How to Become a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
You’ve always liked helping people, but you especially connect with the older population. In your journey figuring out your next career move, you’ve considered becoming a nurse for senior citizens, also known as a gerontological nurse practitioner (GNP) or a geriatric nurse practitioner.
However, you aren’t exactly sure how to become a geriatric nurse practitioner, and you want to research the kind of commitment it’ll take before you dive into this profession. Learning about this field, the educational requirements and salary you can expect will help you make your decision on whether or not you want to work as a gerontology nurse practitioner.
Step 1: Apply for and Earn an Undergraduate Degree in Nursing
Step 2: Apply for and Earn Your RN License
Before applying to graduate school, find a job where you can gain experience with the senior population. Often nurse practitioner degrees will require clinical hours, so hands-on experience is recommended.
Step 4: Earn Your Master’s Degree in Nursing
You need to then enroll in an accredited gerontology nurse practitioner program, which is typically a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs are in-person and online and have different application requirements, such as a minimum GPA and letters of recommendation. The program will take one to three years, depending on whether you’re a full-time or part-time student.
Roles and Responsibilities
As a gerontological nurse practitioner, you will complete physical examinations for patients, diagnose any illnesses, give them a treatment plan and prescribe medicine. You will follow up to ensure your treatment plan is working and, if not, you will come up with a new course for them. Typically, you’ll deal with common senior issues like falling, dementia, constipation and dehydration, and determine ways to ensure seniors have the highest quality of life possible.
How to Become a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Common steps to become a geriatric nurse practitioner may include:
- Get your undergraduate degree in nursing: You’ll need to attend a four-year program and obtain your BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Obtain your RN license: You’ll have to take the test to become an RN.
- Gain work experience: To demonstrate your interest in geriatric nursing to your future master’s program, as well as figure out if this is something you really want to do, you should gain experience working in gerontology.
- Earn your master’s degree: Once you have your RN license, you can apply to a geriatric nurse practitioner master’s program. Work experience and a minimum GPA may be required.
- Get certification: With a minimum of 500 clinical hours, you’ll need to take and pass your American Nurses Credentialing Center’s certification tests as well as any other state requirements to practice as a GNP.
What is a Gerontology Nurse Practitioner?
A gerontology nurse practitioner is a nurse who works with the senior population. It differs from a nurse practitioner, who works with all populations. A GNP will work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, private practices and schools, and come up with treatment plans for their patients and treat common ailments seniors experience.
FAQs
What does a Gerontology Nurse Practitioner do?
A gerontology nurse practitioner provides care to the older adult population by performing exams, diagnosing conditions and giving out prescriptions to treat illnesses.
Where does a Gerontology Nurse Practitioner work?
A GNP works in different settings like hospitals, long-term care facilities and private homes. In hospitals, they may see rotating patients with emergency needs, while they will take care of patients with ongoing illnesses in long-term facilities and provide more personalized care/end of life care in private homes.
How long does it take to be a geriatric nurse?
It can take several years to become a geriatric nurse. If you’re just starting out, you will need to earn your BSN in four years and then earn your MSN in two to five years. This could all take longer if you’re only enrolled in college part-time.
What is the difference between an AGNP vs FNP?
An AGNP, or adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, is a nurse who treats adolescents, adults and older adults. A family nurse practitioner focuses on children, adolescents and adults and works in primary care.
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