Geriatrics

Catalog description

This is a 2 -hour credit course that combines 1 credit hour of theory and 1 credit hour of clinical. This course focuses on the concepts and principles that guide nursing care for the elderly. Theories of aging, the aging process, promotion of wellness and common age -related alterations in physical, social, and psychological health are emphasized. The nursing process is used to encourage the development of critical thinking in relation to developing nursing plans of care to meet the physical, social and psychological needs of the elderly. Nursing skills commonly associated with care of the aging patient are di scussed. Application of course content is provided during supervised clinical lab experiences throughout the program of study. This supervised clinical laboratory component focuses on building competency in the utilization of nursing skills to provide care to the elderly patient. Students deliver nursing care in long term care facilities to small groups of patients. Critical thinking and the nursing process are used to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care focusing on adapting care to meet the physical, social, and psychological needs of assigned patient groups. To provide meaningful clinical supervision and learning, a ratio of 1 instructor to no more than 10 students is maintained.