Nov 14, 2007
Staff at Wilton Meadows and The Greens complete geriatric nursing training
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Fairfield University School of Nursing and Wilton Meadows Health Care and Rehabilitation Center at 439 Danbury Road have been working together to provide Wilton Meadows staff with specific enhanced skills and information in all areas that pertain to the care of elderly residents.
On Oct. 25, the graduates of the course on gerontological nursing were honored at a lunch. From Fairfield University, Dr. Jeanne Novotny, dean of the Nursing School, and Kathleen Lovanio, an advanced practice registered nurse, joined Wilton Meadows’ director of Nursing Judie Ahmed, a registered nurse, to present certificates to the eight nursing staff members from Wilton Meadows, two from the Greens at Cannondale and seven from Greenwich Woods.
The course is a geriatric nurse education program, designed to teach specific skills, enabling staff members to distinguish normal aging symptoms from pathological changes that may require further medical attention.
“Having to wear eyeglasses full time is an example of normal aging, but dramatic decrease of vision can indicate that a further diagnosis is needed,” said Ms. Loviano. “A urinary infection is different for an 80-year-old than it is for a 40-year-old and requires different treatment.”
These examples are just some of the nursing skills the course teaches. Ways to lessen the incidents of preventable falls, improve respiratory, neurological and gastroenterological assessment also helps achieve the highest standards of care. The course improves communication between nurses and health care providers and gives staff greater confidence and assertiveness.
“People cannot be categorized into a ‘one size fits all’ designation of aging. There are healthy, frail and end-of-life stages. A 65-year-old can be immobilized and a 90-year-old may be running a marathon. The course provides the latest nursing knowledge and builds confidence,” said Ms. Lovanio.
Some of the graduates will continue to advanced study, which will prepare them for gerontological nurse certification.
The overall aim of this educational program is to provide the best possible care for Wilton Meadows and The Greens residents, administrators said. Graduates include Deana Skidmore, Leah Taglucop, Rosario Fernandez, Christine McGurn, Winsome Thompson, Samantha Birdsall-Marron, Evelyn Klinogo, and Karlien Adoko of Wilton Meadows, along with Sheila Sheeny and Catie Gaboury of The Greens of Cannondale at 435 Danbury Road.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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