Foundation of Gerontological Nursing

MODULE 2 GERIATRIC NURSINGMa. Estrella Lena M. Pusag

1Ma. Estrella Lena M. Pusag R.N.

Foundation of Gerontological Nursing

Development and Brief History

Scope of Practice Standards of Practice Laws for Senior Citizen

2Ma. Estrella Lena M. Pusag R.N.


Early 1900- Few visionary nurses began to identify the need for specialization in caring for older people

1966- the ANA established the Division of Geriatric Nursing Practice

1976- the division’s name was changed to the Division on Gerontological Nursing Practice

1970- the ANA published “A Statement on the Scope of Gerontological Nursing Practice”

Ma. Estrella Lena M. Pusag R.N. 3


1975- journal of Gerontological Nursing 1976- first national conference of

gerontological Nurse Practitionersfirst gerontological nursing textbook is published

1984- National Gerontological Nursing Association is formed

1989- ANA certification is established for gerontological clinical nurse specialist


Development and Brief History Certification- formal process by which

clinical competence is validated in a specialty area of practice

Certification as GN assures the public, nursing colleagues, and employer that nurse possess specialized skills and knowledge proving care to older

Advance Practice GN is an RN who holds a master’s, doctorate, or higher degree, and demonstrates advance knowledge and clinical expertise in the care of the older adult.


Scope of Practice “Gerontological nurses specialize in the

nursing care and the health needs of older adults. They plan, manage, and implement health care to meet those needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of such care. The nurse’s primary challenge is to identify and use the strengths of older adults and assist them in maximizing their independence. Nurses actively involve older adults and family members as much as possible in the decision making process, which has an impact on the quality of their clients’ everyday life.


Knowledge and Skills for GN required by ANA Recognize the older adult may be competent, and allow

him or her to make healthcare decisions. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the older adult

to facilitate his or her involvement in developing the plan of care, which may include family participation as needed.

Use current gerontological standards to initiate, develop, and adapt the older adult’s plan of care while involving the patient, family, and other providers as needed.

Recognize age related changes based on an understanding of physiological, emotional, cultural, social, psychological, economic, and spiritual functioning.

Collect data to determine health status and functional abilities in order to plan, implement, and evaluate care.


Knowledge and Skills for GN required by ANA Participate and collaborate with members of the

interdisciplinary team. Participate with older adults, families if needed,

and other health professionals in ethical decision making that is patient centered, empathetic, and humane.

Serve as an advocate for older adults and their families.

Teach older adults and families about measures that promote, maintain, and restore health and functional performance; promote comfort; and foster independence and preserve dignity.

Refer the older adult to other professionals or community resources for assistance as necessary.


Knowledge and Skills for GN required by ANA Identify common chronic/ acute physical and

mental disease process that affect the older adult.

Apply the existing body of knowledge in gerontology to nursing practice and intervention.

Exercise accountability to the older adult by protecting his or her rights and autonomy, recognizing and respecting their decisions about advance directive.

Facilitate palliative care and comfort during the dying process in order to preserve the older adult’s dignity and provide the peaceful death.


Knowledge and Skills for GN required by ANA

Embrace the surviving spouse and family members, providing strength, comfort, and hope.

Engage in continuing professional development through participation in continuing education, involvement in state and national professional organizations, and certification.

Use the standards of gerontological nursing practice and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to improve the quality of care and quality of life of the older adult.


Standards of Practice

The standards of clinical gerontological nursing care describe the necessary competencies of care for each step of the nursing process, including assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation and evaluation.


Standards of Practice Standard I: Assessment.

The gerontological nurse collects patient health data.

Standard II: DiagnosisThe gerontological Nurse analyzes the assessment data in determining diagnosis

Standard III: Outcome Identification. The gerontological nurse identifies expected outcomes individualized the older adult.



Standard IV: Planning. The gerontological nurse develops the plan of care that prescribes interventions to attain expected outcomes.

Standard V: Implementation.The gerontological nurse implements the interventions identified in the plan of care.

Standard VI: Evaluation. The gerontological nurse evaluates the older adult’s progress toward attainment of expected outcomes.



Key Roles of Gerontology Nurse

Researcher Educator Manager Consultant Advocate


Laws for Senior Citizen


Documents

Foundation of Gerontological Nursing