ATTITUDES OF BACCALAUREATE STUDENT NURSES TOWARD AGING AND THE AGED - RESULTS OF A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY

Controversy exists as to whether student nurses hold positive or negative feelings toward the elderly. It is also questionable whether the amount of geriatric and gerontology content in the nursing curriculum influences the student nurses’ attitudes toward aging and the elderly. The purpose of this longitudinal study conducted between 1982-1986 was to identify the effects of a baccalaureate nursing program on students’ attitudes toward aging and the elderly. The sample included 70 students enrolled in a four-year baccalaureate nursing program and 31 registered nurses enrolled in a three-year baccalaureate nursing program. Thirty physiotherapy students enrolled in a four-year baccalaureate program were included in the control group which also served as the pilot study. A questionnaire developed by the Ontario Welfare Council Section on Aging entitled “Opinions About People” was used. Results, implications, conclusions and recommendations for nursing education and practice are identified. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.