Knowledge and Practices of Student Nurses of NRI College of Nursing in Application of SSKIN towards Prevention of Pressure Ulcers in NRI Hospital, Chinakakani, Mangalagiri, Guntur (Dt). AP

Background: Pressure ulcers are the common conditions among patients hospitalized in acute and chronic care facilities and impose significant burden on patients, their relatives and caregivers. Pressure ulcer lead to pain and discomfort for patients and also cause prolong illness, delay restoration, increase patient's hospital stay, and may lead to infirmity and even death. The purpose of this study was to assess the student nurse's knowledge and practices towards pressure ulcer prevention. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study among 84 student nurses was conducted in NRI College of Nursing. The study participants were selected by convenient sampling technique. A questionnaire on SSKIN (Surface, Skin inspection, Keep moving, Incontinence and Nutrition) aspects distributed among study participants. Data entered in master analysis sheet and analyzed for descriptive statistics and results presented in Graphs and Tables. Results: The Student Nurses overall mean knowledge score was (20.8±3.72) and 51.1% of respondents scored above mean who have been considered in the category of good knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention. The overall mean score for practices of respondents was (27.8±5.38) and about 51.1 % of them had secured above mean score and considered having adequate practices and remaining has inadequate practices of pressure ulcer prevention. There was a significant correlation (r=0.36 df=83 <0.05**) with their practices and knowledge toward pressure ulcer prevention. Conclusion: The student nurses overall knowledge and practices toward pressure ulcer are poor and inadequate. Hence the student nurses who are going to become full pledged nurses within few months need to get continuing education and training about pressure ulcer prevention that will enhance their knowledge and practices can be improved.