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BACKGROUND Nurses are in a prime position to identify sepsis early by screening patients for sepsis, a skill that should be embedded into their daily practice. However, compliance with the sepsis bundle remains low. AIMS To explore the effects of sepsis training on knowledge, skills and attitude among ward-based nurses. METHODS Registered nurses from 16 acute surgical and medical wards were invited to anonymously complete a questionnaire. FINDINGS Response rate was 39% (98/250). Nurses with sepsis training had better knowledge of the National Early Warning Score 2 for sepsis screening, and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, demonstrated a more positive attitude towards sepsis screening and management, were more confident in screening patients for sepsis and more likely to have screened a patient for sepsis. CONCLUSIONS Sepsis training improves nurses' attitudes, knowledge and confidence with regards to sepsis screening and management, resulting in adherence to evidence-based care, and should become mandatory for all clinical staff.