Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Nursing - Department of Pediatric Nursing

One of the issues requiring special knowledge, skill and experience for neonatal nurses is oxygen therapy. Aim: to assess nurses' knowledge and practice about oxygen therapy to high risk neonates. Methodology: A Descriptive exploratory design was conducted on a convenient sample of all nurses (seventy nurse) working throughout three neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at two pediatric and one gynecological hospitals of Cairo University, Egypt. Tools: A structured questionnaire sheet and observational checklist were used. Data were collected from January to June 2014. Results: Majority of nurses were less than thirty years old, their mean years of experience in NICUs were seven, half of them had secondary nursing school graduates while less than one third of the sample had bachelor degree of nursing followed by technical nursing institute certificate. The mean scores and levels of nurses' knowledge and practice regarding oxygen therapy were 29.8± 27.6 out of 76 (unsatisfactory) and 28.9±6.3 out of 38 (good) respectively. A positive correlation was found between nurses' mean scores of knowledge and practice (p <0.001). Bachelor degree nurses' mean scores of knowledge and practice were significantly higher followed by technical nursing institute and secondary nursing school graduates.Nurses who had more than five years of experience working in NICUs had higher mean practice scores than those less than five years. In conclusion: The findings of this study concluded a need for development of nurses' knowledge and practice in relation to oxygen therapy. Recommendations: It is important to raise awareness and increase skills in this area. Therefore, educational and training programs are recommended means for implementing effective nursing care at NICUs, as they improve knowledge, and improves their work practice.

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