NURSING STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF OLDER PEOPLE: CONTINUING SOCIETY’S MYTHS

Abstract

This study aimed to identify student nurses’ views of older people as a means of offering insight into how these perceptions might influence where students choose to work and the care they might provide to older people. A structured questionnaire comprising of eight questions and demographic data was used to survey undergraduate nursing students (n=103). Findings indicate that nursing students are continuing society’s myths of older people being frail and declining in health. There is a need to challenge society’s attitudes so older people become valued and the aged care working environment also becomes a desirable place in which to work. Changes needed in nursing education are also suggested.