Attitudes of Surgical Nurses Toward Ageism and Their Caregiving Roles: A Descriptive and Correlational Study

Aim: This study examined surgical nurses' attitudes toward ageism, their caregiving roles, and the predictive factors influencing these attitudes.Material and Methods: A descriptive and correlational research design was employed. The sample consisted of 143 nurses working in surgical clinics at a university hospital in Ankara. The study used the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Ageism Attitude Scale, and the Attitude Scale for Nurses in Caregiving Roles. Factors influencing nurses' attitudes toward older adults and caregiving roles were examined using regression analysis.Results: The mean attitude score toward ageism among nurses was 84.92 ± 9.51, while the mean attitude score toward caregiving roles was 66.64 ± 8.69. A statistically significant, positive relationship was found between these two variables (r = 0.384; p < 0.001). The linear regression model established in the study revealed that nurses’ satisfaction with working with older adults, their attitudes toward caregiving roles, and their age were significant predictors of their attitudes toward ageism. Additionally, the robust regression model established that nurses' age variable and attitudes toward ageism are significant predictors of their attitudes toward caregiving roles.Conclusions: This study revealed that surgical nurses' attitudes toward ageism and their caregiving roles are positive. Surgical nurses’ attitudes toward ageism are reflected in the nursing care they provide.Implication for nursing practice: Further research is needed to identify the factors that negatively influence young surgical nurses’ attitudes toward ageism. Implementing strategies that promote more positive attitudes toward ageism among surgical nurses is likely to enhance their caregiving roles as well.