Time Is Survival: Continuing Education on Sepsis for Neurosurgical Critical Care Nurses

Abstract

Background: Early identification of sepsis among neurosurgical critical care patients is a significant challenge because of the many possible confounding variables that lead to altered mental status in this specific patient population. Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and practices related to the early identification and management of sepsis are crucial to patients' survival. Method: This evidence-based intervention project implemented continuing education for neurosurgical critical care nurses on the early signs and symptoms of sepsis and the management of sepsis according to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) Guidelines. Results: Continuing education on sepsis increased neurosurgical critical care nurses' knowledge of the SSC 1-hour sepsis bundle, reported confidence in the management of sepsis, and likelihood of assessing for sepsis. Conclusion: Continuing education for neurosurgical critical care nurses on the signs and symptoms of sepsis and the SSC Guidelines is necessary and may improve patient outcomes. [ J Contin Educ Nurs . 202x;5x(x):xx–xx.]