NURS 444
Gerontologic Nursing
NURS 444. Gerontologic Nursing
Three Hours lecture, 6 hours practicum (5).
Prerequisites: NURS 360, 362, 364, 366
Semester offered: Fall and Spring
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.
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. Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course are common to major leadership and professional development nursing textbooks and represent areas covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice also determine content.
1. Biological Aging
a. Health and Wellness
b. Theories of Aging
c. Physical Changes
d. Sensory Changes
e. Nutritional Needs
f. Fluids and Continence
g. Sexuality
h. Rest, Sleep, and Activity
i. Maintaining Mobility and Environmental Safety
j. Integument and Feet
k. Diabetes Mellitus
l. Living with Bone and Joint Problems
m. Coping with Cardiac and Respiratory Disorders
n. Medication Use and Management
o. Pain and Comfort
2. Psychological Aging
a. Cognitive Impairment
b. Mental and Emotional Health
3. Sociological Aging
a. Families and the Aged
b. Communication, Education, and Geriatric Nursing Roles
c. Health Care in a Changing System
d. Cultural Considerations
e. Life Space Options
4. Spiritual Aging
a. Coping with Loss, Grief, Dying, and Death
b. Spirituality
c. Self-Actualization
The following teaching strategies will be employed: lectures, discussions, multimedia, case studies, and guided clinical practice .
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply the nursing process in an independent manner to provide holistic nursing care to the older adult.
2. Demonstrate the ability to adhere to the Standards of Gerontological Nursing practice and accept individual responsibility for nursing interventions.
3. Apply nursing care and information skills specific to the health care of the elderly population in a variety of settings.
4. Demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking, research findings and Standards of Nursing practice in the provision of nursing care to older adults and their families.
5. Employ therapeutic nursing interventions in caring for older adults and their families, making decisions based on theory evidence.
6. Demonstrate progress in the use of effective written, oral, and nonverbal communications with older adults, their families, and other members of the health care team.
7. Demonstrate increasing skill in applying frameworks for ethical decision-making.
8. Interact with older adults from various cultural backgrounds and in collaboration with members of the health care team to advocate for and to provide culturally sensitive nursing care.
9. Assume responsibility for ongoing learning through the examination and selection of personal and professional goals and the methodology for attainment.
10. Demonstrate increasing accountability for words and actions and apply leadership skills to enhance the delivery of professional nursing care to older adults.
11. Integrate legislative and policy issues within the provision of nursing care to the elderly population.
May include:
The course grade is determined by an evaluation of the extent to which the student meets the stated course objectives. Students must have a minimum of 75% (“C”) in theory, measured through testing. If the theoretical grade is less than 75%, then the examination grade average will stand alone for the course grade. Other written or class participation work will be included in the final grade after the minimum 75% (“C”) has been attained through testing.
Final grades are a combination of at least 75% (“C”) on both theory and clinical/lab components. Clinical/lab performance must be satisfactory to pass the course.
Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.
Students With Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall, telephone 540-831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with me no later than the 2 nd week of the semester.
Attendance: For attendance policies and other course-related requirements, see School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook and Course Description.
Date Action Reviewed by
April 2006 Undergraduate Curriculum Marcella Griggs, Review Director