Gerontology Clinical Practicum

Catalog description

This course provides students with an in-depth opportunity to explore the principles of healthy aging and the care of older adults. In a clinical setting, they will have the oppportunity to apply the knowledge and skills about older adults' growth and development, health promotion, disease prevention, and physiological aging. Under the guidance of a faculty member and an expert preceptor, the student will actively participate in the needs assessment of older adult clients and families and plan, implement, and evaluate care during a semester-long clinical practicum experience. The student is expected to establish a specific set of objectives to be accomplished, work alongside a nurse expert in the field of gerontology, integrate the most current research data in the development of plans of care, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care, and evaluate the achievement of patient and family goals of care. The student is expected to complete 180 hours of practicum (2.5 credits = 15 hours per week (6 hours/credit) for 12 weeks). Students will also attend 12-15 hours of seminar and individual meetings with instructor during the semester to discuss and share teaching/learning experiences in their advanced professional role as providers of care to older adults.