Higher rates of CPAN and CNOR/CRNFA certifications in perioperative units were significantly associated with lower rates of central-line-associated bloodstream infections in SICUs (P=.05 and P=.00).
Observational
Does higher direct-care RN specialty certification improve nursing-sensitive patient outcomes in surgical units?
Higher rates of RN specialty certification in perioperative units are associated with lower rates of central-line-associated bloodstream infections but unexpectedly higher rates of pressure ulcers, highlighting the complex relationship between nursing certification and patient outcomes.
Effect estimate: β = -0.17
p-value: p=.00
Specialty certification enhances patient safety in health care by validating that practice is consistent with standards of excellence. The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between direct-care, specialty-certified nurses employed in perioperative units, surgical intensive care units (SICUs), and surgical units and nursing-sensitive patient outcomes in SICUs and surgical units. Lower rates of central-line-associated bloodstream infections in SICUs were significantly associated with higher rates of CPAN (certified postanesthesia nurse) (β = -0.09, P = .05) and CNOR/CRNFA (certified nurse operating room/certified RN first assistant) (β = -0.17, P = .00) certifications in perioperative units. Unexpectedly, higher rates of CNOR/CRNFA certification in perioperative units were associated with higher rates of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (β = 0.08, P = .03) and unit-acquired pressure ulcers (β = 0.13, P = .00), possibly because of a higher risk of pressure ulcers in the patient population. Additional research is needed to clarify this relationship. Our findings lend credence to perioperative, SICU, and surgical nurses participating in lifelong learning and continuous professional development, including achievement of specialty certification.
Boyle et al. (Sat,) conducted a observational in Surgical patients in SICUs and surgical units. Direct-care RN specialty certification (CPAN, CNOR/CRNFA) was evaluated on Central-line-associated bloodstream infections in SICUs (β = -0.17, p=.00). Higher rates of CPAN and CNOR/CRNFA certifications in perioperative units were significantly associated with lower rates of central-line-associated bloodstream infections in SICUs (P=.05 and P=.00).
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