Gerontological nursing, theory and preclinical training (5 cr)

Objective

Gerontological nursing
You are able to apply evidence-based data in gerontological nursing.
You know the social assistance services and benefits for the elderly.
You are able to assess and promote the health, functional capacity and resources of an elderly person via use of nursing interventions.
You know the possibilities offered by gerotechnology.
You know how to implement safe pharmacotherapy for the elderly, and you understand the special characteristics of gerontological pharmacotherapy.
You are able to apply your knowledge about memory disorders, the care of and services for memory patients in nursing.
You know how to identify, assess and manage acute situations.

Palliative nursing
You are familiar with the palliative care pathway model.
You know how to implement evidence-based palliative and end-of-life care.
You are able to take into account the special characteristics of a patient with memory problems in palliative care.
You are able to encounter and support the patient and loved ones in end-of-life care.

Content

Gerontological nursing
What are the changes related to aging and their impact on nursing?
How do you apply evidence-based data in gerontological nursing?
How do you plan, implement and evaluate safe pharmacotherapy?
How do you take into account memory disorders in nursing and in pharmacotherapy?
How do you assess and promote the patient’s functional capacity and resources?
How do you conduct a customer service needs assessment?
How do you assess the patient's nutritional status?
How is gerotechnology utilized in the care of the elderly?
How do you identify, assess and manage acute situations?
How do you offer support to the caregiver and carers?
How do you take into account ethics and professionalism in nursing?

Palliative nursing
What is palliative care and end-of-life care?
How do you apply evidence-based data in palliative care and end-of-life nursing?
What is a palliative care pathway model?
How do you implement palliative and end-of-life care for a memory patient?
How do you encounter and support a memory patient and the patient’s close relations in palliative care?

Course material

Kelo, Sini, Launiemi, Helena, Takaluoma, Matleena, Tiittanen, Hannele. 2015.
Ikääntynyt ihminen ja hoitotyö. Sanomapro.
Also available as an e-book.

Where applicable:
Heikkinen, Eino, Jyrkämä, Jyrki, Rantanen, Taina, Aromaa, Arpo, Gerontologia.2020.
Available as an e-book.
and
Tilvis, Reijo, Pitkälä, Kaisu, Strandberg, Timo, Sulkava, Raimo, Viitanen, Matti, Arkkila, Perttu.
Geriatria. 2016. Also available as an e-book.

Kan, S. ja Pohjola, L. 2012. Erikoistu vanhustyöhön.

English books:
Robnett,R., Brossoie, N., Chop, W. 2020. Gerontology. Also E-book version available.

E-book
Grazia D’Onofrio; Antonio Greco; Daniele Sancarlo. 2018. Gerontology.

Other recommended material is presented in the Learn platform.

Study forms and methods

Work week-based learning pathway:
Your studies consist of contact teaching (school and online), independent and supervised online learning.

Learning pathway that speeds up studies:
Not available

Work-integrated learning pathway:
Your studies consist of contact teaching (at school and online), independent and supervised online learning.

RDI and work-related cooperation

Theme day in the gerontology unit.
Learning task during the clinical training.
Lecturers from working life.

Timing of exams and assignments

The approved completion of the study course requires the approved completion of the learning assignments and the exam.
The dates of learning assignments and exams are detailed in the course start info and can be found in the course's Learn after the course has started.

International cooperation

Not included in this course

Student workload

Completion of the course requires 135 hours of student work.

Course part description

1. Aging and changes in aging
2. Functional, safe and high quality aging and service system
3. Current themes in gerontological nursing
4. Diseases of the elderly and their treatment
5. Palliative care and convalescent care for the elderly
6. Medication and pain management for the elderly

Further information

NOTE!!
The prerequisite for participating in the course is that you have completed Clinical Nursing Theory (5 credits).

We recommend attending the INFO class!

Lecturer: Marjo Piispa marjo.piispa@xamk.fi

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

In order to obtain a grade in a course, the learning assignments and exams of the course must be passed.

Preclinical exercises in gerontology unit and on campus are carried out with active presence and require participation in all exercises of your own small group