Knowledge, attitudes, and happiness of nurses working with gerontological patients

Most of the nurses surveyed reported that they worked with the elderly because of a special interest in this population, and the majority (88%) indicated that they were "usually or always" satisfied with their work. The aspects of care most frequently identified by respondents as unrewarding were behavioral and psychosocial problems caused by their patients. When questioned about changes that would lead to greater job satisfaction, the most frequent response was a need for more time to interact with patients. The majority of nurses defined old age in terms of functional loss. In planning for future nursing needs of elderly people, the majority of respondents felt there was a need for more domiciliary services so that elderly people can receive assistance in their own homes.