Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Describe clinical nurse involvement in antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs).
BACKGROUND: The extent to which clinical nurses are supported and integrated into ASPs is unknown.
METHODS: Electronic survey of infection preventionists (IPs) working in acute care hospitals.
RESULTS: A total of 207 IPs nationwide reported on clinical nurses' involvement in their hospital's ASP. Among respondents, 42% reported the presence of a designated nurse executive that championed nurses' involvement in ASPs; 33% reported that the hospital provides antibiotic stewardship education and training to clinical nurses, and only 14% believed that clinical nurses have adequate stewardship knowledge to participate in ASP activities.
CONCLUSIONS: Study findings indicate the need for nurse leaders to improve the preparation and integration of clinical nurses in ASPs. While clinical nurses routinely perform activities that contribute to optimal antibiotic use, the knowledge and competency of clinical nurses in these activities and their formal integration in ASPs are minimal.