This study examined the effects of a geriatric orthopaedic nursing education program of care for the elderly hip fractured patient on select patient outcomes using a post-test nonequivalent control group design. 2. Nursing staff of a 26-bed orthopaedic unit attended a day long education workshop focusing on common clinical problems the elderly patient experiences in the acute care setting. 3. This program provided nursing staff with sound knowledge for the provision of effective care to the acutely ill elderly patient, which resulted in improved patient outcomes and use of health care resources.