Assessment and management of pain in the elderly

Due to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, cancer, and other medical conditions in elderly patients, pain is a significant concern for this age group and their caregivers. Despite the frequent experience of pain in this population, few assessment and management techniques have been developed and tested to treat pain in the elderly. To provide effective pain relief, medical-surgical nurses must know how to adapt assessment and management techniques for elderly patients

Sexuality and Aging in Long-Term Care

Sexuality is a continuing human need common to all people. However, sexuality of the aging population has received minimal attention as a significant component of older adults\u27 lives. Residents of long-term care facilities are particularly burdened with numerous barriers to achieving sexual satisfaction. Despite the barriers, the continuing sexual needs of the elderly must be addressed with the same priority as nutrition, hydration, and other well-accepted needs. This article provides practical guidance to assist health care professionals assess and manage the sexual needs of older residents of long-term care facilities

Pain in Older Adults

Pain is a prevailing physical problem among older adults resulting in systemic agitation and altered quality of life. Although the possibility remains that older adults experience and report less pain, the need exists to objectively evaluate pain in order to provide the most effective pain management. Several standardized tools are available to assess pain in older adults at baseline and at subsequent, frequent intervals. Following an objective assessment, pain may be managed with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods

Editorial: Who Knew?

No abstract available

Editorial: A Year like No Other

No abstract available

Editorial: New Year's Resolutions

No abstract available

Revising a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program in Response to Student Focus Group Feedback

Throughout the history of professional nursing, changes in practice environments have guided changes in nursing educational systems. Over the past 50 years, advanced practice nurse roles have progressed in clinical practice and professional role requirements. The need to enhance the educational preparation in response to these requirements was addressed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2006). These formative years in the development of the DNP resulted in several programs across the country with varying approaches to both advanced practice specialization and doctoral degree education. Although extensive work was done by faculty to develop the program, prepare for accreditation, and provide a quality program, continued data collection and response to student feedback is a necessary component of quality education and continuing accreditation. The purpose of this project is to describe the continued data collection process of the program, specifically regarding the immersion hours and development of the final project

Building Nursing Capacity for Palliative Care at a Jesuit Catholic University: A Model Program

The average life span is increasing, due to vast advancements in social conditions, public health, and medical care. Globally, those living with chronic and serious medical conditions can benefit from palliative care services. Yet, the workforce is insufficient to support the demand. This case study describes efforts made by one Jesuit Catholic University to build nursing capacity and to promote access to high quality, compassionate palliative healthcare