Knowledge and Compliance with Blood-Borne Pathogen Prevention of Hospital Nurses: Based on Clinical Experience / 임상간호연구

PURPOSE: Exposure to blood and body fluids represents a significant occupational risk for nurses. This study was done to identify the level of knowledge of and compliance with blood-borne pathogen prevention of hospital nurses according to clinical experience, and to identify factors affecting compliance with blood-borne pathogen prevention. METHODS: A descriptive correlational study was conducted in which self-reported knowledge of and compliance with blood-borne pathogen prevention was assessed. The relationships between variables were examined. Registered nurses who were employed (n=345) were surveyed. Data were analyzed using, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Nurses with more than 5 years experience had greater knowledge of blood-borne pathogen prevention than nurses with less than 5 years experience. However, there was no significant difference in compliance with blood-borne pathogen prevention between the two groups. No significant correlation was found between knowledge and compliance with blood-borne pathogen prevention according to experience standards. In nurses with less than 5 years experience, gender, age, reported exposure to a blood-borne pathogen, and compliance with principles of prevention had a significant impact on compliance with blood-borne pathogen prevention. For nurses with more than 5 years experience, reporting after exposure to blood-borne pathogen was a contributing factor to compliance with blood-borne pathogen prevention. CONCLUSION: The study results show that to improve the implementation of preventive measures against blood-borne pathogens different strategies are needed, depending on clinical experience of the nurses.

Career Ladder System Perceived by Nurses / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate how nurses perceive the Career Ladder System(CLS). METHODS: This study was a descriptive survey using questionnaires. Questionnaires were developed by an expert group. Participants included 161 nurses working in the Children's Hospital. The data were analyzed using factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, descriptive statistics, chi-square-test and ANCOVA. RESULTS: This study revealed that nurses who advanced in their career ladders have a significantly higher perception of participation in their professional activities and a general comprehension of the CLS more than the nurses who did not advance in their career ladders. However, nurses who advanced in their career ladders have a significantly lower perception of the expected outcome of the CLS more than nurses who did not. CONCLUSIONS: This result showed that nurses who had experienced in clinical advancement and recognition were highly motivated with their professional activities via the CLS as well as they considered it to allow professional growth.