l-Zaru IM, AbuAlRub R, Musallam EA. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; : 117-125 Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most devastating complications following cardiac surgery, which significantly lead to prolonged hospitalization and increased hospital costs. The aims of this retrospective study were to identify the incidence rate, causative microorganisms, and the clinical and economical impact of SSI. An existing coronary artery surgery data base on adults ( n = 631) who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries between January 2005 and January 2008 at a Jordanian university hospital was used. The results of this study showed that: (i) the incidence rate of SSI after CABG was 16.8% at the targeted hospital; (ii) the most causative microorganisms was coagulase-negative staphylococci (40%); (iii) the predictors for SSI were sex/males, having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and having combined valve CABG surgery; and (iv) each patient who developed SSI had ≈ 9 additional days at the hospital and add ≈ $3159 to the total cost of care.