Date of Graduation

Fall 12-13-2019

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

First Advisor

Carla Martin

Second Advisor

Elena Capella

Third Advisor

Susan M. Mortell

Abstract

Educational deficit in basic wound assessment can lead to failure to recognize early signs of infection or wound deterioration. Despite many challenges towards wound care, there are potential opportunities to reduce patient injury and clinical outcomes through continuing education. The purpose of this paper is to review literature on current wound care knowledge in nurses and assess existing wound care knowledge in nurses at a skilled nursing facility. A 10-question pre-test wound assessment quiz based on the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) selected by the Wound Care Coordinator (WCC)/Wound Care Specialist (WCS) was given to 22 nurses: 5 Registered Nurses (RN) and 17 Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) working at this SNF. Results showed that only 13% (3) scored higher than 75%. Additional clinical education was provided according to knowledge deficits. A post-test was then given with the same questions as the pre-test. Results showed that 77 percent (17) scored equal or higher than 97%, and 22.7 percent (5) scored 77 percent. There was an increase of 32 percent in correctly answered questions. This shows that education has a significant impact on enhancing clinical knowledge.

Share

COinS