Gathered essays from 53 elderly nursing home residents about the strongest meaning in their lives. Most reported family relationships as central, followed by pleasure, and then health. Analysis showed significant differences between residents' and younger adults' types of meaning. Residents did not reveal an absence of meaning in their lives. (RJM)

Gerontological faculty should extend teaching into the clinical field to provide continuing education for nurses. Two models are Train the Trainer and a workplace learning package consisting of videotape, self-study modules, and self-directed, problem-based group study. (SK)

Interviewed 179 caregivers of hospitalized patients and studied discharge decisions to examine factors associated with willingness to continue in caregiving role after hospitalization of relative with dementia. Caregivers initially undecided about discharge plans were likely to seek placement for patients with more severe cognitive impairment,…

A literature review found that (1) many students and nurses held negative views of the elderly, affecting career choices; (2) gerontological content in baccalaureate nursing programs ranged from little or none to adequate; and (3) a severe shortage of faculty prepared to teach gerontological nursing and negative attitudes toward this…

Examined cherished possessions and adaptation to nursing home of 100 nursing home residents. Findings showed those with possessions were better adapted; possessions served functions of historical continuity, comfort, and belongingness; and more women than men had cherished possessions. (Author/PVV)

Discussion of library outreach programs to senior citizens highlights the experiences of Driftwood Library (Lincoln City, Oregon) in using multimedia kits by Bi-Folkal that were designed for use in nursing homes, senior care centers, and retirement homes. Library staffing, funding, and planning needs are addressed. (LRW)

A study examined the predictive validity of 3 commonly used nursing school admission criteria among 321 students in 6 representative Israeli nursing schools. Correlations among the three indices are reported, and implications for nursing school admissions in Israel are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Describes a day care center adjacent to a nursing home where the children can interact with the elderly residents. A group of local businesses agreed to build and support the day care center when it became apparent that many of their employees needed day care services for their children. (KS)

Describes LIVE-NET, a compressed videoconferencing network in Australia that was used for continuing education sessions for nurses in rural areas. Results of a survey that evaluated physical presentation, instructional presentation, and interactive communication are reported, and future directions are discussed. (nine references) (LRW)

Analysis of the 1977 and 1985 National Nursing Home Surveys with respect to residents with mental retardation found little change in the size of the population; resident characteristics (such as other disabling conditions and functional limitations and primary source of payment); and level of services received. Challenges in implementing Public…

A survey of 4,692 health care providers received 1,763 responses that assessed whether future continuing education programs could be designed in an interdisciplinary fashion and still meet the perceived needs of 5 health care professions. It found that program content, date, time, and location are the most important factors influencing attendance.…

Discusses a new model of concept learning called prototype theory and describes an experiment with nursing education students in which the differential effects of prototype formation on classification were explored through an instructional program on the concept of shock. Hypotheses tested are discussed and results of pretests and posttests are…

Despite data suggesting a relationship between investment in children's health and improved academic performance, school health financing is inadequate, inequitable, and fragmented. Strategies for improving school health programs include leadership from the nursing profession; collaboration among health professionals; consolidation of funding…

Case studies of nurse educators suggest that client safety is primary; student learning takes precedence over nursing practice values; values hierarchy differs from that of practicing nurses; and important practice values may be compromised to provide appropriate learning experiences. (SK)

Describes a poetry group which encouraged the expression of memories and imagination among frail elderly residents of a nursing home over a period of nine months. Shows how it facilitated peer friendship formation, increased expression of affect, resulted in improved staff treatment of residents, and ended with the publication of an anthology. (SR)