As New York’s population ages, healthcare professionals face unique challenges in meeting the needs of elderly patients. Healthcare leaders throughout the state are taking steps to help better ensure nurses are prepared to provide for the state’s aging population. In a recent example, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing received a $5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to train 5,000 healthcare professionals in providing age-friendly care for older adults in the Bronx. The funds will help to provide educational materials, webinars, and workshops tailored for nursing students on topics that include geriatric care, age-related diseases, and effective communication with elderly patients.
What are some of the common challenges that come with caring for elderly patients?
There are many, but the more common include:
- Mobility issues: Elderly patients often struggle with mobility issues, making them prone to falls so nurses must prioritize fall prevention strategies.
- Medication management: Seniors typically take multiple medications, increasing the risk of adverse drug interactions. Nurses must be vigilant in administering and monitoring medications.
- Chronic disease management: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are prevalent among the elderly and nurses must provide comprehensive care to manage chronic illnesses.
A failure to meet these needs can mean more than just a difficult transition for the patient — it can put the nurse’s professional license at risk.
How can a failure to meet the needs of an aging population put a nurse’s professional license at risk?
Nurses must uphold a standard of care to avoid negligence claims. Failing to meet this standard can result an investigation by the state licensing board and potential license revocation. Nurses can reduce this risk by making sure they are prepared to meet their patient’s medical needs while also keeping accurate documentation of patient care.
Those who face an investigation do not have to go through the process alone. Nurses work hard for their professional license and are allowed resources to help defend any threat to that license — including legal counsel. An attorney experienced in these disciplinary hearings can help gather evidence to support your case and better ensure a more favorable outcome.
Attorney John Rivas is responsible for this communication.
