Factors influencing baccalaureate nursing students' attitudes toward older adults: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: With a rapidly growing population of older adults in the U.S., nurses are needed to provide quality gerontological nursing care. However, few nursing students plan to specialize in gerontological nursing and many relate their lack of interest in gerontological nursing to negative pre-existing attitudes toward older adults. PURPOSE: An integrative review was conducted to examine factors associated with positive attitudes toward older adults in baccalaureate nursing students. METHODS: A systematic database search was performed to identify eligible articles published between January 2012 and February 2022. Data were extracted, displayed in matrix format, and synthesized into themes. RESULTS: Two overarching themes were identified as having a positive impact on students' attitudes toward older adults: past rewarding experiences with older adults and gerontology-focused teaching strategies, particularly service-learning projects and simulation. CONCLUSION: Nurse educators can improve students' attitudes toward older adults by incorporating service-learning and simulation activities into nursing curriculum.

Harnessing nursing to diminish ageism.

BACKGROUND: The common practice of making fun of aging and older people demonstrates that ageism towards older people is socially acceptable. It is so accepted that even those of us who are aging or have moved into the 'third act' believe and fear the negative stereotypes that growing old is linked with physical and mental deterioration, dependence, and less social value. Ageism is evident in work places, family relationships, when older people purchase goods and services, in health and social institutions and extends throughout professions that work with older people. OBJECTIVES: We explore how nurses-the largest group of healthcare professions- may be inadvertently perpetuating negative perceptions about older people in nursing practice, nursing education, and through common misconceptions about what gerontological nursing means. METHODS: This is discussion paper using the literature. RESULTS: We suggest that nursing education is well situated to diminish negative perspectives of ageing by incorporating theories of life-course and harmonious aging into the holistic perspective of individuals that nursing is well known for. CONCLUSIONS: Greater understanding about the diversity of ageing and the context that have influenced older persons could encourage nurses to treat them holistically with dignity, which would ultimately improve older people's experiences. Improving older persons' experiences is like paying it forward, as we all are ageing and if we are to have a different experience when we are old, it is necessary to diminish stereotypes about ageing, and work towards inclusion of older people in social and healthcare institutions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is important for nurses, particularly those in nursing education, to support the incorporation of a life course and harmonious view of aging in which the social, political, and environmental context of individuals are viewed as part of the difference of ageing.

Factors affecting undergraduate nurse educators' knowledge, skills or attitudes about older persons and their care: An integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Nurses are increasingly expected to provide care for older persons; however, there are too few nurse educators with expertise in older person care to ensure students graduate with the requisite competencies. METHODS: An integrative review, using Whittemore and Knafl's framework, was undertaken to identify and synthesise evidence about factors affecting nurse educators' knowledge, skills or attitudes about older persons and their care. RESULTS: Forty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. All but three papers originated in the USA. Content analysis yielded three central themes: external-level factors, employer-level factors and individual-level factors. Findings demonstrated that external funding from philanthropic organisations and government agencies supported many of the national, regional and site-specific initiatives, which were, in many cases, underpinned by professional regulatory frameworks. Negative attitudes of administrators and reduced budgets of educational institutions impeded the availability of such initiatives. Negative attitudes of individual educators towards older person care and the specialty of gerontology constrained their pursuit of such learning, as did their lack of awareness of current gerontology resources. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of educators with gerontology knowledge, skills and requisite attitudes requires a focused effort from external and professional bodies, and from educational institutions to ensure the resources are available to enhance educator expertise in gerontology. Rigorous study addressing the factors influencing educators' knowledge, skills or attitudes towards older persons and their care is required. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Addressing the lack of nurse educator expertise in gerontology could help to ensure new nurses have the required competencies to provide quality older person care.

Political and pedagogical projects of nursing residency to the elderly from Paulo Freire's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze political and pedagogical projects of nursing residency to the elderly from Paulo Freire's perspective. METHOD: a descriptive, exploratory study, qualitative approach using documentary analysis. Data source was pedagogical political projects of nursing residency programs in the health of the elderly. The data were collected between March and May 2017. Data analysis was based on Bardin's Thematic Analysis. It had as analytical categories specific dimensions of the proposed theoretical framework. RESULTS: twelve pedagogical political projects showed that learning dimensions appear in an incipient, fragmented way, demonstrating the reproduction of banking education, disregarding the importance of bringing the student as a subject of learning. CONCLUSION: there is a gap in pedagogical political projects from Paulo Freire's perspective. It is necessary that regulatory institutions can systematize and encourage so that pedagogical projects of these programs are based on Paulo Freire's epistemological bases, enabling the so desired holistic training.

Political and pedagogical projects of nursing residency to the elderly from Paulo Freire's perspective / Proyectos políticos y pedagógicos de residencia de enfermería al anciano en la perspectiva de Paulo Freire / Projetos políticos e pedagógicos de residência de enfermagem ao idoso na perspectiva freiriana

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze political and pedagogical projects of nursing residency to the elderly from Paulo Freire's perspective. Method: a descriptive, exploratory study, qualitative approach using documentary analysis. Data source was pedagogical political projects of nursing residency programs in the health of the elderly. The data were collected between March and May 2017. Data analysis was based on Bardin's Thematic Analysis. It had as analytical categories specific dimensions of the proposed theoretical framework. Results: twelve pedagogical political projects showed that learning dimensions appear in an incipient, fragmented way, demonstrating the reproduction of banking education, disregarding the importance of bringing the student as a subject of learning. Conclusion: there is a gap in pedagogical political projects from Paulo Freire's perspective. It is necessary that regulatory institutions can systematize and encourage so that pedagogical projects of these programs are based on Paulo Freire's epistemological bases, enabling the so desired holistic training.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar los proyectos políticos y pedagógicos de residencia de enfermería en el anciano en la perspectiva de Paulo Freire. Método: estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, enfoque cualitativo utilizando el análisis documental. La fuente de datos fueron los proyectos políticos pedagógicos de programas de residencia de enfermería en salud del anciano. Los datos fueron recolectados entre marzo y mayo de 2017. El análisis de los datos fue a partir del Análisis Temático de Bardin, teniendo como categorías analíticas dimensiones propias del referencial teórico propuesto. Resultados: doce proyectos políticos pedagógicos mostraron que las dimensiones de aprendizaje aparecen de manera insípida, fragmentada, demostrando la reproducción de la educación bancaria, desconsiderando la importancia de traer al educando como sujeto del aprendizaje. Conclusión: hay una laguna en los proyectos políticos pedagógicos en la perspectiva de Paulo Freire. Es necesario que las instituciones reguladoras puedan sistematizar y estimular para que los proyectos pedagógicos de estos programas sean pautados en las bases epistemológicas de Paulo Freire, posibilitando la tan deseada formación holística.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar os projetos políticos e pedagógicos de residência de enfermagem ao idoso, na perspectiva Freiriana. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório, abordagem qualitativa utilizando a análise documental. A fonte de dados foram os projetos políticos pedagógicos de programas de residência de enfermagem em saúde do idoso. Os dados foram coletados entre março e maio de 2017. A análise dos dados foi a partir da Análise Temática de Bardin, tendo como categorias analíticas dimensões próprias do referencial teórico proposto. Resultados: doze projetos políticos pedagógicos mostraram que as dimensões de aprendizagem aparecem de maneira insipiente, fragmentada, demonstrando a reprodução da educação bancária, desconsiderando a importância de trazer o educando como sujeito do aprendizado. Conclusão: há uma lacuna nos projetos políticos pedagógicos na perspectiva Freiriana. É necessário que as instituições reguladoras possam sistematizar e estimular para que os projetos pedagógicos destes programas sejam pautados nas bases epistemológicas Freirianas, possibilitando a tão desejada formação holística.

A collaborative approach to developing student placements in care homes.

If high-quality, person-centred care is to be provided for older people with complex needs, it is essential that nurse education should aim to extend students' knowledge and skills in longterm care, and integrated health and social care. Northumbria University, local care homes and NHS organisations have collaborated to develop integrated, cross-sector practice placements that support this learning for nursing students. While there have been challenges in developing these placements, initial feedback is positive, suggesting the placements promote improved interorganisational working and learning for staff as well as students.

Nursing curriculums may hinder a career in gerontological nursing: An integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate what prevents undergraduate nursing students from choosing gerontological nursing as a career option. DESIGN: This study utilised an integrative literature review, which allows the inclusion of previous studies with diverse research designs to gain a broader view of the reasons why nursing students do not choose a gerontological nursing career. METHODS: An electronic database search of CINAHL (Ebsco), Scopus and Eric elicited 251 scientific peer-reviewed empirical studies, published from 2006 to March 2016 in English. After meeting the inclusion criteria, 97 qualified for closer examination. Following exclusion, the final analysis and synthesis included 21 articles. RESULTS: Four main themes described nursing students' contributing reasons for not selecting gerontological nursing as a career option: socio-demographic factors; experiences, perceptions and knowledge about ageing; perceptions concerning the nature or status of gerontological nursing; and theoretical studies and practical education of nursing curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of positive experiences with older people before and during nursing students' studies led to their disinterest in gerontological nursing as a career option. The nursing curriculum also reinforces the perception of modern nursing as technical, with more emphasis on acute and critical care. The findings emphasise the need to implement an age-friendly curriculum and have nurses that specialise in gerontology to serve as mentors and role models. It is important to assist nursing students in identifying the potentials for career advancement in terms of gerontological nursing. There is also a need for nursing faculties to liaise with other stakeholders to develop or improve upon the clinical atmosphere for nursing students during gerontological nursing placement. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nursing faculties must review their curriculum to ensure that there is sufficient focus on the needs of older people within the curriculum for every student. Furthermore, respected role models who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about issues related to older people must teach gerontological nursing courses.

Music Therapy Training for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Modality to Foster Interest in Gerontological Nursing.

HOW TO OBTAIN CONTACT HOURS BY READING THIS ARTICLE INSTRUCTIONS 1.2 contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded once you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at http://goo.gl/gMfXaf. To obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the article, "Music Therapy Training for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Modality to Foster Interest in Gerontological Nursing" found on pages 25-31, carefully noting any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz. 2. Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. 3. Go to the Villanova website listed above to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name; contact information; and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated. This activity is valid for continuing education credit until May 31, 2019. CONTACT HOURS This activity is co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated. Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES 1. Identify the worldwide shortage of nurses specializing in gerontological nursing. 2. Describe the results of using music therapy to create positive attitudes toward older adults. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose. Nursing students generally have a negative attitude toward older adults. Preparing nurses to meet the care needs of an expanding aging population is a challenge for nursing educators. The purpose of the current study was to explore whether incorporating music therapy into a practical geriatric nursing course at a nursing home cultivates positive attitudes toward older adults, raises students' willingness to work with older adults, and increases their interest in specializing in gerontological nursing after graduation. Focus groups were conducted to collect data from three participant groups (N = 20). Verbatim transcripts of audiorecorded interviews were analyzed using content analysis, which revealed four themes: (a) better appreciation and understanding of music therapy, (b) role modeling instructors' successful experience and positive attitude toward older adults, (c) changing attitudes toward older adults, and (d) improving interaction skills with older adults. Results suggested music can be integrated into a gerontological nursing course to enhance students' motivation to learn, empathize, and approach older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(6), 25-31.].

Nutritional support of the elderly cancer patient: the role of the nurse.

Cancer in the geriatric population is a growing problem. Malnutrition is common in cancer. A number of factors increase the risk for malnutrition in older people with cancer, including chronic comorbid conditions and normal physiological changes of aging. Nurses have an important role in the nutritional support of older cancer patients. To contribute to the improvement of nutritional support of these patients, nurses need appropriate training to be able to identify risk for malnutrition and offer a range of interventions tailored to individual need. Factors to consider in tailoring interventions include disease status, cancer site, cancer treatment, comorbidity, physiological age, method of facilitating dietary change, and family support. This article identifies ways in which nurses can contribute to the nutritional support of older cancer patients and thus help mitigate the effects of malnutrition.

'With a bit of tweaking we could be great'. An exploratory study of the perceptions of students on working with older people in a preregistration BSc (Hons) Nursing course.

BACKGROUND: With ageing demographics, it is important that nurse education curriculum can prepare students to work with older people. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore students' perceptions of working with older people and the extent to which their preregistration curriculum is preparing them for this role. DESIGN: A qualitative research design, incorporating focus groups in data collection. METHODS: Four focus groups were held in January 2011, involving a total of 32 students undertaking a preregistration BSc (Hons) nursing degree course. RESULTS: An overt focus in the preregistration curriculum on acute and critical care and perceived deficits in care of older people content left some students feeling underprepared to work with older people and to challenge ritualistic practice. Clinical placement experience and mentor support appeared to be influencing students' decisions about whether they would consider working with older people in the future. CONCLUSION: Education providers should ensure that students are adequately prepared to work with older people and that students are supported when they observe poor practice. A finding that observation of ritualistic practice could prompt some students to consider working with older people, warrants further research. Implications for practice. Nurse educators should evaluate the content and delivery of their preregistration courses to ensure that the prerequisite knowledge, skills and attitudes required to work with older people are accorded appropriate value and attention.

Advanced practice nursing students' knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes related to depression in older adults: teaching holistic depression care.

The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of advanced practice nursing students toward depression in older adults. Findings suggest that advanced practice nursing students are interested in caring for the whole person and desired more information on the physical and emotional-spiritual needs of older patients with depression. Suggestions for holistic nursing depression care education are presented.

Experiential learning of empathy in a care-ethics lab.

To generate empathy in the care of vulnerable older persons requires care providers to reflect critically on their care practices. Ethics education and training must provide them with tools to accomplish such critical reflection. It must also create a pedagogical context in which good care can be taught and cultivated. The care-ethics lab 'sTimul' originated in 2008 in Flanders with the stimulation of ethical reflection in care providers and care providers in training as its main goal. Also in 2008, sTimul commenced the organization of empathy sessions as an attempt to achieve this goal by simulation. The empathy session is a practical and fairly straightforward way of working to provoke care providers and care providers in training to engage in ethical reflection. Characteristic of the empathy session in the care-ethics lab is the emphasis on experience as a basis for ethical reflection.

More than a prescriber: gerontological nurse practitioners' perspectives on prescribing and pharmaceutical marketing.

The purpose of this study was to gain understanding about nurse practitioners' (NPs') prescriptive decision making for geriatric patients with attention to pharmaceutical marketing influences. Prior research has focused on physician prescribers and identified suboptimal practices. Because the majority of medications are prescribed to older adults, NPs in geriatric practice were targeted as an information-rich group to interview about prescribing issues. Given the exploratory nature of this research, qualitative focus group methods were employed using content analysis. Fifteen NPs were recruited at an annual national geriatric NP conference. They worked in all regions of the United States, had an average of 9 years prescribing experience, and participated in 1 of the 2 focus groups. The key theme that emerged was that they were more than a prescriber. Findings revealed overwhelming consistency among the NP participants that their nursing background instilled a holistic approach that encompassed both nondrug and therapeutic drug options and skepticism about drug marketing, as well as offered a positive difference by tailoring to their patients' biophysical, psychological, and economic needs with an involvement in the interplay of geriatric care issues not typically addressed by physicians. The participants' reported approaches were in alignment with geriatric prescribing recommendations.

We're not just playing games: Into aging--an aging simulation game.

The elderly represent the largest-growing segment of the population. Specialized training in geriatrics is essential for healthcare professionals to provide optimal health care. As part of an ongoing education program on geriatrics, the game Into Aging: Understanding Issues Affecting the Later Stages of Life, 2nd ed. (1991) was provided to staff members of a facility to help healthcare providers develop personal insight into the aging process through role play. This game has provided the staff members with a better understanding of the issues patients experience as they deal with declines in health.