NURS 622: Advanced Practice Nursing of Older Adults
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and undergraduate gerontological nursing course or continuing education in gerontology
Credit Hours: (3) Two hours lecture and three hours practicum/week
The emphasis is on holistic assessment of older adults and their families; health promotion, protection, and restoration; multidisciplinary health care planning along the continuum of care; and health care services and systems for older adults. The practicum provides opportunities to translate theory into advanced practice nursing for older adults.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
The objectives and content of this course are derived from the School of Nursing's mission and philosophy, and facilitate achievement of the School’s program outcomes. Major topics and skills covered in this course are based on current research and theory related to advanced practice nursing for older adults.
Topical Outline
1. Older Adults
a. Independence and autonomy issues
b. Family issues and caregiver support
c. Community services and systems
d. Population-based care (including care for older adults living in rural
areas)
2. Measurement and Assessment Strategies for Older Adults
a. Functional status
b. Physical status
c. Psychosocial assessment
d. Spiritual assessment
e. Cultural assessment
f. Economic evaluation
3. Health Promotion, Protection, and Restoration for Older Adults
a. Wellness and health promotion
b. Management of acute illness
c. Management of chronic illness
d. Restoration care and services
e. Death and dying
f. Interdisciplinary health care planning
g. Continuum of care
h. Alternative care
4. Advanced Practice Nursing for Older Adults
a. Needs assessment
b. Setting
c. Economic and reimbursement issues
d. Legal aspects
e. Ethical issues
f. Research
g. Social and political trends
Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course
The following teaching strategies will be employed: seminar discussions, lectures, student presentations, clinical practice, and written projects.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Analyze individual, family, community, and population-based characteristics as
they relate to older adults.
2. Select appropriate measurement and assessment strategies for determining holistic,
therapeutic interventions for older adults.
3. Articulate advanced nursing skills aimed at health promotion, protection, and restoration
for older adults.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking in advanced nursing practice for older adults.
Assessment Measures
May include clinical contract, comprehensive assessment of an older adult, clinical projects including written and oral presentations, and class participation and tests.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
Revised June 2004 Karolyn Givens, Graduate Program Coordinator