The Association Between new Nurses' Gerontological Education, Personal Attitudes Toward Older Adults, and Intentions to Work in Gerontological Care Settings in Ontario, Canada. Issue 2 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Jessica; Sawhney, Monakshi; Duhn, Lenora; Woo, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of nursing research =. Volume 54:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 198
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Registered nurse -- practical nurse -- career choice -- gerontological care setting -- long term care -- geriatric unit; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Canada -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Nursing Research; Canada; Nursing; Nursing -- Research; Canada; Periodicals; 610.73097105
• DOI: 10.1177/08445621211063702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0844-5621

Abstract

Background: The older adult population in Canada is increasing, and many will require care within an acute geriatric unit (AGU) or long-term care facility (LTCF). However, the nursing workforce is not growing at the same pace as the population is aging. New graduate nurses may be able to fill this gap; therefore, it is important to understand their intentions of working in gerontological care settings (i.e., AGU or LTCF). Aim: To examine if nursing education and personal attitudes toward older adults influence newly registered nurses'(RNs) intentions to work in a gerontological care setting. Method: Nurses (n= 1, 103) who registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario for the first time in 2018 were invited to complete a questionnaire. Results: The majority of participants (n = 181) reported a positive attitude toward older adults. However, only 14% reported an intention to work in a gerontological care setting. Participants who completed multiple geriatric focused clinical placements were more likely to report an intention to work in these settings. Conclusion: This study provides some information regarding the attitudes and intentions of newly RNs toward a career in gerontological care settings. Further research is needed to understand nurses' intentions regarding working in AGUs or LTCFs.