Effect of an acute care geriatric educational program on fall rates and nurse work satisfaction.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: A successful faculty-mentored geriatric nurse education program resulted from an acute care-academic partnership. PURPOSE: This study educated nurses in best geriatric nursing practices to enhance effective management of common geriatric problems as well as to improve nurse work satisfaction. METHODS: Forty-seven nurses completed an online course in geriatric best practices. RESULTS: Pre- and posttest comparisons showed a declining trend in the incidence of falls and improved satisfaction with autonomy, task requirements, and nurse-to-nurse interaction among participants. Units in which two or more participants achieved national certification had significantly lower fall rates 3 months after program completion. Participants who attained national certification also had significantly improved satisfaction with professional status. CONCLUSION: This partnership represents a replicable model that facilitated the advancement of evidence-based practice and enhanced nurses' knowledge of best practices in caring for older adults. Early evidence shows that these successes may improve patient outcomes. Copyright 2009, SLACK Incorporated.

Author information

Author/s: Lange, Jean (J); Wallace, Meredith (M); Gerard, Sally (S); Lovanio, Kathleen (K); Fausty, Nina (N); Rychlewicz, Susie (S);

Affiliation: Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT 06824, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Journal of continuing education in nursing (J Contin Educ Nurs), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 40 (issue 8) : pp 371-9

Dates: Created 2009/08/17; Completed 2009/10/08;

PMID: 19681575, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/8/2009, IMS Date: )

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