Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nursing Regarding Basic Surgical Techniques: A Bibliographic Review

Introduction: Surgical nursing required knowledge, technical skills, and attitudes that ensured patient safety. Gaps were identified between the theoretical training received and the practical skills developed, which may compromise future professional performance.Objective: To synthesize the available scientific evidence on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to basic surgical techniques in nursing students and professionals published between 2019 and 2024, identifying strengths, deficiencies, and effective educational strategies documented in the literature.Methods: A descriptive bibliographic review with narrative synthesis was conducted, selectively adopting PRISMA standards. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO between January and February 2025, using MeSH and DeCS descriptors. Twenty-five original articles and reviews in Spanish and English published between 2019–2024 were included. Data were thematically organized into six dimensions through narrative synthesis.Results: The results were organized into six dimensions: theoretical knowledge, professional attitudes, surgical practices, academic training, clinical simulation, and patient safety. Clinical simulation constituted a fundamental strategy for reducing the theory-practice gap. Positive attitudes toward evidence-based practice were associated with better clinical outcomes. Variability in theoretical domain was identified according to academic level and prior practical experience.Conclusions: Competencies in basic surgical techniques required the integration of cognitive mastery, ethical disposition, and practical skills. Clinical simulation emerged as a necessary bridge between academic training and hospital practice. Adherence to safety protocols was essential for preventing adverse events.