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Learnt and perceived professional roles of a new type of nurse specialized in Gerontology and Geriatrics, a qualitative study
Author(s) -
Huizenga Petra,
Finnema Evelyn,
Roodbol Petrie
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1111/jan.12936
Subject(s) - geriatrics , nursing , qualitative research , focus group , professional development , medicine , health care , gerontological nursing , psychology , medical education , sociology , social science , psychiatry , anthropology , economics , economic growth
Aim To gain insight into a new type of nurse specialized in gerontology and geriatrics, how they find meaning in the care of older persons and how this relates to the seven professional roles derived from the Can MEDS theoretical framework. Background To promote the quality of care for older persons in the Netherlands, one of the measures taken is the training and deployment of Registered Nurses specialized in Gerontology and Geriatrics. We focus on their professional roles in this study, to gain insight into the extent to which they fulfil their professional standards. Design A qualitative study, consisting of seven focus group interviews. Methods The study population included 67 Registered Nurses. Data were collected between October 2011–May 2013. Findings Nurses work in all seven Can MEDS roles, but not with all competences associated with these seven roles. The more distant the role is from patient activities, the less frequently competences such as social networks; design; research; innovation of care; legal, financial and organizational frameworks; professional ethics and professional innovation are mentioned. Conclusion Nurses engage in activities consistent with nursing care for older people; however, despite their training, they are mainly focused on direct‐patient care. Their limited awareness of the complete range of professional competences risks the stagnation of their development in professional roles such as health advocate, scholar and professional, which will not lead to an improvement in the care for older persons.