NURS 3470 – Nursing Care for the Older Adult at Saint Louis University is an undergraduate course that focuses on providing students with comprehensive knowledge and skills related to the nursing care of older adults. The course covers a variety of essential topics, including:
- Aging Process: Students will explore the physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of the aging process. This includes an in-depth understanding of common health issues and challenges faced by older adults.
- Nursing Assessment: The course emphasizes the development of skills in conducting thorough nursing assessments for older adults. Students will learn to identify age-related changes, assess functional status, and recognize potential health risks.
- Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions: Students will be exposed to evidence-based nursing interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults. This includes strategies for promoting health, preventing complications, and managing chronic conditions.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in geriatric care is highlighted. Students will learn to work effectively with healthcare professionals from various disciplines to provide holistic and patient-centered care.
- Ethical Considerations: The course incorporates discussions on ethical considerations specific to caring for older adults. Students will explore topics such as autonomy, informed consent, and end-of-life care decisions.
- Practical Skills: Nursing skills relevant to the care of older adults, such as medication management, mobility assistance, and therapeutic communication, are integrated into the curriculum.
- Gerontological Nursing Research: Students will be introduced to key concepts in gerontological nursing research, allowing them to critically evaluate and apply relevant research findings to their nursing practice.
NURS 3470 is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality and compassionate nursing care to the older adult population. Whether students are aspiring geriatric nurses or simply seeking a deeper understanding of nursing care for older adults, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of the field.
