Implementing a Geriatric Resource Nurse Model

Abstract

The aging of the American population and its effects on healthcare centers require strategies and programs to ensure best practices for older patients. The authors describe an educational program, modification of a Geriatric Resource Nurse Model, and the use of a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner in implementing and integrating the clinical, psychosocial, and financial aspects that influence care needed by elderly patients and their families.

Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders – a model for optimising the geriatric nursing practice environment

“…At the NICHE unit level, the implementation of the GRN model fosters the integration of evidence‐based geriatrics within clinical practice. This educational and clinical intervention model prepares staff nurses as clinical resource leaders on geriatric issues to other nursing staff on their unit and supports their active role on the interdisciplinary team (Fulmer 2001, Lee & Fletcher 2002, Lopez et al. 2002, Pfaff 2002, Mezey et al.…”

“…Unit level: GRN model At the NICHE unit level, the implementation of the GRN model fosters the integration of evidence-based geriatrics within clinical practice. This educational and clinical intervention model prepares staff nurses as clinical resource leaders on geriatric issues to other nursing staff on their unit and supports their active role on the interdisciplinary team (Fulmer 2001, Lee & Fletcher 2002, Lopez et al 2002, Pfaff 2002, Mezey et al 2004). The GRN model provides staff nurses, via education and modelling by a geriatric advanced practice nurse, with explicit content to identify and address specific geriatric syndromes, such as falls and confusion, and to implement care strategies that discourage the use of restrictive devices and promote patient mobility (Boltz et al 2010a,b,c,d,e,f).…”

Describing gerontological nursing: an academic exercise or prerequisite for progress?

“…However, there are numerous examples of the improvements in patient care and reduction in hospital stays when nurses specializing in care of older people are employed (Naylor et al. , 1999; Bourbonniere & Evans, 2002; Kydd, 2002; Lee & Fletcher, 2002; Lopez et al. , 2002).…”

“…It is well documented that older people do not fare as well as their younger counterparts on general wards (Wade, 1996;Tolson et al, 1999;Fenton & Mitchell, 2002) or in acute care settings (Health Advisory Service 2000, 1998Age Concern, 2000;Standing Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee, 2001). However, there are numerous examples of the improvements in patient care and reduction in hospital stays when nurses specializing in care of older people are employed (Naylor et al, 1999;Bourbonniere & Evans, 2002;Kydd, 2002;Lee & Fletcher, 2002;Lopez et al, 2002).…”

Constructing a New Approach to Developing Evidence‐Based Practice with Nurses and Older People

“…Definitions have been influenced by studies including conceptual analyses (Unsworth 2000; Garbett & McCormack 2001, 2002; McCormack & Garbett 2003), survey attempts to describe and categorize activities believed to be examples of practice development (Kitson & Currie 1996), explorations typifying the work of practice‐development nurses (Mallet et al 1997; McCormack et al 1999; Garbett & McCormack 2001), and considerations of practitioner knowledge (Clarke & Procter 1999; Clarke & Wilcockson 2002). Internationally, the profession has been less preoccupied with practice development per se , but equally determined to achieve evidence‐based care through a range of strategies and interventions (Beason 2000; Hilz 2000; Stetler 2001; Lopez et al 2002).…”