Iranian Nurses' Challenges in Caring for Older Adults: A Content Analysis Study.

The current study describes Iranian nurses' challenges in caring for older adults. Participants included 22 nurses who were selected by purposeful method and underwent semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The interviews were reviewed, and three categories and seven subcategories were noted. The category older adults-nurse interaction challenges included: specific characteristics of older adults and inappropriate interaction between nurses and older adults. The category structural problems included: shortage of nurses, inappropriateness of ward environment, and service problems. The category educational gap included: lack of training on principles of older adult ethics in nursing curriculum and shortage of personnel training on manner of relationship with older adults. The current study is the first qualitative study regarding nurses' challenges in caring for older adults in Iran, and the results reveal aspects of nurses' understanding about the said challenges in this country. There is a need for culture-based caring programs that are responsive to older adults' needs. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2017; 10(3):115-120.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.