A new era in geriatric nursing education.

Abstract

S TATISTICS DOCUMENTING AGING of the developed world’s populations and the impact on health care are widely recounted. There is hope that age-related disability may be postponed due to progress in disease control and healthy aging, a major focus of gerontological nursing science. Yet longer life spans will undoubtedly intensify demand for competent geriatric nursing care. Since 1996 when the John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) began its 20year investment in geriatric nursing, a rich scientific evidence base has been developed as a foundation for geriatric nursing practice and education, comparable to other population specialties such as pediatric and maternity nursing. Recognizing that the greatest barrier to improving geriatric care was the lack of academic capacity, JAHF commenced a geriatric nursing initiative in 2000 focused on nursing education at all levels from associate degree to postdoctoral education (Bednash, Mezey, & Tagliareni, 2011). Over $83 million in support has been awarded to nursing schools and professional organizations by JAHF for elaboration of educational competencies, professional development in teaching geriatrics, and providing accessible educational resources for existing faculty; award of predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships to support preparation of a cadre of new faculty as future leaders of the field; and designation of one institute and nine centers of geriatric nursing excellence to advance education, practice, and research.