Assessing geriatric nursing competence in acute urban hospitals in India: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Background: The growing elderly population in Indian hospitals underscores the need for geriatric nursing competence, even in non-specialized acute care wards. However, structured geriatric training remains uncommon in these settings. Aim was to assess geriatric nursing competence among acute care nurses in urban India and identify key influencing factors such as training, clinical experience, and institutional support. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 registered nurses across three tertiary care hospitals in Delhi NCR. The geriatric nursing competence scale (GNCS) assessed four domains of competence. ANOVA and multiple regression identified associations with demographic and professional variables. Results: Participants had a mean age of 29.6 years; 85% were female, and 60% had no prior geriatric training. The mean GNCS score was 3.2/5. Higher scores were noted in physical assessment (3.8) and medication safety (3.6). Lower scores were observed in communication and psychosocial care (2.7), interdisciplinary collaboration (2.9), and end-of-life care (2.8). Significant predictors included prior geriatric training (β=0.32, p<0.01), clinical experience (β=0.28, p<0.01), and institutional support (β=0.21, p<0.05). Conclusions: Targeted training and institutional reforms are urgently needed to address cognitive, collaborative, and end-of-life care gaps.