Nurses play a critical role in caring for elderly patients; however, the emphasis on aging
care in undergraduate programs may be insufficient. The present study aims at identifying the
relevance given to theoretical and/or practical gerontological and geriatric contents in undergraduate
study plans in Portugal and Spain. Presenting a two-part investigation, an integrative review
approach examines nursing education on a global scale and a comparative analysis, using Bereday’s
comparative method, to assess the nursing curricula between Portugal and Spain. The search found
117 documents, with 16 being included. Studies covered diverse educational practices in geriatric and
gerontological nursing, emphasizing curriculum development, faculty expertise, practical training,
attitudes towards elderly care, and future directions. The comparative analysis of nursing curricula
revealed that Portugal places a priority on building foundational theoretical knowledge in the first
year and then gradually integrating practical training. In contrast, Spain emphasizes an extensive
and integrated approach with a strong focus on practical skills and comprehensive assessments.
Our research emphasizes the need to incorporate aging-focused education into nursing curricula
and update the curriculum, providing hands-on training with early exposure to these environments.
Additionally, simulation classes can enhance critical thinking by allowing students to experience
aging effects firsthand.
