Chapter 42 Challenges of the Future

Past Perception of Gerontological Nurses Power and leadership of nurses for gerontological care did not equal the responsibility and workload assumed. Geriatric care settings grew under the direction of persons who did not always have a good understanding of health care. There was often more concern with profits than quality. Nurses were seen as a means to an end rather than as the backbone of care. Nurses in the past were not an entrepreneurial group.

Gerontological Nursing Today Excellent strides have been made in the advancement of gerontological nursing. Gerontological nurses are filling dynamic roles in diverse care settings. Growing numbers of nurses are recognizing the benefits of this specialty. Excellent research is being conducted. Increasing numbers of nursing schools are addressing gerontological nursing in their programs.

Supporting Nursing Research Network with nurse researchers. Support research efforts. Keep abreast of new findings.

Roles of Gerontological Nurse Promote integrative care Educate caregivers Develop new roles Balance quality care and health care costs

Influencing the Education of Caregivers Helping nursing schools identify relevant issues for inclusion in the curricula Participating in the classroom and field experience of students Evaluating educational deficits of personnel and plan education experiences to eliminate deficits Promoting interdisciplinary team conferences

Influencing the Education of Caregivers (cont.) Attending and participating in continuing education programs Reading current nursing literature and sharing information with colleagues Serving as a role model by demonstrating current practices

New Models of Practice for Gerontological Nurses Geropsychiatric nurse specialist in the assisted living setting Independent case manager for community-based chronically ill patients Columnist for local newspaper on issues pertaining to health and aging Owner or director of elder women’s health care center, geriatric day-care program, respite agency, or caregiver training center

New Models of Practice for Gerontological Nurses (cont.) Preretirement counselor and educator for private industry Parish nurse Consultant, educator, and case manager for geriatric surgical patients

Cost-Containment Efforts to Balance Services and Budgetary Concerns Test creative staffing patterns. Use lay caregivers Abolish unnecessary practices Ensure safe care Advocate for older adults

Source Eliopoulos, C. (2005). Gerontological Nursing, (6 th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (ISBN ).