Specialty Nursing Association news

Policies and Procedures for Infusion Nursing in the Older Adult

NEW FROM the INFUSION NURSES SOCIETY!
Policies and Procedures for Infusion Nursing of the Older Adult

The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) is pleased to announce a new addition to its growing line of books and resources for infusion nurses. Policies and Procedures for Infusion Nursing of the Older Adult is the first book of its kind, designed to assist nurses in delivering the highest quality infusion care to the special older adult patient population.

As life expectancy in the United States continues to rise and the US' Baby-Boom generation ages, the elderly will comprise a greater proportion of patients in hospitals, home care, and long-term care. Because many elderly patients receive courses of intravenous antibiotics, antineoplastic agents, and parenteral nutrition, INS recognized the demand for a guide that provides an adaptation of infusion-specific techniques and interventions to accommodate the special care needs of the older adult patient. The development and publication of this cutting-edge resource was made possible through a grant from the Nurse Competence in Aging initiative.

Modeled on the original Policies and Procedures for Infusion Nursing, the only comprehensive guide to infusion care, the all-new Policies and Procedures for Infusion Nursing of the Older Adult is written in the same user-friendly format, but is tailored for the specific needs of the older adult patient. The convenient, portable manual delivers consistent, step-by-step procedures for older adult patient assessment, equipment utilization, site selection, device placement, care and maintenance, complication management, and quality assurance. "Assessment of the Older Adult Patient" is presented as an introduction and supplies information that may affect infusion therapy modalities when caring for the older adult patient population. "Considerations," which are special sections noted at the beginning of each policy, are intended to enhance the nurse's knowledge of the elderly patient receiving infusion care. These are just a few of the highlights; the full Table of Contents can be viewed on the INS website at www.ins1.org.

Mathy Mezey, EdD, RN, FAAN, Independence Foundation Professor of Nursing Education, Director, The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, New York University, College of Nursing has been involved with the development of the book since its inception. "These policies and procedures place INS at the forefront of professional nursing associations in assuring quality nursing care to older adults. They should serve as an invaluable reference for every nurse who delivers infusion care to older patients" says Mezey.

INS is a national, not-for-profit membership organization that exists to promote excellence in infusion nursing through standards, education, advocacy, and outcomes research. The commitment of INS is to support access to the highest-quality, cost-effective infusion care for all individuals. INS achieves its mission by providing opportunities for advanced knowledge and expertise through professional development and resource networking.