Podcast
Questions and Answers
What significant development occurred in 1984 regarding gerontological nursing?
What significant development occurred in 1984 regarding gerontological nursing?
Which nursing practice standards were first developed by nursing?
Which nursing practice standards were first developed by nursing?
Who was a notable figure advocating for improved care for the elderly in the 19th century?
Who was a notable figure advocating for improved care for the elderly in the 19th century?
What major healthcare initiative was established in 1948 in the UK?
What major healthcare initiative was established in 1948 in the UK?
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What was a focus during the latter half of the 20th century concerning older adults?
What was a focus during the latter half of the 20th century concerning older adults?
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What impact did industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century have on caregiving?
What impact did industrialization and urbanization in the 19th century have on caregiving?
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What does the most recent edition of Scope and Standards of Gerontological Nursing Practice identify?
What does the most recent edition of Scope and Standards of Gerontological Nursing Practice identify?
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What significant legislation influenced the construction of additional poorhouses in the Victorian era?
What significant legislation influenced the construction of additional poorhouses in the Victorian era?
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What is the primary goal of occupational therapy?
What is the primary goal of occupational therapy?
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Which of the following factors do occupational therapists consider when assessing a client’s needs?
Which of the following factors do occupational therapists consider when assessing a client’s needs?
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How do physical therapists contribute to the prevention of injuries in older adults?
How do physical therapists contribute to the prevention of injuries in older adults?
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What is a key focus of geriatric physical therapy?
What is a key focus of geriatric physical therapy?
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Which health professional focuses on improving cognition and communication skills in seniors?
Which health professional focuses on improving cognition and communication skills in seniors?
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What role do speech-language pathologists have in addressing nutrient-related speech issues?
What role do speech-language pathologists have in addressing nutrient-related speech issues?
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Who is credited with the origins of gerontological nursing in England?
Who is credited with the origins of gerontological nursing in England?
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Which condition is NOT typically treated by geriatric physical therapy?
Which condition is NOT typically treated by geriatric physical therapy?
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How do occupational therapists develop a treatment plan for their clients?
How do occupational therapists develop a treatment plan for their clients?
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What significant event in 1935 helped support older individuals in the United States?
What significant event in 1935 helped support older individuals in the United States?
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In what year did the ANA form a division specifically for geriatric nursing?
In what year did the ANA form a division specifically for geriatric nursing?
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What was a common issue faced by almshouses in the United States during the early 20th century?
What was a common issue faced by almshouses in the United States during the early 20th century?
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Which notable nursing journal was published in 1952 concerning nursing research on the elderly?
Which notable nursing journal was published in 1952 concerning nursing research on the elderly?
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Which year marked the publication of the first geriatric nursing standards by the ANA?
Which year marked the publication of the first geriatric nursing standards by the ANA?
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Which nursing pioneer dramatically improved care in the Liverpool Infirmary in 1864?
Which nursing pioneer dramatically improved care in the Liverpool Infirmary in 1864?
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What was the original name of the division formed by the ANA in 1976 focused on geriatric nursing?
What was the original name of the division formed by the ANA in 1976 focused on geriatric nursing?
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What are some factors that speech and language abnormalities are not related to?
What are some factors that speech and language abnormalities are not related to?
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Which disorders can be treated or improved with speech therapy?
Which disorders can be treated or improved with speech therapy?
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What is a primary role of a geriatric care manager?
What is a primary role of a geriatric care manager?
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Which advanced practice nursing role addresses the needs of the older adult population?
Which advanced practice nursing role addresses the needs of the older adult population?
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What essential characteristic defines the role of a gerontological nurse practitioner?
What essential characteristic defines the role of a gerontological nurse practitioner?
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What is one task that a geriatric care manager might perform?
What is one task that a geriatric care manager might perform?
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Which disorder is specifically mentioned as treatable or manageable through speech therapy?
Which disorder is specifically mentioned as treatable or manageable through speech therapy?
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Under the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation, what is required for APRNs?
Under the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation, what is required for APRNs?
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What role do Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) primarily fulfill in nursing homes?
What role do Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) primarily fulfill in nursing homes?
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What is the minimum clinical practice hour requirement for the certification RN, C?
What is the minimum clinical practice hour requirement for the certification RN, C?
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Which function does a gerontological clinical nurse specialist typically NOT perform?
Which function does a gerontological clinical nurse specialist typically NOT perform?
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Which of the following is a role of geriatric nurse practitioners?
Which of the following is a role of geriatric nurse practitioners?
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What distinguishes the RN, BC certification from the RN, C certification?
What distinguishes the RN, BC certification from the RN, C certification?
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Which of the following is NOT a basic eligibility requirement for RN certification?
Which of the following is NOT a basic eligibility requirement for RN certification?
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Which responsibility reflects the role of nurses in advanced practice regarding legislative issues?
Which responsibility reflects the role of nurses in advanced practice regarding legislative issues?
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Which statement about continuing education contact hours for gerontological nursing is accurate?
Which statement about continuing education contact hours for gerontological nursing is accurate?
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Study Notes
Early History of Gerontological Nursing
- Florence Nightingale's work at the Institution for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances laid the foundation for gerontological nursing.
- Agnes Jones, a Nightingale-trained nurse, improved care at the Liverpool Infirmary in 1864, reducing costs and improving conditions.
- In the United States, almshouses provided inadequate care to destitute older people, with deplorable conditions, neglect, and preventable suffering.
- The American Nurses Association (ANA) established an Almshouse Committee in 1912 to oversee nursing in these institutions.
- The ANA advocated for a nursing specialty focused on the care of the aged in 1925.
- The Social Security Act of 1935 provided federal funding for old-age insurance and assistance for needy elderly individuals.
- The Cuyahoga County Nursing Home in Ohio and the Hebrew Home for the Aged in New York were recognized as centers of excellence for geriatric care in the 1940s.
- The first textbook on nursing care of the elderly was published by Newton and Anderson in 1950.
- The first published nursing research on chronic disease and the elderly appeared in the inaugural issue of Nursing Research in 1952.
- A focus group on geriatric nursing was formed in 1962, followed by the establishment of a Geriatric Practice Group in 1966.
- The ANA formed a Division of Geriatric Nursing in 1966, and the first geriatric nursing standards were published in 1968.
- Geriatric nursing certification was offered shortly after the establishment of practice standards.
- The Division of Geriatric Nursing changed its name to the Gerontological Nursing Division in 1976 to reflect the broader role of nurses in the care of older people.
- The Council on Gerontological Nursing was formed in 1984, and certification for Geriatric Nurse Practitioners (GNPs) and Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialists (GCNSs) became available.
- Nursing was the first profession to develop standards of gerontological care and establish a certification mechanism to ensure specialized professional expertise through credentialing.
- The ANA’s Scope and Standards of Gerontological Nursing Practice provides a comprehensive overview of gerontological nursing, identifying levels of practice (basic and advanced) and standards of clinical gerontological nursing care and gerontological nursing performance.
Emergence of Modern Gerontological and Geriatric Nursing: Key Periods and Advancements
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19th Century: Institutionalization and Early Advances
- The 19th century saw the establishment of formal healthcare institutions and the emergence of nursing as a profession.
- Care for older individuals was often provided within almshouses during this period.
- Significant societal changes, including industrialization and urbanization, disrupted traditional family structures and caregiving arrangements.
- The 1834 New Poor Law resulted in the construction of numerous additional poorhouses throughout the Victorian era.
- Florence Nightingale advocated for improved care for the elderly during this time.
- Her work in nursing reform laid the groundwork for more systematic approaches to healthcare delivery, including the care of older adults.
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20th Century: Professionalization and Specialization
- The emergence of formalized nursing education and professionalization efforts led to specialized training in gerontologic care.
- Dame Cicely Saunders, a pioneer in palliative care, contributed to shaping the field of geriatric nursing in the UK.
- The establishment of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948 marked a significant development in healthcare provision, including services for the elderly.
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Late 20th Century: Focus on Quality of Life
- The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a growing emphasis on improving the quality of life for older adults.
- Occupational therapy emerged as a method for helping individuals lead independent and productive lives by supporting the recovery or development of skills for daily tasks.
- Occupational therapists assist seniors in learning to move, function, and overcome physical challenges, despite diminished range-of-motion and mobility.
- Occupational therapy encompasses not only physical functionality but also cognitive ability enhancement through a variety of techniques.
- Physical therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals specializing in movement and exercise.
- Geriatric physical therapy focuses on the unique movement needs of older adults, including treatment for conditions such as arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, joint replacement, and balance disorders.
- The goal of geriatric physical therapy is to restore mobility, reduce pain, accommodate physical limitations, and increase physical fitness.
- Physical therapy training includes assessment, exercise prescription, progression, and appropriate monitoring.
- Physical therapists can play a key role in preventing injury, functional decline, and disability.
Speech Therapists: Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) provide speech therapy, focusing on an individual’s capacity for language, speech, and comprehension.
- They offer treatment plans to bolster seniors’ cognition and communication skills.
- SLPs address issues related to speech difficulties caused by nutritional and hydration deficiencies, which may be overlooked by medical providers.
- They promote a healthy lifestyle for seniors by educating them and their caregivers about dementia-related conditions and stroke prevention.
- Speech therapy prevents, diagnoses, and treats swallowing, voice, communication, language, and cognitive disorders, including memory, attention, and problem-solving.
- SLPs treat common geriatric conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, dysphagia (swallowing disorder), aphasia, and dysarthria.
Case Managers: Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Geriatric care managers, usually licensed nurses or social workers specializing in geriatrics, act as "professional relatives," helping individuals and families identify needs and find ways to address them.
- They discuss complex issues, make home visits, suggest services, address emotional concerns, develop short- and long-term plans, evaluate in-home care needs, select care personnel, coordinate medical services, evaluate living arrangements, and provide caregiver stress relief.
The Aim of Gerontology
- Gerontology is the study of aging and the aged, focusing on various aspects of aging including physical, cognitive, social, and psychological changes.
- Gerontology aims to understand the aging process and its implications for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
- This field seeks to promote healthy aging, improve the quality of life for older adults, and address the challenges associated with an aging population.
Specialty Roles in Gerontological Nursing
- The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation (2008) outlines requirements for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice in a specific role and population, including education, certification, and licensure.
- APRNs specialize in four roles, including the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, which encompasses care for individuals from young adulthood to older age, including the frail elderly.
- APRN titles include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (2013), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (2013), and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (2014).
- The gerontological nurse practitioner (GNP) and gerontological clinical nurse specialist (GCNS) roles emerged in the last 30 years as essential advanced practice nursing roles, particularly in long-term care settings.
Generalist Roles in Gerontological Nursing
- Acute Care: Geriatric nurses with subspecialties (e.g., geriatric vascular nurses, geriatric radiology nurses) and geriatric nurse generalists work in various hospital nursing services nationwide.
- Certified Nursing Assistants and Nurse Aides: CNAs provide the majority of direct care in nursing homes and significantly contribute to residents' quality of life.
Qualification Requirements for Gerontological Nurses
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers two certifications for professional-level nurses:
- RN, C (Registered Nurse, Certified) for associate degree/diploma-level nurses.
- RN, BC (Registered Nurse, Board Certified) for baccalaureate-level nurses.
- Eligibility requirements for certification include:
- Two years of full-time practice as an RN in the United States or equivalent.
- At least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in gerontological nursing within the past three years.
- 30 or more continuing education contact hours in gerontological nursing within the past three years.
Roles of the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
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APNs hold a Master’s degree and are certified.
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Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (GCNS):
- Focuses on educating patients, families, and staff.
- Often works in collaborative practice with physicians or hospitals.
- Frequently functions as an academic educator, consultant, or entrepreneur.
- May obtain prescriptive authority in many states, expanding their scope of practice.
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Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP):
- Expert clinicians in the field of geriatrics.
- Clinical hours during Master’s degree work or postgraduate certification focus on older adults.
- Provide educational services to patients, clients, staff, and other interdisciplinary team members.
- Advocate for the health of older adults.
- Engage in mentoring other nurses, acting as intermediaries, and participating in political activities to advance elder care.
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Advanced Practice Nurses:
- Utilize their knowledge, education, and experience to provide consulting services in various areas, including legal consulting, financial planning, and business program development for the elderly.
Functions and Responsibilities of the Gerontology Nurse
- Gerontology nurses provide holistic care to older adults, addressing their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
- Their responsibilities encompass:
- Assessment: Conducting comprehensive assessments to identify health needs, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional factors.
- Care Planning: Developing individualized care plans that address identified needs and goals.
- Education: Providing health education to patients, families, and caregivers to promote self-management and healthy aging.
- Medication Management: Monitoring medications, identifying potential interactions, and educating patients about medication use.
- Support: Providing emotional support and guidance to patients and caregivers, addressing concerns relating to aging and end-of-life care.
- Advocacy: Advocating for patients' rights and ensuring access to quality care.
- Collaboration: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
- Research: Participating in gerontology research to advance the understanding and care of older adults.
- In summary, gerontology nurses are uniquely positioned to improve the well-being of older adults by promoting healthy aging, ensuring access to quality care, and empowering individuals to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
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Description
Explore the origins and development of gerontological nursing, highlighting significant figures such as Florence Nightingale and Agnes Jones. This quiz covers the establishment of the American Nurses Association's Almshouse Committee and the impact of the Social Security Act on elder care in the U.S. Test your knowledge on the evolution of nursing care for the elderly.