Journal of Nursing & Care

Background: Surgical site infections are the most prevalent type of healthcare-associated infections that have a detrimental effect on surgical patients and healthcare systems. If evidence-based strategies are applied throughout the management of surgical wounds, these infections can be mainly avoided. The safe practice of infection prevention by nurses, who serve as front-line caregivers, is essential to preventing these illnesses. However, there are few studies on this subject among nurses directly involved in providing care in Ethiopia.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the surgical site infection prevention practice and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 478 randomly selected nurses working in public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia from July 15 to August 20, 2022. Data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaires and observations. Descriptive statistics was done using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation to summarize the study variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with the practice of surgical site infection prevention and a p-value <0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association.

Results: The nurses’ good practice of surgical site infection prevention was 56.4%. Taking infection prevention training (AOR=1.69, 95%CI:1.11- 2.58), using infection prevention guidelines (AOR=2.45, 95%CI:1.34-4.47), having an adequate supply of wound care materials (AOR=1.81, 95%CI:1.21-2.71), having good knowledge (AOR=1.81, 95%CI:1.21-2.71) and having a good attitude (AOR=1.83, 95%CI:1.21-2.77) were significantly and positively associated with good practice of surgical site infection prevention.

Conclusion: Nurses’ surgical site infection prevention practice was poor and several modifiable factors were identified. Continuous in-service training on and consistent utilization of infection prevention guidelines, provision of adequate wound care supplies and close supervision are recommended to improve the practice of preventing surgical site infections.

Hospital nursing care plays a pivotal role in patient recovery, serving as the cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery. This paper explores the vital contribution of nursing in promoting patient well-being and accelerating the healing process. From bedside assistance to holistic care management, nurses embody empathy, expertise and diligence, fostering an environment conducive to recovery. Through comprehensive assessment, personalized interventions and ongoing support, they empower patients to navigate their healing journey with confidence and resilience. By recognizing the vitality of hospital nursing care, healthcare systems can enhance patient outcomes, optimize resource utilization and cultivate a culture of compassionate excellence in patient-centered care.

Psychiatric nurses play a pivotal role in mental health care, providing holistic support to individuals grappling with psychiatric disorders. Their multifaceted responsibilities encompass assessment, medication management, therapy facilitation and patient education. Through their empathetic approach and specialized training, psychiatric nurses forge therapeutic alliances, fostering recovery and resilience in their patients. Their impact extends beyond clinical settings, as they advocate for destigmatization and promote community-based interventions. This abstract highlights the indispensable contributions of psychiatric nurses in addressing the complex challenges of mental illness and advancing the well-being of individuals and communities.

The experiences gleaned from nursing students as they navigate the frontiers of geriatric care. With an aging population, the demand for competent geriatric nursing professionals is ever-increasing. Drawing from first hand encounters, this abstract explores the unique challenges, rewards and learning opportunities encountered by nursing students in their journey to provide quality care to elderly individuals. From addressing complex medical needs to fostering meaningful connections, the narrative highlights the multifaceted nature of geriatric nursing and underscores the invaluable role of student experiences in shaping compassionate and effective care practices.

Nurses play a vital and multifaceted role in the healthcare of elderly individuals. Their contributions extend beyond mere medical care, encompassing holistic support that addresses physical, emotional and social needs. This abstract explores the integral role of nurses in elderly healthcare, highlighting their impact on patient outcomes, caregiver support and the promotion of healthy aging. Through their expertise in assessment, care planning and patient education, nurses serve as linchpins in the provision of comprehensive geriatric care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for elderly populations.