Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between nursing specialty certification and surgical site infections (SSIs) for colon (COLO) and abdominal hysterectomy (HYST) surgical procedures.
BACKGROUND: SSI following COLO and HYST procedures is a preventable complication now included in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program.
METHODS: Data from 69 hospitals, 346 units, and 6585 RNs participating in the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators and SSI data on 22 188 patient COLO and HYST procedures from the National Healthcare Safety Network were examined in multivariate logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: Magnet(R) status was associated with lower SSI occurrence after adjusting for other variables. Higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, longer surgical procedure time, and wound class were associated with higher SSI occurrence.
CONCLUSIONS: Future theory-based research should examine the association of nursing specialty certification with patient outcomes and investigate the effect of Magnet status on SSI.