OBJECTIVES The prevalence of nosocomial infections is between 5-15%. Reduction of nosocomial infections, recognition in time and adequate treatment are all emphasised activities of patient security. The aim of this examination is to measure theoretical and practical knowledge of hand hygiene of nursing students in secondary education. METHODS Cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative was made, with non-random, accidental samples in 2014 January with the participation of students in secondary nursing education (N=116) to whom the rules of sepsis, asepsis and antisepsis, and correct hand hygiene knowledge were taught according to the number of lessons in the curriculum. Self-made opened and closed questionnaires were applied, with a focus on the knowledge of hand hygiene. The technique and efficiency of hygienic hand disinfection was measured with an infrared lamp. χ-test, t-test, ANOVA were performed as a statistical method besides 95% probability (p<0.05). Data analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0 programs. RESULTS The concept of disinfection was known correctly by 78% of the students, the exact terminology of nosocomial infection was known by 44%. Only 42 students thought that hands have the highest relevance in the transfer if infections. The preconditions of proper hand hygiene were indicated correctly by 11%. Examination with infrared lamp showed that 4 students implemented hand disinfection perfectly. The most common missed areas were: the back of the hand, phalanges, nails, thumb. CONCLUSIONS Significant reduction of nosocomial infections may and must be reached, to which accurate theoretical and practical education of the students is required, and the acquirement has to be monitored continuously and strictly.