowledge Karen Zulkowski, DNS, RN, CWS, Elizabeth Ayello, Sharon Wexler Rural and urban nurses have scored a ÒCÓ average on a pressure ulcer knowledge test. However, it is not known how higher levels of education or wound certification will affect knowledge scores. This study examined the effects of educational level, number of years in practice, and certification by either the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse's Association or the American Academy of Wound Management on pressure ulcer knowledge scores Nurses with over 5 years experience scored higher (80.5% v. 78%) than those with less experience. Level of nursing education did not influence pressure ulcer knowledge. RN's with a diploma as their highest level of education scored 80% while those with a masters degree scored 82%.. Nurses certified as a wound specialist scored significantly higher on the pressure ulcer knowledge test than those with either certification in other areas or no certification (89% v 83%,79%). Results of this work demonstrate certified wound specialists have higher levels of pressure ulcer knowledge. Future research will be to examine if this improved knowledge is associated with improved outcomes of prevention and treatment for person with pressure ulcers. |
|