Dismantling ageism among nursing students

Nurse educators are challenged to evaluate innovative teaching strategies that enhance geriatric competencies and foster positive perceptions about caring for older adults. The aim of this study was to explore first semester nursing students' perceptions of older adults and evaluate learning activities designed to reduce ageism myths. Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) was used pre- and postlearning activities to assess differences in students' perceptions. Additional qualitative questions were asked, including ranking of learning activities. FSA did not reveal a statistically significant difference in perceptions pre- and postlearning activities. However, students used more positive than negative words to describe older adults and provided feedback by ranking the learning activities. While statistical difference in perceptions was not reached, clinical significant findings in the change in terminology being used by students revealed more positive than negative terms toward older adults. The increasing older population requires enhanced geriatric competencies that include addressing ageism and instilling more positive perceptions about caring for older adults. (C) 2021 Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.