Student nurses' perceptions about working in a long term residence for the elderly

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the perceptions of a cohort of first year and fourth year nursing students, about working in a residential home for the elderly. Therefore the study may give an insight into why student nurses choose or not choose to work with elderly people. This study reports the results of a comparative-descriptive study of undergraduate nursing students. Data was collected by using a self administered questionnaire. Findings revealed a clear similarity between the literature and the student nurses' perceptions, that is, they do not want to work with the older adults because of the routine work, lack of job satisfaction, theory practice gap, and stereotyping. The study indicates that student nurses have firm ideas as to the areas in which they wish to work after graduating. The study also has highlighted a challenge for health professionals, nurse education and society so that elderly people are more valued and recommendations are put forward so that the working environment becomes an attractive place in which to work.