Creating a Dedicated Education Unit in Long-Term Care

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The aging population is increasing the demand for long-term care (LTC) services.
• There is a shortage of nurses certified in gerontological nursing to meet this demand.
• Innovative educational models are needed to prepare nurses for LTC roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) clinical model for its applicability in LTC settings.
• To assess if the DEU model enhances nursing students' knowledge and interest in LTC nursing.
• To review existing literature on the DEU model's effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and quality rating of current literature on the DEU model.
• Analysis of findings regarding the DEU model's impact on student learning in LTC.
• Synthesis of evidence on the DEU model's potential to increase gerontological nursing knowledge.

Main Results:

• The DEU model shows potential to increase student interest and knowledge in LTC nursing.
• Collaboration between students and practicing LTC nurses within the DEU framework is a key factor.
• The DEU model may help address the <1% of nurses certified in gerontological nursing.

Conclusions:

• The DEU clinical model may be a valuable tool for improving gerontological nursing education.
• Further longitudinal studies are required to validate the DEU model's long-term success in LTC.
• The DEU model offers a promising approach to increasing the pipeline of qualified LTC nurses.