For older adults, physical illness often causes or is accompanied by psychiatric symptoms. Since nurses care for older adults across all health care settings, it is vital that nursing education programs provide the knowledge and skills that prepare them to care for older adults with mental health concerns. The Geropsychiatric Nursing Collaborative has developed the Geropsychiatric Nursing Competency Enhancements to help draw attention to the special needs of older adults.

Educational Objectives: Based on the competency enhancements, the Geropsychiatric Nursing Collaborative is identifying and evaluating the quality and suitability of curricular and training materials. The effort will enhance competencies for all levels of nursing education focusing them on issues involving older adults with mental health/illness concerns.

Use the expandable menu at the left for more information and to access the Competency Enhancements.