Related Experiment Videos
Introducing baccalaureate student nurses to gerontological nursing
Myra A Aud1, Jane E Bostick, Karen Dorman Marek
1Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia, 65211, USA. audm@missouri.edu
Summary
This study shows a gerontological nursing course increased student knowledge but did not significantly improve attitudes toward older adults. Positive student experiences were noted despite a lack of measurable attitude change.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Gerontology
- Geriatric Care
Background:
- The University of Missouri-Columbia Sinclair School of Nursing (MUSSON) identified a need to enhance gerontological nursing education.
- Existing nursing curricula often lack comprehensive training in geriatric care, impacting student preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate a mandatory gerontological nursing course for baccalaureate students.
- To assess the impact of the course on students' knowledge of gerontology and attitudes toward older adults.
Main Methods:
- A mandatory course with didactic and clinical components was developed.
- The course utilized unique resources: Senior Care (home care agency) and TigerPlace (retirement community).
- Pretest and posttest data were collected over six semesters for evaluation.
Main Results:
- Student knowledge of gerontology and gerontological nursing significantly increased.
- Student attitudes toward older adults did not show a statistically significant positive change.
- Qualitative feedback indicated positive student experiences and interactions with older adults.
Conclusions:
- The gerontological nursing course effectively enhanced student knowledge in geriatric care.
- While attitudes did not quantitatively improve, qualitative data suggest value in experiential learning with older adults.
- Further strategies may be needed to foster more positive attitudinal shifts in gerontological nursing education.