About the Self-Assessment

The Self-Assessment of Geriatric Knowledge offers an opportunity for Bachelor-prepared nurses to appraise their preparation for providing nursing care for older adults in our society. The aging population in the U.S. is fast increasing, making it a significant portion of health care clients. Knowledge of the needs and special characteristics of older persons, as well as the demography of the aging population, resources and principles of care is important in the provision of effective and professional primary health care.

This self-assessment is designed to address Geriatric Competencies recommended by the American Association of College of Nursing for BSN graduates, establishing a baseline of geriatric knowledge needed for graduate study in nursing.

The web-based self-assessment tool consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. After completing the self-assessment, you will receive your results, indicating all right and wrong answers. Along with this report are web-based remedial resources so you may learn needed information, as well as additional information that may expand your geriatric knowledge. The time needed to complete the assessment is approximately 1½ - 2 hours.

The Self-Assessment of Geriatric Knowledge is designed to test your ability to:

1. Recognize current and projected demographic characteristics of the older population (65 and older), and how these characteristics are influencing health care systems and nursing practice.
2. Identify myths of aging, as well as common age changes and their impact on health care provided to older adults and their families.
3. Differentiate between common age changes and pathology.
4. Describe the goals of health care of the elderly, based on their special needs.
5. Recognize how changes that occur with age influence the presentation of acute and chronic problems, as well as the response to select treatment modalities.
6. Identify (1) risk factors and (2) measures used for prevention important for older adults.
7. Identify established tools to assess the functional status (physical, cognitive, and psychosocial) of older adults.
8. Recognize common geriatric syndromes and delineate approaches to their management.
9. Delineate the role of family and friends in providing care to community dwelling elders.
10. Adapt teaching strategies to meet the needs of older adults, based on the understanding of physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes that occur with age.
11. Describe how health care policies and the current health care system influence access to resources and care decisions.
12. Define and differentiate approaches to delineating the health care wishes of older adults.

The Concepts in Geriatric Care project also offers a series of online modules in geriatric care. To learn more about these Advanced Geriatric Modules, go here.