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).