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Nursing Times Research
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Nurses' knowledge of biological and related science

John Campbell, MSc, RGN, RMN, Cert Ed, DipN, NT

St Martin s College, Carlisle

Helen Leathard, BSc, PhD

St Martin s College, Carlisle

The aims of this small, local study were to determine the level of biological and related knowledge held by student and qualified nurses at a college of higher education; and to ascertain whether such knowledge is lacking, or held but poorly applied to the clinical situation. A group of student and qualified nurses (n = 141) were assessed using a four-part assessment tool. Overall, the scores achieved by the nurses in the sample were below the pass mark at grade C or above for GCSE examinations. No significant differences in knowledge levels were found between student and qualified nurses, or between nurses on degree as opposed to diploma programmes. There was some association between previous relevant qualifications and performance in the assessment and a probable association between nursing experience and levels of practical knowledge. The researcher concluded that there was a lack of scientific knowledge rather than just a lack of application. This finding may have a bearing on quality of patient care, professional accountability, nurses' personal well-being and the development of nursing as a profession, although larger studies are needed to investigate this.

Key Words: Nurse education • Biological science

Nursing Times Research, Vol. 5, No. 5, 372-380 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/136140960000500509
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