Quinnipiac College - Department of Nursing
Rita Hammer, PhD, RN, CS, Chairperson; Elizabeth mcGann, DNSc (cand) RN, CS (faculty contact)

Abstract:
Quinnipiac College nursing faculty believes that the undergraduate nursing curriculum should have a significant emphasis on gerontologic nursing concepts to meet the challenge of delivering high quality health care to an expanding elder population. Holism is the guide that supports the overall and gerontologic portion of the nursing curriculum. Gerontologic nursing concepts, practice, and policy issues relative to advancing age are integrated throughout the curriculum. For example, health promotion/disease prevention in the elder aggregate is introduced in the foundational nursing course, and inter-generation issues are introduced in the family nursing course. A gerontologic concentration exists in two senior courses. These courses provide specialized knowledge, skills and essential concepts that are critical in providing care to elders. Teaching methods include case study, class discussion, and computer assisted software. Guest speakers present on such topics as elder law, advanced wound care, mental health issues, and community services available through the Local Area on Aging. Clinical practice takes place across the continuum of care with opportunity for direct care and an appreciation of the leadership and management strategies useful in this aggregate. Community based experiences take place with professionals in assisted living, case management teams, a geriatric assessment center, ombudsmen programs, meals-on-wheels, elderly outreach, adult day care, and senior centers. A specialized geriatric assessment component is taught in the campus health assessment laboratory.