Blood Culture & Sensitivity: How Does It All Work?

Contact Hours: 2

Author(s):

Charmaine Robinson, MSN-Ed, BSN, RN

Course Overview

As a nurse, it can be easy to administer an antibiotic, but understanding the microbiology behind terms like ‘culture and sensitivity,’ ‘gram-positive cocci,’ or ‘vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus’ can be a challenge. Intended for nurses at all levels, this course will describe the relationship between pathogens, blood cultures, and antimicrobial sensitivity. We’ll start with an overview of pathogens, transition into blood culture collection practices, and conclude with antimicrobial sensitivity. 

Course Outline

  1. Introduction 
  2. All About Microbes 
  3. Are Blood Cultures Necessary? 
  4. Blood Culture Indications 
  5. Collection Process
  6. Blood Culture Testing 
  7. Conclusion 

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, the learner will rate a 4 out of 5 on the Likert Scale for their ability to:

  1. Describe how pathogens are classified. 
  2. Summarize the steps for collecting blood cultures. 
  3. Explain antibiotic sensitivity. 

Accreditations and Approvals

CE Credit Logo
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (P0614)
  • California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 17418)
  • Kentucky Board of Nursing (7-0090)
  • Louisiana State Board of Nursing (58)
  • Florida Board of Nursing (50-23983)
  • Delaware Board of Nursing (DE-24-010127)
  • Alabama Board of Nursing (#ABNP1577)
  • Iowa Board of Nursing (#393)
  • Kansas Board of Nursing (LT0340-0325)

Approved by the Board of Nursing in every state, you can complete your RN, LVN, and APRN CEUs with confidence.

Accreditation Statement

Nursing CE Central LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

It will take the average learner 120 minutes to complete and awards 2 contact hours of continuing education.

Written For

  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Requirements for Completion

  1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
  2. Read and learn all course materials
  3. Complete the course evaluation
  4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships

Nursing CE Central nor any of the authors, planners, content experts, or any contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.