Implementing a gerontological clinical nursing practice with an interdisciplinary focus: lessons learned

A gerontological clinical nursing practice with an interdisciplinary focus was developed to provide opportunities for student nurses to expand their knowledge about aging, hone assessment skills, and critically examine beliefs about older adults. The practice included theory about older adults and a rotation through a variety of clinical settings where students had practice opportunities with older adults. Based on the written and verbal feedback the authors gathered from students and clinical staff, the authors not only learned that was there improvement in students' knowledge, skills, and interactions with older adults, but they also gained greater understanding of the working of an interdisciplinary team and were able to provide a leadership role to the team through their geriatric assessments and knowledge of older adults.