Effect of an acute care geriatric educational program on fall rates and nurse work satisfaction.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A successful faculty-mentored geriatric nurse education program resulted from an acute care-academic partnership. PURPOSE: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.