Gerontological Nursing

Gerontological nursing is the specialty of nursing pertaining to older adults. Gerontological nurses work in collaboration with older adults, their families, and communities to support healthy aging, maximum functioning, and quality of life. The term gerontological nursing, which replaced the term geriatric nursing in the 1970s, is seen as being more consistent with the specialty's broader focus on health and wellness, in addition to illness.

Gerontological nursing is important to meet the health needs of an aging population. Due to longer life expectancy and declining fertility rates, the proportion of the population that is considered old is increasing. Between 2000 and 2050, the number of people in the world who are over age 60 is predicted increase from 605 million to 2 billion. The proportion of older adults is already high and continuing to increase in more developed countries. In 2010, seniors (aged 65 and older) made up 13% and 23% of the populations of the US and Japan, respectively. By 2050, these proportions will increase to 21% and 36%.

Geriatric nurses are expected to be skilled in patient care, treatment planning, education, mental health, and rehabilitation.[9] They also take on many roles in the workplace. The main responsibility is as a caregiver. They can also be advocates, counselors, and educators for their patients.

Gerontological nursing draws on knowledge about complex factors that affect the health of older adults. Older adults are more likely than younger adults to have one or more chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, hearing impairment, or a form of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. As well, drug metabolism changes with aging, adding to the complexity of health needs.

Gerontological nurses work in a variety of settings, including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation, nursing homes (also known as long term care homes and skilled nursing facilities), assisted living facilities, retirement homes, community health agencies, and the patient's home. The conditions of the geriatric patient's health determines what type of facility one should reside in. Assisted living facilities are also known as senior retirement homes, and they provide care services depending on health conditions. Skilled nursing, otherwise known as a nursing home, is a place where they can reside and get provided with 24/7 cares. Older adults have been referred to as "the core business of healthcare" by gerontological nursing experts. Population aging and the complexity of health care needs of some older adults means that older adults are more likely than younger people to use health care services. In many settings, the majority of patients are older adults. Thus, experts recommend that all nurses, not only those identified as gerontological nurses, need specialized knowledge about older adults. This position was endorsed by 55 US nursing specialty organizations.

Including, GAPNA (formerly NCGNP) which was founded in 1981, by a group of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners with the intention of offering the first continuing education conferences designed specifically to meet the needs of advanced practice nurses providing care for older adults. Currently, GAPNA represents the interests of all advanced practice nurses who work with older adults. These advance practice nurses are active in a variety of settings across the continuum including primary, acute, post-acute and long-term care. GAPNA an organization for advanced practice nurses seeking continuing education in gerontological care as well as networking and peer support from experienced clinicians.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerontological_nursing)

What does gerontological nurse mean?

A gerontology nurse is a nursing specialist who works directly with older adults to provide them with specialized care and a high quality of life. If you are interested in specializing your career within the field of nursing, it is important that you compare all of the options that are high in demand first. In gerontological nursing, you will do much of the tasks that a general nurse does and then some. Find out what your role will be and what you can expect in this specialty area before you start your focused studies.
(https://www.bestmasterofscienceinnursing.com/faq/what-is-a-gerontology-nurse/)

How Do I Become a Geriatric Nurse?


The first step toward becoming a geriatric nurse is to become a Registered Nurse, earning an associate (ADN) or bachelor of science degree (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. It is important to note that many employers prefer at least a BSN. After graduation, you must obtain RN licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN examination in your state. Once you have achieved licensure, you will need to obtain professional nursing clinical experience in geriatric nursing.

To be eligible to obtain Gerontologic Nursing Certification (RN-BC) certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) you must:

Hold current, active RN licensure
Have a minimum of 2 years full-time professional nursing experience
Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in geriatric nursing within the last 3 years.
Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in geriatric nursing within the last 3 years.

Certification is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed by meeting the renewal requirements in place at the time of renewal, such as specialty-related professional development and practice activities. If this is not possible, the certification exam must be retaken.

At the graduate/advanced practice nurse level, the ANCC offers two certifications; Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification.

Eligibility requirements include:

Current, active RN licensure
Graduate of MSN or DNP Adult-Gerontological Acute Care or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program
A minimum of 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours in the related nurse practitioner role.

Certification is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed by meeting the renewal requirements in place at the time of renewal, such as specialty-related professional development and practice activities. If this is not possible, the certification exam must be retaken.
(https://rncareers.org/career/geriatric-nurse/)

What are gerontological conditions?

Geriatric conditions (cognitive impairment, falls, incontinence, low body mass index, dizziness, vision impairment, hearing impairment) and dependency in activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting).
(https://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/735940/geriatric-conditions-disability-health-retirement-study)

How much does a gerontological nurse practitioner make?

You should consider several things when thinking about how much you can earn by being an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. According to PayScale, an online employer survey service, rates average salaries for Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners earn between $71,744-113,003 annually; and, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners salary ranges from $79,0226-$119,195 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes an average, national salary for Nurse Practitioners, without a specialty, at $110,930 yearly.
(https://www.bestmedicaldegrees.com/how-much-can-i-earn-as-an-adult-gerontology-nurse-practitioner/)