The Kirkhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley State University was recognized nationally as a model for gerontology curriculum in clinical settings.
The award, from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and John A. Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, was presented in late October at the AACN's semiannual meeting.
Phyllis Gendler, dean of KCON, and faculty members teamed to write a grant to enhance the gerontology content and clinical experiences for bachelor's degree students two years ago. Their efforts were awarded with grants from the Hartford Foundation and AACN. Faculty members involved in developing gerontology curriculum include Cindy Beel-Bates, Sue Jensen, Kimberly Slaikeu, Rebecca Veltman and Beth Wietor. Former faculty member Sue Bosold was also instrumental in the process.
One example of an outstanding clinical setting includes a longitudinal study that matches nursing students with area senior citizens over a two-year period. The students conduct health assessments on their seniors and also gather community resources to help seniors remain independent. The project currently has more than 250 students paired with seniors from 21 diverse locations.
Grand Valley nursing students are working in clinical settings at various area organizations and assisted living centers such as Visiting Nurses Association, Fulton Manor, Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, Spectrum Health Longterm Acute Care and Rose Garden.
Gendler said the way nursing colleges teach gerontology is changing as the nation's population ages.
"In response to these challenges, Kirkhof College of Nursing has refined its undergraduate programs in order to enhance the gerontology content and clinical experiences," she said.
