Three-part APA Paper…. Part 1: Reflect on how those experiences from the Discussion Post impact your nursing practice now? Part 2: Discuss what ageing biases you have witnessed &/or perpetrated. Part 3: Create a community education plan to address ageing bias. The assignment should be written in an APA-formatted essay. The essay should be at least 1500 words in length and include at least two scholarly sources other than provided materials. Purchase the answer to view it
Title: Impact of Experiences on Nursing Practice and Addressing Ageing Bias in a Community Education Plan
Introduction:
Nursing practice involves caring for individuals across their lifespan, including older adults. Reflecting on personal experiences and biases is crucial for nurses to deliver high-quality care to older patients. This paper aims to discuss the impact of personal experiences on nursing practice, explore ageing biases witnessed or perpetrated, and propose a community education plan to address ageing bias.
Part 1: Reflect on how those experiences from the Discussion Post impact your nursing practice now?
Nursing practice is greatly influenced by personal experiences, including those shared in the discussion post. The experiences shared by fellow learners provide insights into various perspectives, motivations, and challenges encountered in the field of nursing. Through this exchange of experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the impact that ageing has on individuals and society as a whole.
One significant impact that these experiences have had on my nursing practice is the recognition of the importance of person-centered care for older adults. By understanding the unique needs and preferences of older individuals, I can provide individualized care that addresses both physical and psychosocial aspects of their well-being. This includes promoting independence, preserving dignity, and improving quality of life through compassionate and holistic care.
Moreover, the shared experiences highlighted the vulnerability of older adults to ageism and discrimination within healthcare settings. Ageism refers to the prejudiced attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices based on a person’s age. It can impact the delivery of care and older adults’ overall health outcomes. Understanding the negative consequences of ageism has motivated me to advocate for equitable and unbiased care for older adults.
Part 2: Discuss what ageing biases you have witnessed &/or perpetrated.
Ageing biases, whether witnessed or perpetrated, can have detrimental effects on the health and well-being of older adults. These biases are typically rooted in societal stereotypes and can manifest in various ways within healthcare settings.
One bias that I have witnessed is the perception that older adults are less capable of making informed decisions about their healthcare. This bias often leads to a lack of involvement and shared decision-making, resulting in a diminished sense of autonomy and control for older patients. It is crucial to recognize the capacity for older adults to actively participate in their care and respect their autonomy by involving them in decision-making processes.
Another ageing bias that I have witnessed is the stereotype that older adults are all experiencing cognitive decline or dementia. While cognitive changes may occur with age, it is important to remember that cognitive abilities can be preserved in many older adults. It is essential to approach each individual holistically and assess for cognitive changes rather than assuming cognitive decline solely based on age.
Furthermore, I have observed the perpetuation of the stereotype that older adults are burdened by chronic illnesses and disabilities, leading to assumptions about their overall health status. Such biases can result in inadequate assessment and management of health conditions, thereby compromising the health outcomes of older patients. Nurses should aim to challenge age-related stereotypes and provide comprehensive care that recognizes the uniqueness of each older adult’s health status.
Part 3: Create a community education plan to address ageing bias.
A community education plan is an effective approach to address ageing bias and promote awareness within the community. The plan should focus on educating both the general public and healthcare professionals.
1. General Public Education:
a. Develop informational brochures, pamphlets or digital resources that debunk common myths and stereotypes about ageing.
b. Organize community seminars or workshops to promote understanding and respect for older adults, encouraging intergenerational interactions.
c. Collaborate with local media to feature positive stories and experiences of older adults, challenging ageist narratives.
2. Healthcare Professional Education:
a. Incorporate mandatory training on ageism awareness and prevention into nursing and medical school curricula.
b. Facilitate ongoing professional development workshops to improve healthcare professionals’ knowledge and skills in providing equitable care to older adults.
c. Encourage interdisciplinary conferences or symposiums to foster collaboration and share best practices in promoting age-friendly healthcare.
Conclusion:
Reflecting on personal experiences and biases is critical for delivering high-quality nursing care to older adults. By understanding the impact of these experiences, nurses can adopt person-centered approaches, challenge ageing biases, and advocate for equitable care. Implementing a community education plan can contribute to promoting understanding, respect, and age-friendly environments for older adults.