Environment, Health, & Nursing Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the connection nurses see between the environment and health concerns of their patients. The study surveyed registered nurses (RNs) in a western state to determine whether they evaluated themselves as knowledgeable about environmental health (EH) hazards and if they felt prepared by their nursing curriculum to share this information with their patients. The study replicates a survey of Wisconsin nurses concerning issues related to EH knowledge among RNs in Idaho. Data from 170 respondents to a mailed survey indicated that although nurses agreed that they should be knowledgeable about EH hazards, few were adequately prepared. Overall, many nurses felt unprepared from their nursing curricula to address EH issues in the field. Corrective measures are discussed.