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The Role of Nursing Education in Preparing Nurses and Nursing Students for Elder Care: A Narrative Review

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Farzaneh Ghanei Zare 1
Hosein Karimi Moonaghi 2
1 Ph.D Student in Nursing, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/nnj.2026.91767.1525
Abstract
Background and Aims: The rapid growth of the older adult population worldwide and in Iran has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems and highlighted the need for nurses to possess specialized geriatric care competencies. Nursing education plays a pivotal role in preparing nursing students and practicing nurses to meet the complex needs of older adults. However, evidence suggests that many nursing curricula lack sufficient, structured, and competency-based geriatric content. This study aimed to examine the role of nursing education in preparing students and nurses for geriatric care and to identify existing educational gaps.
Materials and Methods: This narrative review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (2020) guidelines. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science-Direct, Google Scholar, and Persian databases for studies published between 2015 and 2025. After removing duplicates and screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 22 eligible studies were included. Data were extracted using a standardized coding form and analyzed through thematic content analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework.
Results: The findings indicate that nursing education has a direct impact on the development of clinical competencies, professional attitudes, and practical readiness in geriatric care. Nevertheless, major gaps were identified, including limited clinical exposure, insufficient practical training, inadequate coverage of specialized geriatric topics, and lack of integrated educational standards.
Conclusion: Competency-based curriculum revision, strengthened practical training, and structured clinical experiences are essential to enhance nurses’ preparedness and improve the quality of care provided to older adults.
Keywords
Nursing Education
Geriatric Care
Clinical Competency
Professional Preparedness
Curriculum
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Navid No
Volume 29, Issue 98
Summer 2026
Pages 38-47