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Mary Beth de la Rue, RN, DipAppSci (NAdmin), BAppSci (Nsg), GradDipEd (Tert), MN, PhD
ageism, nursing students, participatory action research
AbstractAustralia has an ageing population and increased longevity has resulted in a larger proportion of the older population surviving to be 75 years and older. As a result of demographic trends, nurses are more likely to come into contact with older people. Ageism exists
in Australian society and can unfortunately be found in some practicing nurses. ‘Ageism’ is a term used to describe a process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against older people because they are very old, in a similar vein as racism and sexism
accomplish this with skin colour and gender.
The aim of this study was to explore final year Bachelor of Nursing (BN) students’ attitudes toward ageism and emancipate them to come to terms with these issues to prevent replication of ageism in their future practice as registered nurses (RNs). Critical social theory (Fay 1987) combined with Stringer’s (1996) model of Participatory Action Research (PAR) provided the theoretical directions for
this study. Nine final year BN students at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) volunteered to participate. Data were collected by focus group meetings and clinical diaries over a duration of six months.
Findings of this study revealed an acute self-awareness of what ageism was and a personal fear of the ageing process itself. Identified issues are discussed and re-framed in the form of recommendations so they can offer potential for renewed critical conscious
raising to prevent ageism.
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