There are several reasons why the project team opted to use the term Gerontological Nursing. These include the recognition that the quality of nursing care is intrinsically linked to the quality of decision making and judgements (Dowding & Thompson, 2003), and that these processes draw on a synthesis of knowledge distinctive in its inclusion of evidence attributed to applied gerontology. By implication we assumed it was reasonable to describe the activity of providing evidence based nursing care to older people as ‘Gerontological Nursing’. We also believe that Gerontological Nursing is at its best when the evidence base for practice is aligned with the values and beliefs of nurses and older people.
Dissatisfaction with existing accounts and nursing models prompted the original Community of Practice to prepare their own working description of Gerontological Nursing and underlying principles.
Gerontological Nursing offers a contemporary approach to advance the care of older people. By making a distinct move towards Gerontological Nursing nurses can look forward to a fresh approach rather than hold on to traditions of the past. For nurses and colleagues unfamiliar with the gerontological nursing model it provides opportunity to explore new perspectives for development and progress. For others it will affirm their existing values and help them to promote Gerontological Nursing (see definition.)