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Ageism in nursing
Author(s) -
Kagan Sarah H.,
MelendezTorres G.J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.12191
Subject(s) - workforce , nursing , nursing management , health care , gerontological nursing , action (physics) , power (physics) , medicine , political science , physics , quantum mechanics , law
Aim Ageism in health care delivery and nursing poses a fundamental threat to health and society. In this commentary, implications of age discrimination are presented to generate an agenda for action in nursing management. Background In nations like the U nited S tates and the U nited K ingdom, nursing is an ageing profession caring for an ageing society where age discrimination takes many forms and has broad impact. Evaluation This commentary critically synthesizes the literature on ageism and relevant data on ageing societies for nurse managers and other leaders. Key issues Investigations of ageism suggest that discrimination negatively affects health and results in poor health care experiences. Age discrimination is present in nursing, exacerbating workforce shortages and limiting the use of expertise within the profession. Conclusion Nursing faces a future for which understanding ageing societies and ageism is essential. An agenda for the future is proposed. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers possess the power to enact an agenda for combating ageism in health care and nursing.