Risks and Protocols for Occupational Infections in Norwegian Nursing Programs

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) affect millions of patients and healthcare workers every year. Nursing students are a particularly vulnerable population at increased risk of occupationally-acquired infections and injuries. In this qualitative study, we explore the risks and protocols currently in place for occupational infections in Norwegian nursing programs. Stress and lack of resources were among the identified individual and systemic risk factors, respectively. Accessible reporting systems and surveillance registries were also noted to be lacking across all participating universities. This paper highlights areas of improvement that nursing programs around the world may consider to better protect their students.