Communication with Elderly Patients: Nursing Students’ Experiences in Elderly Care Homes : A Descriptive Literature Review
Martin Costa, Patricia; Ojiyi, Chinazam (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202603305303
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202603305303
Tiivistelmä
Background: The elderly population is growing and so is the need for nurses. Nursing students as the future generation often face challenges when communicating which affects their experience and personal and professional development.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore nursing students' experiences communicating with elderly patients in elderly care homes.
Method: This thesis was conducted using a qualitative descriptive literature review by doing inductive content analysis of 9 peer reviewed research articles.
Result: Students' experiences in elderly care homes were positive, negative and mixed. They described connecting with the residents and learning from them in a personal and professional way. At the same time, communication was challenged by residents' cognitive decline, dementia, loneliness, and complex health conditions. Limited time with residents due to heavy workload made interactions more challenging for the residence having to have adaptability and patience.
Conclusion: Nursing students' communication experiences in care homes are shaped by emotional, educational, and organisational factors. Improving preparation, supporting and structuring guidance may strengthen students' confidence, communication skills, and competence in elderly care.
Keywords: Communication, nursing students, student nurses, undergraduate student nurses, Elderly patients, older adults, geriatrics or senior, care homes, residential care, nursing homes, retirement home.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore nursing students' experiences communicating with elderly patients in elderly care homes.
Method: This thesis was conducted using a qualitative descriptive literature review by doing inductive content analysis of 9 peer reviewed research articles.
Result: Students' experiences in elderly care homes were positive, negative and mixed. They described connecting with the residents and learning from them in a personal and professional way. At the same time, communication was challenged by residents' cognitive decline, dementia, loneliness, and complex health conditions. Limited time with residents due to heavy workload made interactions more challenging for the residence having to have adaptability and patience.
Conclusion: Nursing students' communication experiences in care homes are shaped by emotional, educational, and organisational factors. Improving preparation, supporting and structuring guidance may strengthen students' confidence, communication skills, and competence in elderly care.
Keywords: Communication, nursing students, student nurses, undergraduate student nurses, Elderly patients, older adults, geriatrics or senior, care homes, residential care, nursing homes, retirement home.