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Published on: February 2, 2020
Instrument Evaluation: Attitudes Toward Older Adults and Intent to Work in Geriatrics
Samantha R Denison1, Catherine R Van Son, Janessa Graves
1About the Authors Samantha R. Denison, BSN, RN, was a student at the College of Nursing, Washington State University Spokane, Spokane, Washington, when this research was conducted. Catherine R. Van Son, PhD, RN, ANEF, FGSA, FAAN, is a professor, College of Nursing, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, Washington. Janessa Graves, PhD, MPH, is an associate professor, Honors College Fellow, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington. The authors are grateful to Sue McFadden, MSN, RN, ARNP, for her support in conducting this study. For more information, contact Dr. Van Son at vansonc@wsu.edu.
Interest in geriatric nursing remains low despite high demand. A study found that while nursing students
Area of Science:
- Gerontological nursing
- Nursing education
- Attitudes toward aging
Background:
- Increasing demand for nurses in geriatrics.
- Lagging interest in working with older adults.
- Need for effective nursing education strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a gerontological nursing course on prelicensure students' attitudes toward older adults.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Carolina Opinions on the Care of Older Adults instrument in measuring changes in attitudes and career intentions.
Main Methods:
- Pretest/posttest study design.
- Utilized the Carolina Opinions on the Care of Older Adults instrument.
- Participants were prelicensure nursing students in a gerontological nursing course.
Main Results:
- Posttest scores indicated improved attitudes toward older adults.
- No significant changes were observed in the geriatric career choice subscale scores.
- The instrument demonstrated suitability for measuring attitude shifts.
Conclusions:
- Gerontological nursing education can positively influence students' attitudes towards older adults.
- The Carolina Opinions on the Care of Older Adults instrument is a valid tool for assessing changes in attitudes and intentions.
- Further research may be needed to address the lack of change in career choice intention.
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