Ardene Robinson Vollman, RN PhD and Roxie Ann Thompson Isherwood, RN, PhD(c). Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 3955 Edenstone Road NW, Calgary, AB T3A 3Z7, Canada, (403) 239-3180, avollman@shaw.ca

A common occupational risk for health care workers is exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Such exposures can create anguish related to the possibility of a life-threatening infection and repercussions on the individual's career, family and personal life. It is critical that health care providers, including students, take appropriate protective precaustions. In this Candian study, student nurses were surveyed to determine: 1) what they know about blood-borne diseases, means of protection, and their beliefs and values about blood-borne disease and protective measures; 2) how vulnerable student nurses feel to blood-borne disease; and 3) how they comply with protective protocols. In this presentation, research results will be discussed in terms of implications for educators of nurses and public health/occupational health services where students practice in the development of programs to ensure students are protected from exposures.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe what nursing students know about a) pathogens that are transmitted by blood and/or body fluids, and b) methods to prevent infection.
• Examine nursing students' attitudes, vulnerability, and adherence to precautions.

Keywords: Communicable Disease, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.