Gerontology Nursing the Relevance and Research Paper

One of the observable trends that emerges from a review of literature and research on gerontology nursing is the increasing development of specific frameworks and perspectives for use in the learning and practice of gerontology nursing (Deschodt et al. 2010; Toslon et al. 2011; Foreman et al. 2010). By developing specific educational programs for gerontology nursing and establishing learning environments that are dedicated to the specialization, the practice of gerontology nursing can be greatly improved and made more efficacious (Deschodt et al. 2010). Such educational programs also help to codify and concretize specific values that are important in gerontology nursing, ensuring that patient needs are met not only at medical but also at social and emotional levels (Tolson et al. 2011). These values can be translated into specific care practices and standards, which have also been developed through extensive research and evidence regarding the varying efficacies, efficiencies, and necessities of specific care practices (Foreman et al. 2010).

Within clinical practice of gerontology nursing, research and improvement efforts have focused primarily on methods for improving the quality of life of gerontology patients, rather than addressing specific medical concerns amongst geriatric patients (Phillips et al. 2011; Grando et al. 2009). Identifying and coping with emotional and psychological issues that result from health deteriorations in aging is one important aspect of the clinical practice of gerontology nursing (Phillips et al. 2011). Ensuring proper at-home activity levels are maintained by geriatric outpatients can also have a major impact on well-being (Grando et al. 2009).

What emerges form this literature review is a direct trajectory from education to professional development to the practical implementation of new and ever-refining perspectives and values in gerontology nursing.The researchers and scholars in the field of gerontology nursing shoe a high degree of focus for their discipline and evince a great deal of understanding related to the importance of its distinction as a separate discipline, and these authors both explicitly and implicitly make the case for the continuing relevance of gerontology nursing as a specific and separate discipline within the larger field of nursing study and practice. This research also provides direct evidence for methods that can be employed by educators and nursing school administrators to foster a greater appreciations and awareness of gerontology nursing concepts as well as evidence-based best practice for nursing practitioners and medical administrators. Simply becoming aware of the unique and strongly expressed needs among geriatric patients represents a solid step in the right direction.

Conclusion

It is hoped that this research has contributed in some small way to the development of gerontology nursing and the respect of this discipline as a worthwhile and relevant nursing field. While it is true that nursing grows ever more complex as new specialties emerge and develop new perspectives and frameworks, this complexity can be effectively managed through an ongoing awareness of literature and larger professional trends. Through such awareness, better patient care and greater nursing success can be achieved.

References

Deschodt, M., Casterie, B. & Milisen, K. (2010). Gerontological care in nursing education programmes. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(1): 139-48.

Foreman, M., MIlisen, K. & Fulmer, T. (2010). Critical care nursing of older adults: best practices. New York: Springer.

Grando, V., Buckwalter, K., Maas, M., Brown, M., Rantz, M. & Conn, V. (2009). A Trial of a Comprehensive Nursing Rehabilitation Program for Nursing Home Residents.....