- Email: [email protected]
WANTED: NGNA Seeks Visionary, Innovative and Futuristic Gerontological Nurse Leaders for the Next 25 Years
OFFICIAL SECTION OF THE
National Gerontological Nursing Association
WANTED: NGNA Seeks Visionary, Innovative and Futuristic Gerontological Nurse Leaders for the Next 25 Years Sara L. Campbell, DNS, RN, NEA-BC Where: The 25th Annual Convention, October 14–17, 2010 Palm Springs, CA www.ngna.org ‘‘Celebrating 25 years of Excellence in Gerontological Nursing’’ Skills Needed (or willingness to develop): creative, comprehensive critical thinking and problem-solving skills with excellent verbal, nonverbal, text and blogging skills; exceptional ability to multitask and coordinate; in-depth understanding of chronic, multisystem health problems of older adults; ability to work effectively and efficiently in multiple settings (including a drive-thru triage platform, real-time video assessment and treatment, neighborhood assignments); leadership skills to work with large teams of interdisciplinary professionals; strong advocacy skills and clear understanding of policy challenges and implications; genuine care for older adults; willingness to mentor future leaders and/or be a future leader who one day could be named in a news blast (as depicted throughout this article) within the next 25 years. In the past 25 years, the National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA) has become well known and highly respected for its worthy core purpose: To improve the quality of nursing care given to older adults (www.ngna.org). NGNA promoted best practices in care of older adults long before it became the sexy topic it is today. Leadership in NGNA recognizes that now is not the time to take a breather but rather to push forward and continue to be a catalyst for developing expertise in gerontological nursing. NGNA is now preparing to vault into the next 25 years, diligently seeking, encouraging, and supporting gerontological nurse leaders ‘‘in the making’’ to change the face of nursing care for older adults. Throughout this article, current thoughts,
302
ideas, and programs are presented and followed by futuristic ‘‘news blasts.’’ The ‘‘news blasts’’ are fictional but written with a sense of excitement and hope for the next 25 years. Open your mind, find your determination, tap your excitement, and consider being one of the nurses to achieve a futuristic news blast.
State of Gerontological Nursing 2010 This is a very exciting time in the Gero world. We are finally getting our ‘‘due,’’ so to speak. We now have a certification, amazing resources through the Hartford Institute at New York University, and are seeing Gero content infused into the nursing curriculum. We will see more resources and attention focused on us as we all continue to age. Everyone wants a qualified experienced health care professional to take care of them (Mary Rita Hurley, MPA, RN, Ageing Initiatives Director, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing).
Gerontology and Nursing Education 2010 Gerontological nursing knowledge and skills are making their way into nursing program curricula across the nation. The importance of preparing a nursing workforce ready to care for a burgeoning older adult population has not been lost on nursing educators. However, barriers remain to achieving excellence in educating nursing students about older adults. For example, nursing education needs to utilize available resources that guide and prepare faculty and students to recognize and develop a gerontology skill set. Laurie Dodge Wilson, Gerontology Program Director, American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) stated: ‘‘Since the majority of nursing care dispensed across settings is to older adults, all schools of nursing have a responsibility to focus their nursing education programs to a significant degree on meeting the unique care needs of this growing population. AACN has many available resources for nursing students and faculty, such as the document, Older Adults: Recommended Baccalaureate
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 31, Number 4
Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for Geriatric Nursing Care.’’ Wilson went on to say: ‘‘Professional nursing students should have access to faculty with geriatric expertise and to clinical experiences in a variety of practice settings that cater to older patients across the wellness-illness continuum. Nursing programs should provide faculty with opportunities to pursue training in geriatrics and support efforts by geriatric faculty to share their expertise with fellow educators. GNEC [the Geriatric Nursing Education Consortium] is a national initiative with generous funding from the John A. Hartford Foundation and in collaboration with the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at NYU to enhance geriatric content in senior-level undergraduate nursing courses. Demonstrating innovation, a GNEC-trained faculty member has developed podcasts for students using the GNEC content modules. The podcasts are currently available on the Hartford Institute’s Web site (www.ConsultGeriRN.org) under the Clinical Resources/Tools tab.’’ Utilizing available educational resources is not enough, however, to fully prepare a nursing workforce cognizant and appreciative of the older adult population. National Student Nurses’ Association director and undergraduate nursing student Liz Patail explains: ‘‘Honestly, nursing students and nurses are my biggest concern surrounding the future of geriatric nursing. It not uncommon that when I tell fellow students that I want to specialize in geriatric nursing they make a face and say something along the lines of, ‘Yuck!’ Similarly, nurses can be heard making disparaging comments about geriatric nursing. As frequent as this negative reaction is, I’m always surprised by it. I fear that if these judgments and misconceptions are not addressed within the nursing profession, we will not be able to help the public change the way they think in order to promote healthy aging.’’
programs without extensive programming in the area of older adults are being left behind and considered to be ‘‘negligent’’ in meeting the health care needs of society. It is expected that even federal funding will soon be unavailable to nursing programs lacking substantial curricula related to best practices in care of older adults. Gerontological nurse _________________ [your name!] has been instrumental in leading initiatives in this area.
Fast Forward 25 Years to a News Blast in the Chronicle of Higher Education: Critical Advice to Students Considering Application to Nursing Programs
Flash Forward 25 Years to the Following Headline: Architect and Gerontological Nurse Team Together and Receive International Attention for Transforming Cities to Be Older-Adult-Friendly
In the past 25 years, accreditation was the only thing students would worry about when considering application to various nursing programs. Today, accreditation is simply not enough. Nursing
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 31, Number 4
State of Society’s Readiness for the Rapidly Growing Older Adult Population 2010 Concerns about a large influx of older adults has everyone talking about the needs of such a population, but the action related to those needs remains to be launched. Charlene Aaron, MSN, RN-BC, a doctoral student at the University of Iowa, College of Nursing, and project coordinator of Expanding Teaching Nursing Home, Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University, discusses the concept of aging in place and the implications it has for older adults and daily living: ‘‘‘Aging in Place’ is a comforting reality on many levels, as Baby Boomers contemplate planning for the future. Everyone wants to stay in their own home as long as possible, and doing so has economic, psychological, and social implications. Elders who stay home instead of going to a nursing home, save the state and federal government’s funding mechanisms (Medicaid and Medicare) millions of dollars per year. Contractors, realtors, public officials, and business owners should design and alter their community to be conducive to aging. Insightful designs should incorporate a holistic, forward-thinking lens for stakeholders to address issues resulting from the silver tsunami before us.’’
An unlikely pair consisting of an architect and gerontological nurse teamed up to transform the city of _________________ [could be your city!]
303
into a place that is welcoming to the older adult population. Daily living activities for seniors living here will become much easier because of this major transformation and will allow older adults to remain in their homes longer than they might without changes to their daily surroundings. Large-print restaurant menus and street signs, no-reach cabinet kitchens, and no steps to facilities and homes are just a few of the city changes.
State of Nursing Research 2010 Nursing research continues to evolve with great needs for contributions to nursing science as well as evidence-based practice. Nurses are at the heart of caring for clients and best positioned for conduction of research that has the potential to alter the delivery of health care and improve client health outcomes.
25 Years Later, News Blast Reads: Gerontological Nurse Appointed New Director for National Institute of Aging
a difference; however, united we will have the strongest voice, the farthest reach, and the quickest pace.’’ Mary Hurley adds that a current resource for developing leaders savvy in political engagement is the Geriatric Nursing Leadership Academy (GNLA): ‘‘It is an exciting, intense and career-changing 18-month experience for nurses who are committed to leading health care practice changes for older adults. The purpose of GNLA is to develop the leadership skills of geriatric nurses in positions of influence in a variety of health care settings. GNLA prepares geriatric nurses to effectively lead interprofessional teams to improve the quality of health care for older adults and their families. Through the partnership between Sigma Theta Tau International and the John A. Hartford Foundation, GNLA has become the premier leadership development opportunity for nurses dedicated to influencing policy and geriatric health outcomes. Fellows of GNLA become active participants in the national network of geriatric nursing leaders. This growing group of experts has begun a collective movement toward national influence in changing care for older adults.’’
25 Years Later: Nurse Expert in Gerontological Nursing Appointed to Top Policy Position
The media has been advised that the new director for the National Institute of Aging is a gerontological nurse. Dr. ________________ [could be your name!] is the first nurse to be appointed to this position. There is tremendous excitement about this appointment, as nursing will have the opportunity to lead health care research focused on older adults.
A gerontological nurse has recently been appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on Health and Aging. Dr. _________________ [could be your name!] is the first member to be named to the new council that is expected to guide legislation and policy related care of older adults.
Gerontological Nursing and Political Engagement 2010
2010 State of Public Exposure to Expertise of Gerontological Nurses
Nursing is beginning to understand the importance of political involvement at all levels. Liz Patail discusses her thoughts on nurses and political engagement: ‘‘I think involvement in professional organizations is key. Through involvement in the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) I have been able to promote geriatric nursing issues through policy, community involvement, NSNA publications, and more. As a new nurse, I wholeheartedly plan to continue this work by being involved in the American Nurses Association and, of course, my specialty organization, NGNA. It’s true it only takes 1 person to make
Nurses are doing incredible work in the area of care for older adults; yet much of their work remains within the profession and does not spread to the general population. News that covers information about health care relies on physician as opposed to nurse expertise, although nurses are conducting outstanding research in multiple healthcare areas. For example, Dr. Pam Lindsey, DNSc, RN, associate professor, Millikin University, published an article in 2009 aimed at gerontological nurses.1 It was written to increase nurses’ knowledge base about the potential effects of psychotropic medications in geriatric
304
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 31, Number 4
populations. The general public could benefit from understanding and being aware of such medications that might be prescribed for themselves or a family member.
News Blast 25 Years Later: Medical Director Title for Nursing Home Resident Management Transferred to Gerontological Nurse Practitioners
Flash Forward 25 Years: Increase in Public Interviews of Gerontological Nurses Noted
Nursing home management is undergoing great change as medical management is transferred from medical directors (physicians) to gerontological nurse practitioners (GNPs). GNP _____________________ [could be your name!] states: ‘‘This is a much-awaited transition in the long-term care industry, and it is estimated that resident care at nursing homes will drastically improve over time.’’
The media is seeking nurses with gerontological expertise in increasing numbers as more people age and are hungry for information about their health. Dr. Lindsey [could this be you?] who began her work back in 2009 was most recently interviewed by Oprah Winfrey about the use of psychotropic medication among older adults. Winfrey was particularly interested in discussing how older adults can be knowledgeable and alert about possible effects of discriminate and indiscriminate prescribing of psychotropic medications.
State of Long-Term Care 2010 Mary Hurley describes the purpose of a Center for Nursing Excellence in Long Term Care. The center ‘‘supports the knowledge, professional development and leadership growth of nurses who provide care to older adults in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). SNFs have implemented many programs to improve quality of care and clinical outcomes, but each has been developed and implemented in isolation. Although the essential RN competencies’ and nursing facilities’ organizational structures are so interrelated, the center is the first to address them holistically through an integrated suite of thoroughly researched, evidence-based products and services. To learn more, visit www.centerfornursingexcellence.org.’’
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 31, Number 4
Gerontological Nursing 2035 Gerontological nurses are sweeping the nation in all health care areas, bringing new levels of excellence to the older adult population. Not surprisingly, many of today’s gerontological nurse leaders first became familiar with leadership opportunities through their involvement with the NGNA. They specifically pointed to attendance at an NGNA conference in 2010 as being instrumental in guiding their career in caring for older adults.
Reference 1. Lindsey PL. Psychotropic medication use among older adults: what all nurses need to know. J Gerontol Nurs 2009;35:28-38. 0197-4572/$ - see front matter Ó 2010 Published by Mosby, Inc. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2010.05.006
305
National Gerontological Nursing Association
WANTED: NGNA Seeks Visionary, Innovative and Futuristic Gerontological Nurse Leaders for the Next 25 Years Sara L. Campbell, DNS, RN, NEA-BC Where: The 25th Annual Convention, October 14–17, 2010 Palm Springs, CA www.ngna.org ‘‘Celebrating 25 years of Excellence in Gerontological Nursing’’ Skills Needed (or willingness to develop): creative, comprehensive critical thinking and problem-solving skills with excellent verbal, nonverbal, text and blogging skills; exceptional ability to multitask and coordinate; in-depth understanding of chronic, multisystem health problems of older adults; ability to work effectively and efficiently in multiple settings (including a drive-thru triage platform, real-time video assessment and treatment, neighborhood assignments); leadership skills to work with large teams of interdisciplinary professionals; strong advocacy skills and clear understanding of policy challenges and implications; genuine care for older adults; willingness to mentor future leaders and/or be a future leader who one day could be named in a news blast (as depicted throughout this article) within the next 25 years. In the past 25 years, the National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA) has become well known and highly respected for its worthy core purpose: To improve the quality of nursing care given to older adults (www.ngna.org). NGNA promoted best practices in care of older adults long before it became the sexy topic it is today. Leadership in NGNA recognizes that now is not the time to take a breather but rather to push forward and continue to be a catalyst for developing expertise in gerontological nursing. NGNA is now preparing to vault into the next 25 years, diligently seeking, encouraging, and supporting gerontological nurse leaders ‘‘in the making’’ to change the face of nursing care for older adults. Throughout this article, current thoughts,
302
ideas, and programs are presented and followed by futuristic ‘‘news blasts.’’ The ‘‘news blasts’’ are fictional but written with a sense of excitement and hope for the next 25 years. Open your mind, find your determination, tap your excitement, and consider being one of the nurses to achieve a futuristic news blast.
State of Gerontological Nursing 2010 This is a very exciting time in the Gero world. We are finally getting our ‘‘due,’’ so to speak. We now have a certification, amazing resources through the Hartford Institute at New York University, and are seeing Gero content infused into the nursing curriculum. We will see more resources and attention focused on us as we all continue to age. Everyone wants a qualified experienced health care professional to take care of them (Mary Rita Hurley, MPA, RN, Ageing Initiatives Director, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing).
Gerontology and Nursing Education 2010 Gerontological nursing knowledge and skills are making their way into nursing program curricula across the nation. The importance of preparing a nursing workforce ready to care for a burgeoning older adult population has not been lost on nursing educators. However, barriers remain to achieving excellence in educating nursing students about older adults. For example, nursing education needs to utilize available resources that guide and prepare faculty and students to recognize and develop a gerontology skill set. Laurie Dodge Wilson, Gerontology Program Director, American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) stated: ‘‘Since the majority of nursing care dispensed across settings is to older adults, all schools of nursing have a responsibility to focus their nursing education programs to a significant degree on meeting the unique care needs of this growing population. AACN has many available resources for nursing students and faculty, such as the document, Older Adults: Recommended Baccalaureate
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 31, Number 4
Competencies and Curricular Guidelines for Geriatric Nursing Care.’’ Wilson went on to say: ‘‘Professional nursing students should have access to faculty with geriatric expertise and to clinical experiences in a variety of practice settings that cater to older patients across the wellness-illness continuum. Nursing programs should provide faculty with opportunities to pursue training in geriatrics and support efforts by geriatric faculty to share their expertise with fellow educators. GNEC [the Geriatric Nursing Education Consortium] is a national initiative with generous funding from the John A. Hartford Foundation and in collaboration with the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at NYU to enhance geriatric content in senior-level undergraduate nursing courses. Demonstrating innovation, a GNEC-trained faculty member has developed podcasts for students using the GNEC content modules. The podcasts are currently available on the Hartford Institute’s Web site (www.ConsultGeriRN.org) under the Clinical Resources/Tools tab.’’ Utilizing available educational resources is not enough, however, to fully prepare a nursing workforce cognizant and appreciative of the older adult population. National Student Nurses’ Association director and undergraduate nursing student Liz Patail explains: ‘‘Honestly, nursing students and nurses are my biggest concern surrounding the future of geriatric nursing. It not uncommon that when I tell fellow students that I want to specialize in geriatric nursing they make a face and say something along the lines of, ‘Yuck!’ Similarly, nurses can be heard making disparaging comments about geriatric nursing. As frequent as this negative reaction is, I’m always surprised by it. I fear that if these judgments and misconceptions are not addressed within the nursing profession, we will not be able to help the public change the way they think in order to promote healthy aging.’’
programs without extensive programming in the area of older adults are being left behind and considered to be ‘‘negligent’’ in meeting the health care needs of society. It is expected that even federal funding will soon be unavailable to nursing programs lacking substantial curricula related to best practices in care of older adults. Gerontological nurse _________________ [your name!] has been instrumental in leading initiatives in this area.
Fast Forward 25 Years to a News Blast in the Chronicle of Higher Education: Critical Advice to Students Considering Application to Nursing Programs
Flash Forward 25 Years to the Following Headline: Architect and Gerontological Nurse Team Together and Receive International Attention for Transforming Cities to Be Older-Adult-Friendly
In the past 25 years, accreditation was the only thing students would worry about when considering application to various nursing programs. Today, accreditation is simply not enough. Nursing
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 31, Number 4
State of Society’s Readiness for the Rapidly Growing Older Adult Population 2010 Concerns about a large influx of older adults has everyone talking about the needs of such a population, but the action related to those needs remains to be launched. Charlene Aaron, MSN, RN-BC, a doctoral student at the University of Iowa, College of Nursing, and project coordinator of Expanding Teaching Nursing Home, Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois State University, discusses the concept of aging in place and the implications it has for older adults and daily living: ‘‘‘Aging in Place’ is a comforting reality on many levels, as Baby Boomers contemplate planning for the future. Everyone wants to stay in their own home as long as possible, and doing so has economic, psychological, and social implications. Elders who stay home instead of going to a nursing home, save the state and federal government’s funding mechanisms (Medicaid and Medicare) millions of dollars per year. Contractors, realtors, public officials, and business owners should design and alter their community to be conducive to aging. Insightful designs should incorporate a holistic, forward-thinking lens for stakeholders to address issues resulting from the silver tsunami before us.’’
An unlikely pair consisting of an architect and gerontological nurse teamed up to transform the city of _________________ [could be your city!]
303
into a place that is welcoming to the older adult population. Daily living activities for seniors living here will become much easier because of this major transformation and will allow older adults to remain in their homes longer than they might without changes to their daily surroundings. Large-print restaurant menus and street signs, no-reach cabinet kitchens, and no steps to facilities and homes are just a few of the city changes.
State of Nursing Research 2010 Nursing research continues to evolve with great needs for contributions to nursing science as well as evidence-based practice. Nurses are at the heart of caring for clients and best positioned for conduction of research that has the potential to alter the delivery of health care and improve client health outcomes.
25 Years Later, News Blast Reads: Gerontological Nurse Appointed New Director for National Institute of Aging
a difference; however, united we will have the strongest voice, the farthest reach, and the quickest pace.’’ Mary Hurley adds that a current resource for developing leaders savvy in political engagement is the Geriatric Nursing Leadership Academy (GNLA): ‘‘It is an exciting, intense and career-changing 18-month experience for nurses who are committed to leading health care practice changes for older adults. The purpose of GNLA is to develop the leadership skills of geriatric nurses in positions of influence in a variety of health care settings. GNLA prepares geriatric nurses to effectively lead interprofessional teams to improve the quality of health care for older adults and their families. Through the partnership between Sigma Theta Tau International and the John A. Hartford Foundation, GNLA has become the premier leadership development opportunity for nurses dedicated to influencing policy and geriatric health outcomes. Fellows of GNLA become active participants in the national network of geriatric nursing leaders. This growing group of experts has begun a collective movement toward national influence in changing care for older adults.’’
25 Years Later: Nurse Expert in Gerontological Nursing Appointed to Top Policy Position
The media has been advised that the new director for the National Institute of Aging is a gerontological nurse. Dr. ________________ [could be your name!] is the first nurse to be appointed to this position. There is tremendous excitement about this appointment, as nursing will have the opportunity to lead health care research focused on older adults.
A gerontological nurse has recently been appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on Health and Aging. Dr. _________________ [could be your name!] is the first member to be named to the new council that is expected to guide legislation and policy related care of older adults.
Gerontological Nursing and Political Engagement 2010
2010 State of Public Exposure to Expertise of Gerontological Nurses
Nursing is beginning to understand the importance of political involvement at all levels. Liz Patail discusses her thoughts on nurses and political engagement: ‘‘I think involvement in professional organizations is key. Through involvement in the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) I have been able to promote geriatric nursing issues through policy, community involvement, NSNA publications, and more. As a new nurse, I wholeheartedly plan to continue this work by being involved in the American Nurses Association and, of course, my specialty organization, NGNA. It’s true it only takes 1 person to make
Nurses are doing incredible work in the area of care for older adults; yet much of their work remains within the profession and does not spread to the general population. News that covers information about health care relies on physician as opposed to nurse expertise, although nurses are conducting outstanding research in multiple healthcare areas. For example, Dr. Pam Lindsey, DNSc, RN, associate professor, Millikin University, published an article in 2009 aimed at gerontological nurses.1 It was written to increase nurses’ knowledge base about the potential effects of psychotropic medications in geriatric
304
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 31, Number 4
populations. The general public could benefit from understanding and being aware of such medications that might be prescribed for themselves or a family member.
News Blast 25 Years Later: Medical Director Title for Nursing Home Resident Management Transferred to Gerontological Nurse Practitioners
Flash Forward 25 Years: Increase in Public Interviews of Gerontological Nurses Noted
Nursing home management is undergoing great change as medical management is transferred from medical directors (physicians) to gerontological nurse practitioners (GNPs). GNP _____________________ [could be your name!] states: ‘‘This is a much-awaited transition in the long-term care industry, and it is estimated that resident care at nursing homes will drastically improve over time.’’
The media is seeking nurses with gerontological expertise in increasing numbers as more people age and are hungry for information about their health. Dr. Lindsey [could this be you?] who began her work back in 2009 was most recently interviewed by Oprah Winfrey about the use of psychotropic medication among older adults. Winfrey was particularly interested in discussing how older adults can be knowledgeable and alert about possible effects of discriminate and indiscriminate prescribing of psychotropic medications.
State of Long-Term Care 2010 Mary Hurley describes the purpose of a Center for Nursing Excellence in Long Term Care. The center ‘‘supports the knowledge, professional development and leadership growth of nurses who provide care to older adults in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). SNFs have implemented many programs to improve quality of care and clinical outcomes, but each has been developed and implemented in isolation. Although the essential RN competencies’ and nursing facilities’ organizational structures are so interrelated, the center is the first to address them holistically through an integrated suite of thoroughly researched, evidence-based products and services. To learn more, visit www.centerfornursingexcellence.org.’’
Geriatric Nursing, Volume 31, Number 4
Gerontological Nursing 2035 Gerontological nurses are sweeping the nation in all health care areas, bringing new levels of excellence to the older adult population. Not surprisingly, many of today’s gerontological nurse leaders first became familiar with leadership opportunities through their involvement with the NGNA. They specifically pointed to attendance at an NGNA conference in 2010 as being instrumental in guiding their career in caring for older adults.
Reference 1. Lindsey PL. Psychotropic medication use among older adults: what all nurses need to know. J Gerontol Nurs 2009;35:28-38. 0197-4572/$ - see front matter Ó 2010 Published by Mosby, Inc. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2010.05.006
305