Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Patricia Schweickert

Abstract

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are usually attributable to suboptimal line insertion, care, or maintenance and are associated with poor patient outcomes. Nursing plays a pivotal role in preventing CLABSI, because nurses are generally responsible for the routine care and maintenance of central lines. The purpose of this project was to determine if CLABSI nursing education and demonstration-based competency could improve nurses' knowledge on a neurology unit as compared to current practice of an annual e-learning module as the sole source of nurse education. This project was informed by Lewin's planned change theory and involved changing behaviors, attitudes, and practices of nurses via a conducive approach consisting of three phases: unfreezing, movement, and refreezing. To have a foundation in evidence, expert literature supports the project. Participating nurses attended an educational session consisting of a presentation and demonstration-based competency of central line dressing change technique. A pre- and post-test were administered; the mean pretest score was 72.1% and the mean posttest score was 94.1%. Comparison of pre- and post-test scores reflect a 22% increase in test scores, therefore, this program increased knowledge. This project can contribute to positive social change by improving nursing practice through increasing nurses' knowledge of proper care and maintenance of central lines, which can translate into evidence-based practice changes and improve patient outcomes.

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

 
COinS