Traynor V, Britten N, Gibson D, Munk S, Chenoweth L, Stokes J, Moroney T, Strickland K, Donaghy T, Bail K. Implementing a gerontological nursing competencies programme in aged care: Participant experiences.
Int Nurs Rev 2024. [PMID:
39078290 DOI:
10.1111/inr.13034]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
AIMS
To explore the experience of registered nurses and their mentors in the implementation of the Gerontological Nursing Competencies in long-term aged care and the perceived effectiveness and suitability of the programme to support nurse development.
BACKGROUND
The global population is ageing and needs a reliable aged-care nursing workforce.
INTRODUCTION
Opportunities for education and mentorship for newly qualified and experienced aged-care nurses warrant investigation.
METHODS
Qualitative evaluation using semi-structured focus groups was conducted following the implementation of the programme into five not-for-profit long-term aged-care organisations and analysed by a reflexive qualitative thematic approach and reported according to COREQ criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 21 nurses (7 mentors and 14 mentees) participated in six focus groups. Five themes were generated: (1) nurses gained confidence and competence through the programme; (2) the facilitation of suitable mentoring activities and approaches was crucial to success; (3) the programme helps nurses recognise gerontology as a specialty; (4) the programme contributes to building a strategy of recruitment/retention/quality improvement in the sector; (5) barriers, challenges, changes and recommendations were identified.
DISCUSSION
The Gerontological Nursing Competency model, which combined adaptive mentoring supported by reflective practice embedded in a gerontological nursing competencies framework, was perceived to improve nurse confidence and competence to lead and improve nursing standards of care.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY
The evidence-based competencies are an acceptable and effective method for supporting gerontological nurse development. Expansion of, and accessibility to, the programme may aid global responses to aged-care reform, by building the recognition of gerontological nursing as a specialty and contributing towards recruitment, retention and quality care improvements.
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