Gerontological Curriculum in Schools of Nursing

Abstract

This article investigates the availability of gerontological nursing programs that exist nationally and are found listed in the NLN Master's Education in Nursing: Route to Opportunities in Contemporary Nursing (1987). A sample of 12 programs offering gerontological nursing was selected from 64 schools listed. Six of the twelve (50%) schools of nursing responded to a survey for review and comparison of their programs for similarities and differences. The surveyed programs were compared with recommendations found in a review of the literature in four main categories: knowledge/course content, faculty, environment/clinical experience, and learner/student. The review of the responding programs followed the 11 recommended standards in the ANA Standards and Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice (1987). Findings from the survey indicated similarities among the six responding schools, and indicated congruence with results of two previous national studies (AGHE, 1988 and ANA, 1986a). Specific findings in the study are discussed along with implications for gerontological nursing education. Recommendations are made for better defined curricula in gerontological nursing at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, more faculty qualified in gerontology, and further investigation of the learners or students entering gerontological nursing to facilitate curriculum development and appropriate instructional strategies.