Discussion Board 1

Discussion board 1

[Name of the Writer]

[Name of the Institution]

Discussion board 1

What does the term "gerontological nurse" mean to you?

There is little doubt that nurses provide selfless services. There are different types of nurses. This paper focuses on the gerontological nurse. A gerontological nurse is a nurse who serves, care and looks after the older adults by remaining in direct contact with them. A gerontological nurse is trained to serve the elderly with care, compassion, and empathy. Furthermore, a gerontological nurse assists elderly patients with rehabilitation after a long battle with diseases. Additionally, a gerontological nurse often prepares healthcare programs that would be beneficial for the elderly.

Why do you think so few students choose gerontological nursing as a specialty?

Among the students, there is an idea that prevails widely; do not choose gerontological nurse as a career. There can be several reasons for this attitude of students towards the gerontological nursing. This lack of compassion for working for older adults is a result of negative stereotypes of older adults in today's society. Another reason for students not going for gerontological nursing is that older adults need someone to tell their life stories. Since the younger generation is impatient and concentrates on getting the job done quickly, they prefer not to opt for gerontological nursing as they would be bound to hear long stories.

What would increase interest in this area of nursing?

Since the younger students tend to be reluctant in choosing gerontological nursing as a career, it is important to address the issues that are proving to be a hindrance. Following methods can be used to increase the interest of students towards gerontological nursing. The foremost thing that must be done is to familiarize younger adults with the special needs of older adults. Once the younger adults are familiarized with the special needs of the older adults they would be able to develop feelings for them and opt for the gerontological nurse.

What is the relationship between A Profile of Older Americans: 2016 and the ANA Standards and Scope of Practice Nursing?

The ANA standards state that nurse have to treat every patient in a very unique way, which should be based on the nature of the person like older Americans while this population increased from 36.6 billion to 47.8 billion. So nurses should be careful about this group. Another relation between these is, around 59% of older American live with their spouses and nurse should consider patients especially older as her primary commitment no matter a patient is a single person, or family. Beyond mentioned, the ethical module of ANA and nursing scope state that it is an ethical responsibility of the nurse to be involved in the protection of older rights, and promotion which is directly related to the Profile of Older Americans: 2016.

References

Marion, L., Douglas, M., Lavin, M. A., Barr, N., Gazaway, S., Thomas, E., & Bickford, C. (2016). Implementing the new ANA standard 8: Culturally congruent practice. Online journal of issues in nursing, 22(1).

Mauk, K. L. (2010). Gerontological nursing: Competencies for care. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.