Getting Connected: Experiential Dementia Skills Training

Getting Connected: Experiential Dementia Skills Training, based on the Positive Approach to Care^® model, was implemented to bridge the gap between knowledge and skills to determine whether nursing students feel more comfortable and prepared to care for persons living with dementia (PLWD).

The study examined the impact of experiential dementia skills training on nursing students' knowledge, comfort, and confidence when interacting with PLWD. The training was conducted at a 4-year pre-licensure, Bachelor of Science Nursing program in rural Southeast United States, where 62 sophomore students completed a 6-hour dementia skills training. Participation in the study was voluntary. Students were given pre- and posttests, with the dementia skills training serving as the intervention. Thirty-two students completed pre- and posttests, measuring knowledge, comfort, and confidence.

Findings showed the training enhanced students' knowledge of dementia and communication approaches; however, they did not feel more confident or comfortable interacting with PLWD immediately following the training.

The Getting Connected: Experiential Dementia Skills Training using the Positive Approach to Care^® model can be a useful approach for teaching nursing students about the lived experience of dementia and beneficial in helping them acquire knowledge and communication strategies for caring for PLWD. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 51(7), 21-24.].