Challenges and Opportunities - Intent of Saudi Nursing Students to Work with Older Population

Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, like most of the world, has a growing older population with urgent health care needs. One of its greatest challenges in this area is to provide competent nurses who are intent to work with the older people. Aim and Objectives: This study examined the relationship between Saudi nursing students intent to work with older population and their willingness to take care of them. Design: This study demonstrates a cross-sectional research design. Methods: Quota proportional sample of 506 nurse students completed the survey from three regions. Modified Elderly Patient Care Inventory; Intent to Work with the Older Adult Scale, and demographic data sheet were used in this study. Correlation (Bivariate) and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data generated by study instruments. Results: Saudi nursing students showed high intent to work with the older population and expressed their willingness to take care of them. There was a significant correlation between the intent of the students to work with the older people and their willingness to take care of them. Conclusion: Overall. the nursing students displayed a relatively strong belief that the older people deserved the best of care, and that they were willing to take care of them. Relevance to Clinical Practice: To advance knowledge and provide a foundation for information and data for use by the Ministries of Health and Higher Education in Saudi Arabia in preparing government-sponsored programs and policies to address the needs of the Kingdom s growing older population.