Essential gerontological content for the associate degree nursing curriculum. A national study

1. The growing number of associate degree registered nurses caring for the elderly underscores the need for gerontological nursing preparation within associate degree programs. 2. The curriculum content validity theory of Taba and Zoot requires content selection criteria to reflect the relationship of course content to program outcomes. 3. Appropriateness of gerontological content for associate degree nursing was defined by the five practice roles of the associate degree nurse. 4. Gerontological nursing content rated essential by nationwide panels of associate degree nursing educators and practicing nurses includes items within the areas of commonly encountered health problems, ethical issues, chronic illness, long-term care of older adults, and nursing process.