Nursing 707

NURS 707: Emotional Health and the Older Adult
               
Prerequisite: Graduate standing and undergraduate gerontological nursing course  continuing education and/or present employment in gerontological nursing.
               
Credit Hours: 3

Emotional health and its holistic parameters surrounding older adults will provide the foundation for this course. Included are:  developmental stages of the older adult, psychosocial asssessment, depression and suicide, dementia, substance abuse, and paranoia, anxiety disorders and life satisfaction.  Theoretical frameworks together with case studies will be explored to provide the basis for care and treatment. Technology will be used to create an interactive environment between faculty and students.



Detailed Description of Course

Content:  The objectives and content of this course are derived from the ANA standards of gerontological nursing practice, Hartford nurse competencies for care of older adults and the Hartford/AACN competencies for care of older adults. Major topics and skills covered in this course are based on current evidenced-based research and theory related to advanced practice nursing for older adults.


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following teaching strategies include  but are not limited to : seminar discussions, lectures, podcasts, student online presentations, and written projects/papers.


Goals and Objectives of this Course:  At the completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Analyze individual, family, community, and population-based characteristics as they relate to the emotional health and resources for older adults.
2. Select appropriate  assessment strategies and outcome measures for the care and management of mental health challenges in older adults.
3. Utilize case study format to determine holistic, therapeutic, mental health interventions for older adults.
4. Articulate evidence-based treatment protocols in mental health for older adults.
5. Submit a paper of publishable quality.



Assessment Measures

May include but are not limited to comprehensive mental health assessment of an older adult, written and online presentations, course participation/discussion postings, case study submissions, evidence of research and tests.