Effect of an acute care geriatric educational program on fall rates and nurse work satisfaction.
BACKGROUND
A successful faculty-mentored geriatric nurse education program resulted from an acute care-academic partnership.


OBJECTIVE
This study educated nurses in best geriatric nursing practices to enhance effective management of common geriatric problems as well as to improve nurse work satisfaction.


METHODS
Forty-seven nurses completed an online course in geriatric best practices.


RESULTS
Pre- and posttest comparisons showed a declining trend in the incidence of falls and improved satisfaction with autonomy, task requirements, and nurse-to-nurse interaction among participants. Units in which two or more participants achieved national certification had significantly lower fall rates 3 months after program completion. Participants who attained national certification also had significantly improved satisfaction with professional status.


CONCLUSIONS
This partnership represents a replicable model that facilitated the advancement of evidence-based practice and enhanced nurses' knowledge of best practices in caring for older adults. Early evidence shows that these successes may improve patient outcomes.
Lange
Jean
J
Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA.
Wallace
Meredith
M
Gerard
Sally
S
Lovanio
Kathleen
K
Fausty
Nina
N
Rychlewicz
Susie
S
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004521:Educational Measurement; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D011361:Professional Competence