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Shaping student nurses' attitudes towards older people through learning and experience
1School of Health & Social Services, Massey University, Palmerston North.
Nursing Praxis in New Zealand Inc
|March 2, 2012
Summary
Student nurses showed improved attitudes toward older adults after a nursing course integrating gerontology theory and aged care clinical practice. This education positively shaped their perceptions of aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing Education
- Social Attitudes
Background:
- Ageism is prevalent in Western societies, potentially impacting healthcare.
- Nursing education should foster positive attitudes towards older adults.
- Gerontology theory and clinical practice are crucial components of nursing programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare student nurses' attitudes towards older people before and after an integrated gerontology nursing paper.
- To assess the impact of theoretical and clinical gerontology education on nursing students' attitudes.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory study conducted in New Zealand.
- The Kogan Attitudes Towards Old People Scale (1961) was used.
- 56 Bachelor of Nursing students participated, assessed at the beginning and end of a semester.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant positive shift in student nurses' self-reported attitudes towards older people was observed.
- The integrated theoretical and clinical paper led to improved attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Education about aging, when combined with positive clinical experiences, can effectively shape student nurses' attitudes.
- Findings support the integration of gerontology into nursing curricula to combat ageism and enhance care.
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