[Not Available]

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Nursing
• Healthcare Professions
• Patient Care

Background:

• Student nurses often face societal biases regarding geriatric care.
• Negative perceptions of nursing older adults persist among healthcare professionals.
• The final placement of a nursing program provides a critical juncture for career decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the reasons behind negative perceptions of geriatric nursing.
• To advocate for the value and rewards of specializing in the care of older adults.
• To challenge the notion that geriatric nursing is less desirable than other specialties.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative reflection on student nurse experiences.
• Analysis of peer reactions to career choices in geriatric nursing.
• Personal narrative exploring attitudes towards older adult care.

Main Results:

• Colleagues expressed disbelief and horror at the prospect of working with older people.
• Geriatric nursing is perceived by some as lacking glamour or high-tech appeal.
• The author identifies geriatric nursing as challenging and highly rewarding.

Conclusions:

• Societal and professional biases against geriatric nursing need to be addressed.
• The rewarding nature of geriatric nursing is often overlooked.
• Promoting a positive and accurate image of geriatric care is essential for workforce recruitment.