Innovations in geriatric nursing curricula: Experiences from the John A. Harford Foundation Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

The John A. Hartford Foundation Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence (HCGNE or Center) were established in 2001 to build academic geriatric nursing capacity in 5 schools noted for their strength and leadership in geriatric nursing. Curriculum development assumed a central role in all 5 Centers. The HCGNE developed new courses, created curricular innovations across all levels of learners, engaged in interdisciplinary teaching, and heavily used Web-based approaches. They employed their strengths to develop linkages with other schools and agencies as well as coalitions with neighboring states to promote geriatric nursing curricular reforms. Relevant findings from the experiences of the 5 HCGNE are summarized as recommendations to other schools contemplating curricular work in geriatric nursing.