Date of Graduation

Summer 8-13-2026

Document Access

Restricted Project/Capstone - USF access only

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

MSN project

First Advisor

Ann Lewani

Abstract

Objective: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are preventable healthcare-associated infections associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, antimicrobial resistance, and patient harm (Rosenthal et al., 2025). Evidence indicates that nursing education, standardized protocols, appropriate catheter use, timely removal, and unobstructed urine flow are essential components of CAUTI prevention. Aim: This quality improvement project aimed to increase registered nurses' knowledge of bladder-scanning protocols and evidence-based urinary catheter care across five adult inpatient units during a 10-week period, targeting a 20% point improvement. Methods: Baseline survey findings informed brief, unit-based roving education addressing bladder-scanning, urinary-retention, dependent-loop prevention, appropriate catheter use, and nurse-driven catheter removal. Pre- and post-learning surveys completed by 97 and 103 registered nurses measured objective knowledge, self-reported confidence, and practices. The surveys were anonymous and unpaired; therefore, responses were analyzed as independent group-level samples using descriptive statistics. Results: The combined average survey score increased from 78.0% to 84.1%, but did not achieve the intended 20% increase. The objective knowledge score increased from 69.1% to 82.25%. Correct identification of the 48-hour bladder-scanning and straight-catheterization timeline increased from 50.5% to 89.3%, while correct identification of dependent loops increased from 69.5% to 83.5%. Conclusions: Brief, targeted education was associated with higher post-learning knowledge scores, specifically the 48-hour bladder-scanning protocol and dependent-loop recognition. Continued education, standardized protocols, visual reminders, and monitoring of catheter utilization and CAUTI rates are needed to assess sustained changes in practice and patient outcomes.

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