Bridging the Knowledge Gap: A Cross-Sectional Study on Sustainability Awareness Among Nurses

Background: Sustainability in healthcare is a growing global priority; however, the knowledge and integration of sustainable practices among nurses remain limited, especially in developing regions. Nurses play a critical role in promoting environmentally responsible behaviors in clinical settings.Aim: This study aimed to assess the current level of knowledge among nurses regarding sustainability and evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention in enhancing their understanding.Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post design was used, involving 33 nurses from selected healthcare facilities in Mosul, Iraq. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire before and after a targeted educational training session on sustainability concepts, environmental health, patient advocacy, and practical implementation.Results: Pre-intervention findings indicated low levels of knowledge in several key areas of sustainability. After the intervention, significant improvements were observed in understanding core sustainability principles, environmental health risks, and the role of nurses in promoting sustainable practices. However, gaps remained in areas such as renewable energy use and initial planning strategies for sustainability actions.Conclusion: The educational intervention was effective in increasing nurses knowledge of sustainability. Integrating sustainability education into nursing practice and curricula can empower nurses to contribute more actively to environmentally sustainable healthcare systems