Fostering geriatrics in associate degree nursing education: an assessment of current curricula and clinical experiences.
The proportion of older adults in the population is rapidly increasing, and this trend is expected to continue. Because more than half of all new graduates eligible to enter the nursing workforce are prepared in associate degree (AD) programs, it is critical these new nurses are well prepared to care for older adults. This study examined how the care of older adults is currently taught in AD programs. Representatives from 531 AD programs responded to a survey providing information about the structure and content of AD curricula, the clinical sites and instructional resources used, and faculty expertise. Findings highlight opportunities for enhancing geriatric content and experiences in AD curricula through the creation of standards for geriatrics in AD nursing programs, the use of diverse clinical settings, and the creation of strategies that strengthen the focus on the care of older adults in acute care across the curriculum.
Ironside
Pamela M
PM
Center for Research in Nursing Education, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. pamirons@iupui.edu
Tagliareni
M Elaine
ME
McLaughlin
Barbara
B
King
Eunice
E
Mengel
Andrea
A
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004507:Education, Nursing, Associate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing; D017144:Focus Groups; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000458:organization & administration; D013664:Teaching Materials; D014481:United States