Exploring internship nursing students’ perception of gerontological nursing competencies: A descriptive study at Cairo University Hospitals

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: This research study explores the perceptions of gerontological nursing competencies, attitudes toward older individuals, and the willingness to provide care for the elderly among internship nursing students. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of 350 internship nursing students from Cairo University Faculty of Nursing participated in the study. Data were collected using a set of comprehensive tools, including personal data and work experience assessment, the Hartford geriatric nurse competency tool, Kogan’s attitudes toward old people scale, and the modified elderly patient care inventory. Results: Descriptive analysis revealed balanced gender representation, with 60% identifying as female. Seventy percent of participants reported prior experience in gerontological care. Self-assessed competency scores indicated moderate proficiency in communication, physiological changes, and functional status assessment. Areas such as pain management and restraint use demonstrated potential gaps in self-perceived skills. Attitudes toward older individuals were predominantly positive, and the willingness to provide care showed positive tendencies, with a minor degree of hesitation noted. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in nursing education to address competency gaps, enhance positive attitudes, and alleviate potential hesitations in caregiving for older individuals. As the elderly population continues to grow, nursing education programs must prepare future practitioners to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of older adults.