Topic > Analysis of gerontology research

Analysis of gerontology research suggests that nursing students prefer not to work with older adults, suggesting a need to review student educational needs (as cited in Flood & Clark, 2017 , p 588). Therefore, the question arises: “How to engage nursing students in meaningful education related to gerontological nursing studies?” As advanced nursing students, we can relate to some perspectives on working with the aging population. Once this question is answered, we hope to see enrichment in nursing education on working with older adults, which will improve the quality of long-term care (Flood & Clark, 2009) and increase the nursing workforce with graduate nursing students ( Garbrah et al., 2017). Research on the existing challenges related to education and care of the aging population is ongoing and has been conducted in various countries, by practicing nurses (Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses) and by educational institutions among nursing students, such as Canada (Dahlke et al., 2019a), Canada (Dahlke et al., 2019b), the United Kingdom (Brown et al., 2007), the United States of America (Flood & Clark, 2009), and Finland (Garbrah et al., 2017). The purpose of this literature review is to explore research on aged care and learning needs to determine what is known, key areas for knowledge transfer to nursing students, and what gaps may exist. Inadequate training/lack of knowledge Older adults are the most numerous, complex, and vulnerable users of the healthcare system (Dahlke et al., 2019b; Flood & Clark, 2009). This has posed challenges to the care of this population in aspects such as the decreasing number of nurses available to care for them, lack of knowledge and experience (Flood & Clark, 2009). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay It is known that people who lack knowledge and experience, lack dedication to their work and will therefore avoid tasks that seem challenging when working with older people (Flood & Clark, 2009). This can lead to a worse outcome of the disease these older people face. Dahlke et al. (2019b) further explain that nurses without gerontological knowledge are short-sighted in recognizing medical emergencies for this population such as delirium. When these emergencies are not addressed promptly enough, they can lead to complications in elder care. It will be necessary to ensure that adequate training and knowledge are instilled by teachers and educators involved in teaching future nurses. Clinical experience Dahlke et al. (2019a) propose that initial clinical placements for nursing students should be “balanced with older adults' experiences in a variety of healthcare settings” (p. 8) and that these experiences can positively impact students' perspectives on of the aging population. Furthermore, Dahlke et al. (2019a) found that research has mainly focused on “what” (…) students are learning rather than socialization processes on “how” (…) they learn. Marrone et al. (2008) suggest that the negative perceptions that nursing students gain through these initial placements are created by the experiences they have within these placements, rather than negative perceptions arising from experiences prior to their training. Other research has shown that poor clinical placements influence students to abandon nursing-related careers. 8).