An assessment of nurses' knowledge of botulism.

Objective: To assess nurses' knowledge of botulism, a Centers for Disease Control Category A bioterrorism agent, one case of which constitutes an emergency.

Design: The study utilized survey research.

Sample: The cluster sample included 1,414 registered nurses.

Measure: The survey gathered demographic data and nurses' knowledge of the background, manifestation and management of botulism.

Results: The mean percentage of correct answers for the sample was 25.95%, with a standard deviation (SD) of ±19.89%. Only 90 (6.3%) achieved 60% or more correct. Educational preparation, experience, specialty/area of practice and whether nurses had a class in disaster medicine were also examined and although differences were noted, none of these factors accounted for a score of 60% or above.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate the need for an assessment of the current education nurses receive about botulism.