Nursing 444
I. Course Title: Gerontological Nursing
II. Course Number: NURS 444
III. Credit Hours: 5 credits
IV. Prerequisites: NURS 340, NURS 345, NURS 352, NURS 362, NURS 364, NURS 368
V. Course Description:
Focuses on the aging process to include biological, sociological, psychological, and spiritual components with clinical applications in the provision of care to older adult clients in a variety of settings, such as the community, assisted living facilities, acute care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
This course focuses on gaining knowledge about healthy aging and includes biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual aspects of aging. Clinical application of knowledge takes place in a variety of settings such as the community, assisted living facilities, acute care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities - Dedicated Education Units.
Topical Outline:
The Aging Population
Diversity
Life Transitions and Story
Common Aging Changes
The Specialty of Gerontological Nursing
Holistic Assessment and Care Planning
Legal Aspects of Gerontological Nursing
Ethical Aspects of Gerontological Nursing
Continuum of Care in Gerontological Nursing
Nutrition and Hydration
Sleep and Rest
Comfort and Pain Management
Safety
Spirituality
Sexuality and Intimacy
Safe Medication Use
Respiration
Circulation
Digestion and Bowel Elimination
Urinary Elimination
Reproductive System Health
Mobility
Neurologic
Vision and Hearing
Endocrine
Skin Health
Cancer
Mental Health Disorders
Delirium and Dementia
Living in Harmony with Chronic Conditions
Rehabilitative and Restorative Care
Acute Care
Long-Term Care
Family Caregiving
End of Life Care
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
The following teaching strategies may include but not limited to: include but not limited to: lectures, discussions, multimedia, DVDs, case studies, guest lectures, podcasts, group projects, case studies, reflective journal entries, community service projects, and clinical experiences.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
The objectives and content of this Level 3 Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s philosophy and conceptual framework, and facilitate achievement of the School’s program objectives as well as the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education (AACN) and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course represent content covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN test plan. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice also determine content. Objectives of this course also include language from the Gerontological Competencies established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Integrate knowledge and methods from multiple disciplines to inform decision making and critical thinking in caring for older adults.
2. Advocate for older adults and their caregivers experiencing complex alterations in health across multiple settings.
3. Utilize evidence-based principles and interventions in care of the older adult.
4. Apply patient care technologies as appropriate to address the needs of a diverse older adult population.
5. Encourage patient and caregiver involvement in improving the safety, quality, and cost effectiveness of care for the older adult.
6. Collaborate with the healthcare team in the implementation of high quality, safe, and effective care for older adults.
7. Examine evidence-based primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies in care of older adults.
8. Utilize an ethical framework to evaluate quality of care for diverse and vulnerable older adult populations.
9. Contribute the nursing perspective to members of the healthcare team to resolve complex health problems of older adults.
VIII. Assessment Measures:
May include but are not limited to:
• Exams; Quizzes
• Papers—clinical work
• Project, Individual or Group
• Oral Presentations
• Class Participation
Review and Approval
April 2006, Undergraduate Curriculum Marcella Griggs, Review Director
February 2011, Kim Carter, Director
April 23, 2014
March 2021, Iris Mullins, Director