Nursing Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Infant Sleep Safety

This study evaluated nursing students' knowledge and beliefs of current American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations on Infant Safe Sleep (ISS). A questionnaire was distributed to accredited nursing programs. Responses were compared to evaluate student knowledge of safe sleep recommendations prior to and after pediatric/maternal child education. We reported that nursing students in associate's degree programs have significant gaps in their knowledge regarding ISS even after receiving training. In addition, associate's degree nursing students were less likely to agree with ISS guidelines and felt that their personal experiences as a parent or a caregiver were most helpful in learning about ISS. Curricula need to reflect the most recent evidence-based information on ISS so that students are adequately prepared to enter the workforce.