Ireland is currently implementing what have been described as ‘the most substantial reforms to the organisation of its health system since 1970’ (McDaid et al 2009, p xx).

Within these reforms, residential care for older people is undergoing profound change in terms of policy, funding mechanisms and service provision. These changes will influence how nursing in residential settings is delivered and the ways in which Registered Nurses (RNs) work.

The All Ireland Gerontological Nurses Association (AIGNA) is working proactively to influence the direction of change and how nursing will be delivered to older people in the future (www.aigna.ie).

Within its overall programme of work, AIGNA aims to offer evidence on the contribution that RNs are currently making to the care of older people in residential settings and a vision for the RN role in the future.

Click here to download the attachment The role and contribution of the Nurse in residential care report..pdf