Publication:

Assessment of knowledge and practices of intensive care unit nurses about endotracheal suctioning for adult patients in Baghdad teaching hospitals, Iraq

Background Mechanical ventilation is a vital, life-saving therapy for clients with dangerous illness and ‎respiratory disorder. Objective of the study was to assess knowledge and practices of ICU nurses about endotracheal suctioning for adult patients and to determine the relationship between demographic characteristic data with nurse's knowledge and practices.

Methods A cross-sectional design study was conducted in the period of 1st June 2016 to 15th November 2016. On purposive of (50) nurses who were working at intensive care unit in Baghdad, these hospitals were: Baghdad teaching hospital, Surgical Specialties Hospital /Medical City Directorate descriptive and Al- Kidney Teaching Hospital/Al Rusafa health.

Results The majority of nurses’ ages were (20-29) years old that were accounted for (60%), Most of them (70%) were male, the level of education represented that most of them (54%) were from nursing college, (34%) for less than one years were employee in the intensive care unit, Majority of them (58) were employee (1-5) years were employment in nursing, (58%) of them have training session in the intensive care unit.

Conclusions Nurses have best practical level than knowledge level and their no significant relationship significant nurse’s demographic characteristics and levels of knowledge and practice.