Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ageism, empathy, and work intensity on performance of geriatric nursing among nurses in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: A descriptive research design was used with a convenience sample of 175 nurses. Data were collected from March 25 to April 18, 2023, using self-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean scores of ageism, empathy, work intensity, and performance of geriatric nursing were 2.01 out of 4, 3.90 out of 5, 3.83 out of 5, and 3.37 out of 4, respectively. Performance of geriatric nursing was negatively correlated with ageism (r=-.46, p<.001) and positively correlated with empathy (r=.55, p<.001). Factors influencing on performance of geriatric nursing were empathy (β=.49, p<.001) and ageism (β=-.18, p=.010), which explained 38.0% of the variance. CONCLUSION: To enhance the nursing performance of senior general-hospital nurses, it is necessary to develop educational programs that improve the correct perception of ageism for the elderly. It is also necessary to develop and apply programs that can improve empathy.