Background: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common and potentially fatal nosocomial infections for critically ill patients. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, VAP is the type of pneumonia that occurs 48 hours after intubation and was identified as a national safety goal. According to the literature, nurses’ knowledge towards VAP prevention could be further improved and adherence to the VAP bundle could increase through re-education.

Objective: The aim of this evidence-based practice project is to evaluate and increase nurses’ knowledge regarding VAP, leading to implementation of VAP bundle to decrease respiratory infection in the acute care setting.

Methods: 75 articles were reviewed as part of the literature. A convenient sample of 20 nurses on a progressive unit is readily available. A 10-question multiple choice survey to asses nurses’ knowledge before and after the educational intervention has been adapted from Jansson et al., 2013. The educational intervention, in the form of a poster presentation, addresses VAP and the VAP bundle. Handouts with components of the bundle are also distributed.

Results: An increase in nurses’ knowledge about VAP and its symptoms, and an adherence to the VAP bundle. Nurses educated on the VAP bundle would help to lower mortality rates, decrease hospital length of stay, decrease healthcare costs and improve overall safety of patients.

Conclusion: Implementation of the VAP bundle as part of nursing practice is recommended for all intubated patients. Re-education on VAP and the VAP bundle should be yearly and upon hiring to a unit with intubated patients.

Keywords: Ventilator associated pneumonia, intubation, nurses knowledge, VAP bundle