The Experiences of Practical Nurse Students in Promoting the Rehabilitation of the Elderly Through Nursing Care and Its Education – A Secondary Publication

Abstract

The significance of rehabilitation-promoting nursing care is emphasized in aging Finland. According to studies, rehabilitation-promoting nursing care enhances the functional capacity of the elderly. The Elderly Services Act obliges municipalities to create a plan to support the elderly population, emphasizing living at home and rehabilitative measures. A large portion of graduated practical nurses will be working with the elderly, so the education of practical nurses must meet the needs of the workforce. The study aimed to produce new information on the implementation of rehabilitation-promoting nursing care in the elderly services system and on the education of rehabilitation-promoting nursing care for the elderly in vocational institutions. The research data was collected in the fall of 2020 through individual theme interviews with practical nurse students (n = 8). The data was analyzed using inductive content analysis. The experiences of practical nurse students regarding rehabilitation-promoting nursing care for the elderly were related to nurses’ time management, organizational practices, nurses’ competence, nurses’ attitudes, nurses’ methods of operation, organizational development, implementation and development of practical teaching, factors affecting the use of aids, and the technology of aids in the future. In conclusion, it can be stated that the content of education and practical work life do not align. It is essential to increase competence in rehabilitation-promoting nursing care and develop organizational practices.