Date of Award

Winter 2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

College of Education

Primary Advisor

Dr. Susan K Stanley

Second Advisor

Dr. Thomas J Gollery

Third Advisor

Dr. Lorrie Jones

Abstract

There are currently millions of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia; a number that will rise as the older adult population increases. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia who are admitted to the acute care hospital for a physical problem may not receive the same standard of care as those persons without a cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of students in a prelicensure registered nursing program regarding their confidence to provide patient-centered nursing care to patients with cognitive impairment, specifically Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. This quantitative study used a research survey developed by the researcher. Results indicated that the study participants did not feel confident to deliver patient-centered care to persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Additionally, the independent variables that were determined to be the most robust, statistically significant predictors upon the dependent variable were understanding is at a level to be an effective caregiver and working with families of patients with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia was important. The results indicated that there is an extreme urgency to integrate an evidence-based dementia curriculum globally within all nursing programs worldwide.


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