Gerontological Nurse Practitioner

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the nursing specialty of gerontological nurse practitioner (GNP) and relates it to the writer's future career plans and goals. The paper describes the history of gerontological nursing itself as well as that of the nurse practitioner. It then explains the education required in order to practice as a GNP. The paper concludes by presenting the writer's own reasons for wanting to become a GNP.

From the Paper:

"The population of adults age 65 and over will grow to over 50% between 2000 and 2020, and by an estimated 127% by 2050 (HRSA, 2003). Due in large part to this rapidly aging population, health care providers have become more aware of the complex needs of older adults. In direct response to having such a surge of acutely and chronically ill patients, there will need to be a correspondingly dramatic rise in GNPs. Consequently, at this time there is a relative shortage of advanced practice gerontological nurses to help meet those needs. GNPs are in great demand. A currently dire shortage of physicians ("Trying to avoid", 2008) further enhances this demand for GNPs. Also, more and more physicians are turning over many primary care responsibilities to NPs who work for them so that the physicians themselves can take on more patients. The job outlook for GNPs is highly favorable, not only because of our aging population but also because of swiftly advancing techniques in this realm of nursing. GNPs will become increasingly desired both through collaborative practices with physicians as well as through their own private practices."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Nurses Association. (2008). Advanced Practice Registered Nurses [Brochure]. Silver Springs, MD: ANA.
• Ebersole, P. & Touhy, T. (2006). Geriatric Nursing: Growth of Specialty. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
• Edmunds, M.W. (1978). Evaluation of nurse practitioner effectiveness: an overview of the literature. Evaluation and the Health Professions, 1, 69-82.
• Ford, L. (1986). As I see it... progress, pain are part of NPs'first 20 years. The American Nurse, 18(3), 5-6.
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). (2003). Changing Demographics: Implications for Physicians, Nurses, and Other Health Workers [Brochure]. Rockville, MD: HRSA

More papers on Gerontological Nurse Practitioner:

• Essay # 58779 : "Gerontological Nurse Practitioners"
• Essay # 137446 : "Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health"
• Essay # 90145 : "Nurse Practitioner"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: