Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Older Adults After Their First Intentional Encounter: A Cross-Sectional,
Susan Hovey1, Michele Shropshire
1About the Authors Susan Hovey, PhD, RN, is a clinical assistant professor, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. Michele Shropshire, PhD, RN, is an assistant professor, Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois. The work was supported by Xi Pi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International. For more information, contact Dr. Shropshire at mdshrop@ilstu.edu.
Aim:
This study examined how intentional first encounters as a nursing student, as well as prior relationships with older adults, influenced baccalaureate prelicensure nursing students' attitudes toward this population.
Background:
There is a growing demand for knowledgeable and skilled nurses to provide person-centered care to an aging population. An ongoing challenge is lack of interest in practicing within gerontological settings following graduation.
Method:
A cross-sectional, correlational, comparison research design was used. Ninety-nine nursing students in five groups were recruited from six baccalaureate prelicensure nursing schools.
Results:
A one-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among groups, F(4, 94) = 4.873, p = .001. Students completing clinical in half-semester acute care and long-term care (M = 64.03, SD = 16.9) had better attitudes than students in other clinical experiences.
Conclusion:
Addressing the development of positive attitudes in nursing students remains imperative to promote person-centered care to the aging population.
Related Concept Videos
Cross-Sectional Research
Surveys
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Longitudinal Research
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments...

