Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices regarding to Fever Management of Neonates

Abstract

Background: Nurses in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit operate in a challenging environment with the demands of care of the infant and providing family-centered care. Aim of the Study: The present study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding to fever management of neonates. Study Design: A descriptive exploratory study design was utilized. Setting: The study was carried out at the neonatal intensive care units in Benisuef General Hospital, Benisuef Health Insurance Hospital affiliated to Ministry of Health and Ain Shams (Children’s Hospital) affiliated to Ain shams University Hospitals. Subjects: A convenient sample of 50 nurses providing care for neonates at the previously mentioned settings were selected in the current study, regardless their age, years of experiences or qualifications. Tools of the Study: Involved nurses’ structured interview questionnaire to assess the study sample's demographic characteristics and their knowledge regarding management of fever in neonates and nurses’ observational checklist to assess nurses’ practice toward fever management in neonates. Results: It was clear that the majority of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory knowledge level and nearly two thirds of them, were incompetent in practice regarding fever management of neonates. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between total nurses' knowledge and their total practice. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there was unsatisfactory level of nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding fever management of neonates. Recommendations: Raising awareness of nurses regarding fever management of neonates and improving their knowledge and practices through continuous training programs.