Chapter 42Challenges of the Future

Chapter 42Challenges of the Future

Past Perception of Gerontological NursesPast 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 TodayGerontological 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 Supporting Nursing Research

• Network with nurse researchers.

• Support research efforts. 

• Keep abreast of new findings.

Roles of Gerontological NurseRoles of Gerontological Nurse

• Promote integrative care

• Educate caregivers

• Develop new roles

• Balance quality care and health care costs

Influencing the Education of Caregivers 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.)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 NursesNew 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.)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 ConcernsCost-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

SourceSource

• Eliopoulos, C. (2005).  Gerontological Nursing, (6th ed.).  Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (ISBN 0-7817-4428-8).