"Making a connection": BSN students' perceptions of their reminiscence experiences with older adults

The projected increase in the diversity of the older adult population in the United States has generated a demand for nurses prepared to care for older adults from different cultural backgrounds. Nurse educators are challenged to develop innovative experiences to help prepare students who are competent in gerontological nursing and sensitive to cultural differences. The purpose of this study was to examine baccalaureate nursing students' perceptions of their reminiscence experiences with older adults. Forty-one nursing students who participated in a reminiscence education program during their clinical practicum completed an open-ended questionnaire. Data were analyzed, and three major themes emerged: "Making a Connection," "Seeing the World Through Their Eyes," and "Benefits of Reminiscence." Results indicate that implementing reminiscence education programs in clinical experiences can help students develop gerontological nursing skills, increase their cultural sensitivity, and improve their care of older adults.