Amy Reitmaier Koehler
Winona State University, USA
Title: Impact of a stand-alone course in gerontological nursing on undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of working with older adults: A Quasi-experimental study
Biography
Biography: Amy Reitmaier Koehler
Abstract
With an aging population, it is critical that nurses are educated and prepared to offer quality healthcare to older adults. Incorporating gerontology content into nursing curricula and addressing students' perceptions and career choices in relation to working with older adults are important faculty concerns. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the impact of a stand-alone course in gerontological nursing on undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of working with older adults and career intentions. Data were collected from three student cohorts during the spring semesters of 2012 (n = 98), 2013 (n = 80) and 2014 (n = 88) for a total of N = 266. A survey instrument was administered and completed by students prior to, and following completion of the course. There was an overall significant increase (p = 0.000) in positive perceptions of working with older adults among nursing students following completion of the course. Post-test scores showed no significant difference between these two groups, with both groups having increased perception scores (p = 0.120). Student preferences for working with different age groups suggested an overall increase in preference for working with older adults following the course. A course in gerontological nursing, incorporating learning partnerships with community dwelling older adults, promotes positive perceptions of working with older adults, independently of the quality of prior experience. There was some evidence that students changed their preferences of working with different age groups in favor of working with older adults.