Abstract
Previous data suggest that nursing students in the United States are inadequately protected against hepatitis B. This survey focused on the immunization and education practices, infection control knowledge, and follow-up to infectious disease exposure by U.S. nursing schools. To ascertain education requirements, immunization practices, and infectious disease postexposure follow up, a survey was sent to the director or dean of 1164 U.S. nursing schools. Seven hundred sixty-five schools (65.7%) responded to the survey. A microbiology course was required before clinical experience by 49% of schools. Clinical experience in the operating room was given by 16%, 65% of schools offered infectious and communicable disease courses, and 98% offered universal precaution instructions. The hepatitis B vaccine was required by 11%; 2% required yearly influenza vaccination. In a comparison of programs, the diploma schools were more likely to have written policies for infectious disease exposure follow-up and to use appropriate agencies for exposure follow-up (p = 0.0001). A microbiology course before clinical experience should be encouraged. Immunization policies and infectious disease exposure follow-up are currently inadequate in U.S. associate degree and baccalaureate nursing programs.
Published Version
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