Educational Needs and Educator Competencies of Infection Control Nurses

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Kemik S., Bodur G.

The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.1-12, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI)

Özet

Background: Infection control nurses play a key

educational role in health care settings, supporting

infection prevention and control practices. However,

research on their educational needs and teaching

competencies is limited. This study examined the educational needs of infection control nurses and their

use of educator competencies in continuing nursing

education activities delivered within health care institutions. Method: This descriptive, cross-sectional nationwide study included 403 infection control nurses

in Turkey. Data were collected with an Information

Form, an Educational Needs Assessment Form, and the

Teaching Skills Scale. Descriptive statistics, t tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analyses were

conducted. Results: The greatest educational needs

were noted for teaching skills and infection control in

support services, with more moderate needs identified in surveillance and legal aspects. Although educator competency scores were high, participants continued to report the need for structured orientation

and ongoing professional development. Teaching was

mainly lecture-based, with limited use of interactive

methods. Teaching skill scores were associated with

age, education, and experience. Conclusion: Despite

active educational roles, infection control nurses continue to report the need for professional development

and educator preparation. Strengthening structured

continuing nursing education systems is essential to

improving training in infection prevention and control.