title: Baccalaureate student gerontological nursing experiences: raising consciousness levels and affecting attitudes.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate perceived learning and attitude changes of nursing students (n = 144) toward care of the elderly population as a result of a senior capstone course in gerontological nursing. Theory content emphasized maximizing individual capabilities of the elderly and quality of life. Clinical placements occurred in a variety of community and institutional settings, with a wide spectrum of elderly. Student attitudes were assessed using researcher-designed tools for quantitative and qualitative outcome measurements. Significant improvements in student attitudes were found (p < 001). Community-based settings provided significantly more positive experiences (p < .05) compared with institutional care. Qualitative findings revealed students gained positive awareness plus growth in professional abilities. We conclude that a senior capstone course with multi-site, independent, innovative projects can produce positive attitudes and heightened consciousness regarding gerontological nursing. Other nurse educators can benefit from these findings.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, California State University, Chico. 95929-0850, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Fox
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Wold
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001290:Attitude; D002321:Career Choice; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D012945:Social Values