Perceptions about nursing care. Comparing elders' and nurses' priorities

1. Data were collected from staff nurses on medical-surgical units at two area hospitals and from elders at eight local senior citizen groups and five housing communities. 2. Elders rated physical comfort activities and psychosocial activities related to communication higher than did nurses. 3. Nurses rated activities related to discharge planning higher than did elders. 4. Knowing which care activities elders consider important can aid nurses in easing the trauma of hospitalization by guiding the provision of care that meets the needs, expectations, and desires of the elderly.