Gerontological nursing roles within the Southeastern Regional Geriatric Program

This paper looks at the varied roles of Registered Nurses (RNs) within the Southeastern Regional Geriatric Program (SERGP) and how these nursing roles influence client care across the continuum of services. More specifically, this paper describes the clinical services of the SERGP, the roles of RNs within these services, and the principles and dimensions of geriatric nursing assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation. The aim of this article is to promote recognition of the complex and stimulating work of RNs in gerontology. Eliopoulos (1997) states the following that reflects this excitement and complexity: Gerontological nurses help older individuals to achieve a sense of wholeness by guiding them in understanding and finding meaning and purpose in life, facilitating harmony of the mind, body, and spirit, mobilizing their internal and external resources, and promoting self-care behaviours.