As the nation continues to age, the sheer number of baby boomers exceed health care professionals, more specifically nurses. The demand for gerontological nurses will grow exponentially as the years roll by. This shift in paradigm reveals the necessity for gerontologic education and training. This discussion board will discuss the meaning behind “gerontological nurse”, thoughts on why few students choose the field of geriatrics, and ideas that would spark interest in this specialty. The future of America’s geriatric population will rest on the decisions made today.
In my personal view, the term “gerontological nurse” means a health care professional dedicated in caring for the older person and family members to optimize health, augment
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Many people associate the field of gerontology with negative stereotypes. Some of these harsh labels comprise of the deterrence of strong odors during incontinence, the physically demanding challenges caring for dependent seniors, and the grueling dedication of caring for someone with dementia. In a study conducted to gather reasons why nursing students opt out of a career in gerontological nursing, the authors determined that the media paints an undesirable picture, clinical placements were unfavorable, there was a dissuasion from fellow students, new graduates, and other nurses, working conditions were unattractive, there was a shortage of experienced gerontological instructors, and a deficiency in curriculum (Neville, Dickie, & Goetz, 2014). In addition, some may overlook caring for the geriatric population due to a fear of investing heart and soul without immediate gratification of a change in health or someone who is close to death’s door. Unlike the opposite end of the spectrum of celebrating the joy and miracles of life in birth, the menacing shadows of darkness loom over threatening …show more content…
The very foundation of education in nursing schools must cultivate the significance of caring for our aging population. Supplementary gerontological nursing courses to highlight the sacred act of nourishing old souls must be emphasized. In addition, molding perceptions of the minds of eager nursing students to revolutionize positive conceptions of older people will reform negative stereotypes. Other countries from all over the world deem caring for the older generations admirable for the many golden years bear the fruits of wisdom. In a study conducted with nursing students to ascertain the reasons behind students’ decisions on selecting geriatric nursing, personal interest due to the clinical environment, individual apprehensions about aging, and the attitudes surrounding geriatrics were gathered (Cheng, Cheng, Tian, & Fan, 2015). Furthermore, financial incentives are a worldly means of appealing to escalate interest in the field of geriatrics. Finally, improving the clinical environment by the reduction of patient to nurse ratios in long-term care facilities would attract
Touhy, T. A., Jett, K. F., Boscart, V., & McCleary, L. (october 2011). Ebersole and Hess Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging (1st canadian edition ed.). Retrieved from
University of California (2006). An Aging U.S. Population and the Health Care Workforce: Factors Affecting the Need for Geriatric Care Workers. University of California, San Francisco, Center for California Health Workforce Studies.
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) nursing programs prepare students to deliver primary healthcare to women throughout their lifespan. This nursing specialty program consists of in-depth theory, pathos-physiology, research application, pharmacological therapy, and critical thinking skills based on clinical studies. Prospective nursing students are expected to meet the requirements of the nursing program, including full-range comprehension of reproductive-gynecologic health. Prospective students should seek accredited nursing programs that meets the guidelines for women's health nursing education established by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioners of Women's Health. Prospective nursing students should conduct the proper research to determine if the institution has obtained accreditation through the National Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Define Nursing Nursing is a knowledge-based profession within the health care sector that focuses on the overall care of individuals. According to The American College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), “defines nurse practitioners as registered nurses who have received graduate-level nursing education and clinical training, which enables them to provide a wide range of preventative and acute health care services to individuals of all ages. They deliver high-quality, cost effective care, often performing physical examinations, ordering tests, making diagnoses, and prescribing and managing medication and therapies”. Nurse Practitioners are able to specialize in a particular area, such as family and adult practice, pediatrics, and women’s health; and refer patients to other specialists when necessary. Some nurse practitioners work under the supervision of a physician while others run their own practices.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston as Health Science Center at Houston
Touhy, T. A., & Jett, K. (2012). Toward healthy aging: Human needs & nursing response (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier/Mosby.
Houde, S., & Melillo, K. (2009). Caring for an aging population. Journal Of Gerontological Nursing, 35(12), 9-13. doi:10.3928/00989134-20091103-04
“A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. It is easy to love children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless, are the true gold mines of a culture.” –Abraham Joshua Heschel. I decided to do my senior project on becoming a certified nursing assistant because I believe CNA’s go beyond their limits for their patients. This is in honor of all CNA’s who work hard to care for the sick and elderly.
older adults. Journal of Nursing Education, 47(6), 269-271. Retrieved from CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.
Nursing has always been a key career in the health care system. Although it is not often focused on in media and stories surrounding health care, nursing is a career of great importance. If any patient was asked about their experience at a hospital or a care center, many will mention the capability and care that they received from the nurses. The health care system could not function efficiently, if at all, if nurses were not present to perform their part. Nurses are more than just physicians support staff. Of interest in this paper is why people choose to study nursing in university or college. From students just graduating high school to mature student who have prior degrees or education, nursing is a popular choice as a path to study
Kick, Ella. "Overview: Health Care and the Aging Population: What Are Today's Challenges?" The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. N.p., n.d. Web.
An important step to decrease an ageist attitude is to take a step back and recognize biases and preconceived ideas that one has about older adults (DeBrew, 2015). Recognizing biases in combination with furthering one’s education about the effects of aging and the specific needs of older adults will help increase compassionate care. To allow for effective interventions it is important that the nurse understand that illness and infection manifest differently in older adults than they do in the younger population (DeBrew, 2015). In addition, through ethnographic study it was found that when nurses spend time doing activities with older adults it helps strengthen relationships and sense of community between care providers and elderly patients (DeBrew, 2015). According to the article, “occupational therapists who worked with older adults felt ‘stigmatized’ by their peers because their work was viewed as less challenging and requiring less skill and intellect than caring for other populations” (DeBrew, 2015). To promote compassionate patient care it is important that nurses and other professionals get support from their peers to confirm that their work is not insignificant and looked down upon. Finally, include the older adult while creating the plan of care to show them that they are a valued part of their healthcare
Image and profession go hand in hand. Image plays a very important yet controversial role in the nursing profession. The image of nursing is often inaccurate and falls short of the fair and correct portrayal of what the role of nursing truly is (Summers, 2010). With an inaccurate portrayal of what nursing really is comes the challenges of the profession. Popular stereotypes in nursing coming from both the past and today media and expectations take away the true meaning and role of the modern profession. Some common stereotypes include but are not limited to: unskilled, a way to marriage, and a physician’s helpmate. These stereotypes lead to many problems within the nursing profession including poor working conditions, insufficient support
My reasons for selecting a career in nursing stem directly from my desire to help our prospering population and community. This career appeals to me because it embodies what I strive to become, a person of influence, a guide, a respected adult, a mentor, and a person that can be trusted and looked up to with great passion. Another reason for selecting a career in nursing has a lot to do with my current job position at Generations Elder Care. Working with the elderly community at this personal care home has enriched my life in many ways, including one for my passion of learning more about the nursing field. As I shadowed the nurses entering the facility I watched them do their assessments on the residents which has peaked my curiosity. I believe being a nurse presents daily challenges which are unique, interesting, and rewarding and that is another reason why I want to become a nurse. Knowing that I have helped someone in some way possible gives me a feeling of fulfillment and enjoyment that I never understood or had before. And this career offers just that, and that is exactly why I...
At the age of 36, mom decided to return back to college to obtain her nursing degree. This wasn’t a hard decision for her to make. The April before she enrolled in school my great grandmother passed away. This major dilemma played a major role in mom’s returning back to school. She had taken care of my great grandmother for months before she passed away, and decided that she wanted to make an impact on the lives of geriatrics.