Who will look after my grandmother? Attitudes of student nurses toward the care of older adults.

A review of the literature illustrates the unpopularity of nursing in the elderly population related to other areas of nursing practice. The aim of this article is to present the findings of a research project conducted in Victoria, Australia, investigating the career preferences of undergraduate nursing students. The results indicate caring for older adults is considered the least popular area of practice for Year 1 nursing students. The reason given by students for their choices demonstrates a negative view of this type of work, largely based on inaccuracies and misconceptions. The implications of these findings for the future care of elderly individuals are discussed.