Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 7 July 2010
By Michele C. Balas, PhD, RN, APRN-BC, CCRN; Colleen M. Casey, PhD, ANP, CNS, CCRN; Mary Beth Happ, PhD, RN, FAAN
ABSTRACT
Facilitating students’ knowledge and ability to care for critically ill older adults is a daunting task for even the most experienced teacher. Faculty, preceptors, and mentors must address the seemingly dichotomous objectives of training practitioners capable of providing safe, technologically advanced care intended to restore hemodynamic stability tempered by the simultaneous goal of providing person-centered, culturally competent, age-appropriate interventions. This article provides specific approaches to prepare baccalaureate nursing students for some of the challenges experienced when caring for critically ill older adults, including teaching strategies, clinical competency behaviors/activities, and postconference topics. By creating a safe environment for asking questions, sharing their expertise and experiences, and adequately addressing individual learning styles, teachers can begin to instill the passion, commitment, and knowledge needed to care for this vulnerable population.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Balas is Assistant Professor, Community-Based Health Nursing Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing, Omaha, Nebraska; Dr. Casey is Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; and Dr. Happ is Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. The authors acknowledge mentorship funding support from National Institute of Nursing Research grant K24-NR010244, “Symptom Management, Patient-Caregiver Communication and Outcomes in ICU” (M.B. Happ), and support from the John A. Hartford Foundation Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Predoctoral Scholar (M.C. Balas, C.M. Casey) and Hartford/Atlantic Post-Doctoral Fellow programs (M.C. Balas).
Address correspondence to Michele C. Balas, PhD, RN, APRN-BC, CCRN, Assistant Professor, Community-Based Health Nursing Department, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing, 985330 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5330; e-mail: mbalas@unmc.edu.
Accepted: April 30, 2010
Posted: June 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/00989134-20100527-98
