Educational Needs and Educator Competencies of Infection Control Nurses.

Abstract

Background: Infection control nurses play a key educational role in health care settings, supporting infection prevention and control practices. However, research on their educational needs and teaching competencies is limited. This study examined the educational needs of infection control nurses and their use of educator competencies in continuing nursing education activities delivered within health care institutions.

Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional nationwide study included 403 infection control nurses in Turkey. Data were collected with an Information Form, an Educational Needs Assessment Form, and the Teaching Skills Scale. Descriptive statistics, t tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted.

Results: The greatest educational needs were noted for teaching skills and infection control in support services, with more moderate needs identified in surveillance and legal aspects. Although educator competency scores were high, participants continued to report the need for structured orientation and ongoing professional development. Teaching was mainly lecture-based, with limited use of interactive methods. Teaching skill scores were associated with age, education, and experience.

Conclusion: Despite active educational roles, infection control nurses continue to report the need for professional development and educator preparation. Strengthening structured continuing nursing education systems is essential to improving training in infection prevention and control.