Creating a Dedicated Education Unit in Long-Term Care

The number of older adults needing long-term care (LTC) may rise in future aging populations, necessitating an increase in the < 1% of nurses currently certified in gerontological nursing. An innovative clinical model, the dedicated education unit (DEU), has been used globally with positive results. The purpose of the current review is to explore the DEU and its possible use in LTC settings, and identify if this clinical model increases nursing students' knowledge of the nursing role. Current literature, including a systematic review, is analyzed and rated for quality. Synthesis of findings show the DEU clinical model may increase student interest and knowledge of LTC nursing through collaboration with the practicing LTC nurse. More longitudinal studies are needed to determine the success of the DEU model as a long-term solution to this clinical problem.