Misconceptions about traumatic brain injury and recovery among nursing students.
OBJECTIVE
To identify potential misconceptions that nursing students have regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) and recovery.


METHODS
Descriptive questionnaire.


METHODS
University.


METHODS
Thirty-item questionnaire addressing knowledge about TBI and recovery.


METHODS
One hundred eight undergraduate students, 65 in the prenursing program and 43 nursing majors.


RESULTS
In general, nursing students had a lower frequency of misconceptions than did university students in a prior study, and the more advanced nursing majors had a lower frequency of misconceptions than did the prenursing students. Substantial misconceptions did exist, though, especially concerning unconsciousness, amnesia, and recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Nursing students possess several misconceptions pertaining to TBI and recovery that have the potential to adversely affect assessment, treatment, and education of patients and family members. Education focusing on TBI and recovery should be included in the nursing curriculum and be a part of continuing education at the professional level.
Ernst
William J
WJ
Department of Graduate Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA. william-e@earthlink.net
Trice
Ashton D
AD
Gilbert
Jennifer L
JL
Potts
Heather
H
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D011361:Professional Competence; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*