Nutrition assessment: experience is not a predictor of knowledge.

This study tested an evidence-based nutrition education program for licensed nurses working in nursing homes who scored an average of 56% on a pretest. Posttest scores averaged 66%, demonstrating a continuing deficit of basic nutritional knowledge despite the educational intervention. Statistical analysis revealed that less experienced nurses scored better on posttests than more experienced nurses; more experienced nurses performed nutritional assessment more often than less experienced nurses; and more experienced nurses were usually charge nurses or nurses completing Minimum Data Sets. Although the education did not eliminate all deficits in nutrition knowledge, a decrease in the percentage of residents with significant weight loss was noted.