Comparision of Knowledge and the Practice of Universal Precautioni between Registered Nurses and Nursing Students

Introduction:Nursing students who work closely with patients are a high risk group for infections. This study aims to compare knowledge and practice in relation to universal precautions (UP) between nursing students and registered nurses. Methods:This is a cross-sectional study using a newly constructed piloted self-administered questionnaire to identify the knowledge and practice of the nursing students and registered nurses who work at Khon Kaen Hospital during March 15 to April 9, 2010. Results:The average knowledge scores for registered nurses and nursing students were 15.2 + 2.2 and 14.2 + 2.2 respectively. In relation to UP practice, there were very similar except for some topics such as disposal of needles without re-cap and using a N95 mask while dealing with tuberculosis patients. Conclusion:There were no differences between the registered nurses and nursing students in terms of knowledge and practice of UP.