Association Between Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Knowledge of Patient Care Protocols and Their Active Participation in Clinical Nursing Rounds at Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat

Background: Awareness of patient care standards is essential for ensuring safe and effective nursing practice. Active participation in clinical nursing rounds helps undergraduate nursing students develop practical skills, strengthen professional competence, and apply theoretical knowledge in real clinical settings. Limited research exists in Pakistan examining the relationship between students’ knowledge of patient care protocols and their level of participation in clinical nursing rounds. Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge of patient care protocols and participation levels in clinical nursing rounds among undergraduate nursing students and to examine the relationship between knowledge and participation. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 235 third-year undergraduate nursing students at Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire covering demographic information, knowledge of patient care protocols, and participation in clinical rounds. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic characteristics, knowledge levels, and participation. The Chi-square test was used to determine the association between knowledge and participation, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most participants were male (82%) and aged 20–22 years (60%). Students were distributed across medical (29.8%), surgical (25.5%), emergency (25.5%), and specialty wards (19.1%). Knowledge assessment showed that 50.2% had average knowledge, 29.8% good knowledge, and 20% poor knowledge. Participation in clinical rounds was moderate in 45.1%, high in 29.8%, and low in 25.1%. A significant association was found between knowledge and participation (χ² = 45.62, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Improving knowledge of patient care protocols may enhance student participation in clinical nursing rounds and contribute to better clinical competence.