Geriatric nursing, 15 credits

Qualification as a nurse certified by the National Board of Health and Welfare

The general aim of the course is for the student to achieve the competence in gerontological nursing required to independently plan, carry out and evaluate nursing actions in the care of elderly. On completion of the course, the student should independently: - reflect and apply an ethical attitude in the treatment of elderly and family in which the integrity and autonomy of the elderly are preserved - survey, actively prevent and document health risks for the elderly from both gender, individual, organisational and community perspectives - assess the elderly's self-care ability and nursing needs in dialogue with the elderly and his/her family, and plan, carry out, evaluate and document gerontological nursing based on a life span perspective - analyse and reflect on the elderly's use of drugs in various health care contexts - identify, analyse and reflect on the specific needs of the elderly and the family, based on a multicultural perspective - analyse needs, initiate, plan and carry out supervision and education for health-care personnel and implement current gerontological nursing research - identify, analyse and reflect on family needs of support in relation to the health care situation of the elderly and give guidance and support in consultation with the family and other professions - work actively to improve the teamwork so that the social services act and the medical services act are integrated in the care of elderly - analyse and reflect on organisational forms, apply current laws and regulations and lead the improvement work in the nursing

The course is divided in two parts: Part 1: Gerontological Nursing, 9 HE credits Gerontological Nursing (9 ECTS) Part 2: Clinical education in gerontological nursing 6 HE credits Clinical education in gerontological nursing, 6 HE CREDITS The course comprises studies of the aging human and the care and welfare needs of the elderly during the last phase of life based on a holistic perspective where the physiological, psychological, sociological, cultural, ethnic and mental aspects of well-being are central. The student will also take part of current gerontological nursing research. Also, processes started and maintained in order for the elderly/the patient to be able to handle the daily life situation in interaction with the family are studied, It is an active, planned and targeted process that takes place in different environments of society on all levels of the nursing chain and in collaboration with other professional actors and family members. Particular focus is on the task of being able to identify these people's own resources, and how these can be exploited in order to facilitate everyday situations and optimise the quality of life. An essential starting point in gerontological nursing is the search for understanding of people's own experiences. The placement consists of a 3-week continous period in care of the elderly, and a total of one week of field studies. The students should be trained to, independently, identify and analyse the care needs, carry out nursing actions and evaluate and reflect to get advanced knowledge in order to develop the care and their own skills.

The course is carried out as distance education, half-time studies. The distance education is IT-based and characterised by independent and collaborative learning. In the course, individual study assignments, work in groups, virtual discussions, seminars, lectures and field studies are used. Physical meetings are limited to 4 days at most.

Part 1 is examined through individual written examinations. Part 2 is examined through an individual clinical examination concerning the improvement work during placement. Limited number of examinations: For all examinations, it is stated that the student has the right to participate in a total of six examinations. Student without approved results after three completed examinations may be offered to retake a part or course once more. Dates and times of the examinations are announced at the beginning of the course. For a Pass grade in the course, it is required that the learning outcomes are fulfilled which implies approved results in all examinations and placement and participation in compulsory parts. A Pass with distinction in the course requires a Pass with distinction in part 1 and participation in compulsory parts. Grades are assigned by examiner.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.