Abstract: This paper documents a practice development initiative with the aim of formulating a rationale for the professional practice development of a relatively recently conceived nursing initiative; that of a Palliative Care Liaison Nurse (PCLN) role. The project involved conducting an inquiry through a search of the literature with the aim of discovering ways to articulate, then develop, the role to meet the needs of elderly people living in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs), their family and the whanau. The paper initially explores the concept of liaison roles globally, to consider how this role might be located as an interagency position between palliative care and aged care within the context of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The paper then reveals the perceived skills and personal attributes required by a person in the PCLN role that the author, drawing from personal and professional experience of having been appointed to this position, considers are necessary to effectively manage the diverse dimensions of this role. Bridging the gap is a key role discussed which centres on the capacity to organise and present an effective education programme while supporting, encouraging and role modeling for staff providing the day to day nursing care. This role involves practice wisdom and advocating for change and tolerance within everyday practice. An example of this dimension is discussed in depth, because the researcher considers that through staff working together, they can effectively bridge the knowledge-practice gap which exists between specialist palliative and gerontological nursing care.

Abstract: This paper is a literature review of the psychogeriatric specialty and describes the clinical role, practice and knowledge of the psychogeriatric nurse. Literature reviews provide a useful means for evaluating what is currently known and understood in a particular area of interest to help nurses' build current opinion into practice. Psychogeriatric nursing is a specialised field of practice that focuses on the mental health needs of people over the age of 65 (including younger people who have acquired needs that are similar in 'like' and age and 'interest'). The literature asserts the urgent need to develop the role and practice of the psychogeriatric nurse in order to address the complex needs of our ageing population in areas such as home care, hospitals, primary health, and long term care institutions. The findings highlight aspects of nursing care that are essential to the role and practice of the psychogeriatric nurse. Knowledge that is necessary for best practice in psychogeriatric nursing care is drawn mainly from the field of general psychiatry and gerontology but also from general medicine, psychology, neurology, and disability. Nurses' working with older adults affected by psychogeriatric conditions must possess a broad knowledge of physical and mental health issues that affect the elderly, including also knowledge and understanding of psychosocial risk factors that can also have an impact on the health and behaviour of older people and their carers. Despite these literal assertions however there appears to be a dearth of literature available to support the requirements for developing the psychogeriatric nursing specialty in clinical practice, research, and education. The author notes that authorities in this specialised field of practice generally agree that with an increasing aging population looming in the future more research in the field of “old age psychiatry” will be critical.