Gerontological Nursing
- Health Sciences
- 500 level
- 3 credit units
- 120 pages
- 21 units
This course is designed to expose students to an understanding of the concepts and theories of aging, enabling them to apply nursing concepts and theories to the care of the elderly. It covers biological, functional, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging. The course also addresses the effects of aging on various body systems, geriatric nutrition, drug therapy, and special nursing care considerations for the elderly.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 75 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic Nursing Education
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of NSC509, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
NSC509 · UNIT ONE: TRENDS IN GERONTOLOGY
Improved medical services and control of communicable diseases have increased the life span over the past years. As a result, many more people are now living above the age of 65. This older population has unique needs and problems.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the aging process in terms of biological, psychological, and sociological changes.
- Differentiate gerontology nursing from geriatric nursing.
- Describe the effect of aging on various body systems.
- Explain the philosophy of home care nursing for the elderly.
- Discuss the importance of nutrition in the care of the elderly.
What it prepares you for
- Geriatric Nurse
- Home Care Nurse
- Long-Term Care Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Geriatric Case Manager
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Home Healthcare Agencies
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Community Health Centers
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Trends in Aging and Aging Process
Unit 3: Theories of Aging
Theories of aging require understanding of various perspectives (biological, sociological, psychological) and their implications for nursing practice.
- Module 2: Effect of Aging on Body Systems
Unit 3: Effect of Aging on Gastrointestinal System, Genitourinal System, sexual fuction, Reproductive System and Endocrine System
Requires detailed knowledge of physiological changes across multiple body systems and their impact on elderly patients.
- Module 3: Providing Care to the Elderly
Unit 4: Nursing Diagnosis and Care Plan for Elderly
Requires critical assessment skills to identify appropriate nursing diagnoses and develop effective care plans for elderly patients in home care settings.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 23.5 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Trends in Aging and Aging Process
Unit 1: Trends in Gerontology · 1.5 hours
Read the introduction to gerontology.. Understand the historical background of elderly care.. Review the UN action plan for the elderly.. Reflect on the factors that improve the health of the elderly..
- Week 2Module 1: Trends in Aging and Aging Process
Unit 2: Aging and Aging Process · 1.5 hours
Discuss the meaning of aging.. Explain the biological and sociological processes of aging.. Differentiate functional aging from biological aging.. Consider the perception of the elderly..
- Week 3Module 1: Trends in Aging and Aging Process
Unit 3: Theories of Aging · 2 hours
Define biological theories of aging.. Discuss different types of biological theories of aging.. Differentiate sociological theories of aging from environmental theories of aging.. Explore nursing theories applicable to gerontology..
- Week 4Module 1: Trends in Aging and Aging Process
Unit 4: Ethical Consideration in Gerontology · 1.5 hours
Discuss ethical issues involved in the care of the elderly.. Outline the rights of the elderly.. Define the term 'Advance directives' and their significance.. Reflect on the ethical considerations in gerontology nursing..
- Week 5Module 2: Effect of Aging on Body Systems
Unit 1: Effect of aging on Integumentary System, Neurological System and Sense Organs · 2 hours
Discuss the effect of aging on the integumentary system.. Describe the effect of aging on the neurological system.. Outline the effect of aging on sense organs.. Relate these effects to nursing care..
- Week 6Module 2: Effect of Aging on Body Systems
Unit 2: Effect of Aging on Musculoskeletal System, Cardiovascular System and Respiratory System · 2 hours
Describe the effect of aging on the musculoskeletal system.. Discuss the effect of aging on the cardiovascular system.. Examine the effect of aging on the respiratory system.. Consider the implications for nursing interventions..
- Week 7Module 2: Effect of Aging on Body Systems
Unit 3: Effect of Aging on Gastrointestinal System, Genitourinal System, sexual fuction, Reproductive System and Endocrine System · 2 hours
Describe the effect of aging on the gastrointestinal system.. Discuss the effect of aging on the genitourinary system.. Differentiate the effect of aging on sexual functions of elderly men and women.. Examine the effect of aging on the endocrine system..
- Week 8Module 3: Providing Care to the Elderly
Unit 1: Home Care of the Elderly · 1.5 hours
Discuss the goals for health promotions and maintenance of the elderly.. Explain the role of the nurse in home care of the elderly.. Examine the role of the family in home care of the elderly.. Understand the philosophy of home care practice..
- Week 9Module 3: Providing Care to the Elderly
Unit 2: Infection Control in Care of Elderly · 1.5 hours
Differentiate the levels of prevention in the care of the elderly.. Discuss the application of universal precautions in the care of the elderly.. Understand infection control practices in home care.. Apply these principles to prevent infection transmission..
- Week 10Module 3: Providing Care to the Elderly
Unit 3: Helping the Family with Elderly · 1.5 hours
Identify the care need knowledge of the caregiver.. Discuss how caregivers could be helped.. Describe the community resources and facilities needed for the care of the elderly.. Recognize the importance of supporting family caregivers..
- Week 11Module 3: Providing Care to the Elderly
Unit 4: Nursing Diagnosis and Care Plan for Elderly · 2 hours
Discuss the conditions that should be present for the nurse to make the following nursing diagnoses: impaired home maintenance, caregiver role strain, compromised family coping.. Apply nursing diagnoses in home care planning..
- Week 12Module 3: Providing Care to the Elderly
Unit 5: Institutional Care of the Elderly · 1.5 hours
Discuss the role of nurses in the institutional care of the elderly.. Examine the prospect of institutional care in Nigeria.. Compare institutional care with home care.. Understand the importance of institutional care..
- Week 13Comprehensive Course Review
Final Revision · 3 hours
Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and theories.. Prepare for tutor-marked assignments.. Consolidate understanding of gerontological nursing principles..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 body system changes to nursing interventions
- Practice applying nursing theories from Unit 6 to case studies of elderly patients
- Review ethical principles from Unit 4 and their application to complex care scenarios
- Focus on nutritional guidelines from Module 4 and their role in managing chronic conditions
- Develop mnemonics for common medications used by the elderly from Module 5 and their side effects
Questions students ask about this course
What is NSC509 about?
This course is designed to expose students to an understanding of the concepts and theories of aging, enabling them to apply nursing concepts and theories to the care of the elderly. It covers biological, functional, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging. The course also addresses the effects of aging on various body systems, geriatric nutrition, drug therapy, and special nursing care considerations for the elderly.
How many units does NSC509 have?
NSC509, Gerontological Nursing, has 21 units across 6 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is NSC509?
NSC509 carries 3 credit units, at 500 level in Health Sciences.
Is NSC509 hard?
NSC509 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does NSC509 take to study?
About 75 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.
How is NSC509 assessed?
NSC509 is assessed by tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What do I need before starting NSC509?
Basic Nursing Education
What can I do with NSC509?
Geriatric Nurse, Home Care Nurse, Long Term Care Nurse, Public Health Nurse and Geriatric Case Manager.