title: Development, implementation, and evaluation of a geriatric nurse education program.
abstract: Substantial gaps exist between the number of older adults requiring competent geriatric care and the number of nurses able to provide it. The purpose of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a geriatric nurse education program to ensure nurses meet the needs of the increasing elderly population. Establishing partnerships between individuals in academia and those in a clinical practice was imperative in the development of the program. Content for the program was created with the assistance of a geriatric nursing consultant and approved by the State Nurses Association. The program was piloted with 18 participating nurses. Using paired ttests, pretests and posttests revealed significant improvements in the level of knowledge and attitudes toward older adults. As a result of the program, participants showed improved attitudes toward and increased knowledge of older adults' needs, and further program development and dissemination are planned nationally and abroad.
authors.affiliation: Fairfield University, School of Nursing, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824, USA.
authors.forename: Meredith
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Greiner
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grossman
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lange
authors.forename: Doris Troth
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Lippman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002568:Certification / Q000458:organization & administration; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003237:Connecticut; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011287:Prejudice; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires