Increasing nursing students' interest on working with aged patients.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Education
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Attitudes toward the aged significantly influence career choices in healthcare.
• Understanding factors affecting nursing students' interest in geriatric care is crucial for workforce development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine factors associated with increased interest in working with elderly patients among nursing students.
• To investigate the relationship between attitudes toward the aged, prior experiences, and specialization preferences in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Administered the Tuckman-Lorge Attitude questionnaire to 311 baccalaureate nursing students.
• Assessed students' preferences for nursing specializations and patient age groups (child, adult, elderly).
• Analyzed correlations between demographic factors, course work, community visits, and interest in geriatric nursing.

Main Results:

• Students exhibited minimal interest in nursing homes, preferring to work with younger patients.
• A positive correlation was found between holding more stereotyped views about the aged and increased interest in geriatric care.
• Previous work experience in nursing homes or convalescent hospitals correlated with greater willingness to work with elderly patients.

Conclusions:

• Gerontology education and clinical placements in aged care facilities should be integrated into nursing curricula.
• Interventions aimed at improving attitudes toward the aged may enhance interest in geriatric nursing specialization.
• Addressing student preferences and providing relevant experiences are key to developing a geriatric nursing workforce.