Assessment of Nursing Performance toward Enteral Feeding at Pediatric Critical Care Units

Background: This study aimed to assess Nursing Performance toward Enteral Feeding at Pediatric Critical Care Units. Subjects and methods: A descriptive study was conducted at pediatric critically care units (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – Emergency department) in the Children's Hospital affiliated to Ain-Shams University Hospitals. Sampling: A convenient sample composed of all available nurses at the previously mentioned settings regardless the age, gender, level of education, training and years of experience, their total number was 100 nurses. Tools: A structured questionnaire sheet to assess nurses’ characteristics and their knowledge regarding enteral feeding. The second tool was an observation checklist to assess nurses' practice toward enteral feeding. The third tool was an attitude sheet to assess nurses' attitude toward enteral feeding. Results: revealed that the nearly half of studied nurses had 20-<25 years. That majority of studied nurses had technical institute of nursing and bachelor of nursing Also, it was clear that about three fifths of the studied nurses had satisfactory level of knowledge regarding enteral feeding. Less than half of studied nurses had positive attitude level about enteral feeding. And less than three quarters of the studied nurses had competent total level of practice regarding enteral feeding at pediatric critical care units. Conclusion: the study concluded that, the majority of the studied nurses had good level of knowledge, incomplete level of practice and negative attitude regarding enteral feeding. Recommendation: the study recommended that, Implementation of infection control training program for nurses regarding enteral feeding. Continuous monitoring and teaching on spot from nurse supervisor are needed to ensure quality of care provided by nurses for enteral feeding.