Paper
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
671
An Innovative Learning Experience in Elder Care: Summer Independent Study toward Elder Research
Mary V. Cranston, RN, MS, Charlene S. Aaron, RN, MSN, C, Brenda Recchia Jeffers, RN, MS, PhD, and Sara L. Campbell, DNS, RN, CNAA, BC. Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| Learning Objective #1: At the end of this session participant will be able to identify the goals and content of the Summer Independent Study Toward Elder Research. |
| Learning Objective #2: Participants will be able to discuss the opportunities to expand and encourage gerontological care that this model provides for faculty, students and community collaborators. |
Though nurses are the most frequent providers of healthcare to the elderly in hospitals, nursing homes and community settings, only 1% of all nurses have gerontological certification (GeroNurseOnline.org). As the aging population rises, the need to understand and prepare for the care of the older adult is vital. Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University through the Joe Warner Extended Nursing Home Project in collaboration with the John A. Hartford Institute of Geriatric Study at New York University created this model of education to foster gerontological studies. The project, now 3 years old provided undergraduate and graduate nursing students, faculty and community collaborators experiences with nationally recognized gerontological experts, visits to unique gerontological project and programs, and opportunities to explore publication and research opportunities. The project has included site visits to ACE units, unique teaching settings, Dementia and arts experience programs, participating in summary meetings for the John A. Hartford Institute of Geriatric Study at New York University, and more. Another advantage of this model is the combined rural to urban experience that makes the collaboration a win-win situation for all involved. Opportunities to compare and contrast needs and care services between the urban and rural settings have proven highly educational. Past participants have co-authored articles, chosen to pursue further education (GNP, PhD) , implemented new programs (Alzheimer’s and arts), and coordinating the expanding teaching nursing home grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health.