Specialty Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice: Incorporating Content about the Care of Older Adults

• Published in: Geriatric nursing (New York) Vol. 28; no. 6; pp. 23 - 28
• Main Authors: Mezey, Mathy, Bickford, Carol, Schumann, Mary Jean, Mariano, Carla, Handberg, Eileen, Sutermaster, Dena Jean
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Mosby, Inc 01.11.2007; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Associations; Geriatrics; Nurses; Nursing
• ISSN: 0197-4572; 1528-3984
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2007.10.010

Mezey et al review the overall purpose for specialty associations to develop scope of practice statements and standards of specialty nursing practice and identify the consultation provided to specialty associations to incorporate language about care of older adults into their scope and standards documents. They present some case examples of successful inclusion of geriatric-specific content by the American Holistic Nurses Association, Cardiovascular Nursing Task Force and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association. Furthermore, they conclude that the scope and standards of practice of these associations are intended to comprise a forward-looking, public document that conveys not only the specific skills expected of nurses in that specialty but to a large extent the values expressed by the association. By ensuring that their scope and standards reflect and announce what is expected with regard to care of older adults, these associations have taken an important step toward ensuring the preparedness of the specially nurses who will care for the majority of patients in US hospitals, at home, and in long-term care facilities.