How ageism shapes gerontogeriatric competencies in newly graduated nurses: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the association between ageism and self-perceived gerontogeriatric competence among newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs). A total of 242 NGRNs completed an online questionnaire that included the Ambivalent Ageism Scale (AAS) and the Gerontogeriatric Competency Scale (GGC). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between scores on the AAS and the GGC. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that hostile ageism (AAS_HA) predicted scores on four GGC subscales: Interdisciplinarity, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Management, and Professional Development, although with minimal explanatory power. These findings suggest that ageism, particularly hostile ageism, is only weakly associated with self-perceived gerontogeriatric competence. Addressing ageism alone may be insufficient to improve NGRNs’ self-perceived gerontogeriatric competence; broader strategies are required to prepare NGRNs for the delivery of high-quality care for older adults.