A study of senior staff nurses' perceptions about MRSA.

AIM

To examine the extent to which staff nurses feel that MRSA is out of control and that any attempts by them to control it are unnecessary.

METHOD

A qualitative research paradigm with semi-structured interviews to examine the perceptions, attitudes and beliefs of 10 senior staff nurses.

RESULTS

In the study, 60% of participants believe that MRSA is out of control and state 'why should they bother worrying about it'. Furthermore, 80% of participants commented that prescribed courses of nasal mupirocin were frequently missed. The perception is that IV treatments were more important and effective than topical agents.

CONCLUSION

The study has established that a small section of experienced staff nurses perceive MRSA to be out of control and they are not overly concerned about its management.