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NUR 473: Nursing Care Of The Older Adult

3 credits

Students will learn essential geriatric nursing care. Theories and concepts of aging, including physiologic and psychosocial changes are discussed. Emphasis will be on incorporating appropriate family-centered nursing interventions, as well as critical reasoning, communication, and cultural and ethical competence.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this course, the student will:1. Demonstrate knowledge about acute and chronic conditions in the older population.2. Plan evidence-based nursing interventions for older patients experiencing acute and chronic conditions.3. Identify the psycho-social, spiritual and environmental needs of the older patient.4. Utilize evidence-based research data and informatics to critically evaluate resources.5. Apply knowledge gained from those resources to plan patient care.6. Demonstrate an appreciation of diverse cultural populations’ unique views of health and healing.7. Recognize the nurse’s own attitudes, beliefs and values based on his/her own culture.8. Develop cultural competence in caring for the older adult.9. Plan evidence-based care that reflects patient and family preferences.10. Utilize information resources when caring for older patients.11. Demonstrate behavior consistent with the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses and ANA Scope and Standards of Practice.12. Develop knowledge about the ethical and legal issues facing the older adult.13. Apply ethical and legal concepts as they relate to the care of the older adult.14. Discuss the role of the gerontological nurse.15. Utilize appropriate collaboration with patients and family members.

Sections Offered: Fall 2026