Wk 1: Gerontological Nursing
N410

Young-Shin Lee, PhD, RN
School of Nursing
San Diego State University

1

Learning Objectives
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Examine the history of gerontological nursing.
Discuss the nurse’s role in caring for older adults.
Identify educational preparation and certification requirement for gerontological nurse generalist and specialist. Related course objectives: 1.1~1.4

2

**Gerontological Nursing
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Gerontology: study of aging; a branch of science that deals with the aging population and problems of aging people; multidisciplinary

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Geriatrics: focuses on medicine, deals with diseases, disabilities of old people

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Gerontological Nursing: core of aging people and emphasizes the promotion of the hiquest quality of life and wellness including social, emotioan andmental aspectrs
3

Growth of Gerontological Nursing
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18C: Florence Nightingale period

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1904: First article in AJN – “Care of Aged”

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1950: First gerontological nursing text –
“Geriatric Nursing” (K. Newton)

4

Growth of Gerontological Nursing (Cont)
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1970: ANA standards of gerontological nursing practice

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1973: Certification in gerontological nursing

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1976: ANA renames to “Gerontological Nursing”

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1976: Published Standards of gerontological nursing

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1984: National Gerontological Nursing Association

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1989: ANA offered Gerontological Clinical Specialist.

5

Core Elements of
Gerontological Nursing Practice
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Evidence-based practice:
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Standards for nursing practice:
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Based on research
Systematic analysis

Used to guide and evaluate nursing practice
ANA standards and scope

Principles:
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Scientific data regarding theories
Biological and social sciences
Guides care for gerontological nursing
6

ANCC* Guidelines for the Scope of Practice of the Gerontological Nurse
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Specialize in care and the health needs of older adults 
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Plan, manage, and implement healthcare
Evaluate effectiveness
Identify and use the strengths of older adults
Assist in maximizing independence
Actively involve older adults and family in decision making

* ANCC: American Nurses Credentialing Center
Source: ANA(2001). Scope and standards of gerontological nursing practice. Washington, DC.: American Nurses
Association
7

ANA Standards of Gerontological Nursing
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Professional Gerontological Nursing Performance
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Quality of care
Performance appraisal
Education
Collegiality
Ethics
Collaboration
Research
Resource utilization

Source: ANA(2001). Scope and standards of gerontological nursing practice.
Washington, DC.
8

Certification at the Basic Level (Generalist)
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Associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing

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Current RN

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Practiced the equivalent of 2 years full time as an RN

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Minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty area within the past 3 years

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Completed 30 hours of CE in gerontological nursing within the last 3 years (2008~)
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Indicate certification with the initials RN-BC (Board
Certified)

9

Certification at the Advanced Practice Level
(Nurse Specialist)
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Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and nurse practitioners (NP) with Master’s degree
Certified as gerontological specialists
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Indicate certification with the credentials of APRNBC (board certified)

10

Nurse’s Role in Caring for Older Adults:
Generalist
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Generalists
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Direct care providers
Case managers
Nurse leaders
Educators
Patient advocates
Administrators

11

Nurse’s Role in Caring for Older Adults:
Advanced practice gerontological nurses
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Primary care providers focus on
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Health promotion
Disease prevention
Long-term management of chronic conditions

Complex clinical problem-solving
Improvement in quality of care
Reduction in cost of care
Acute care: reduction in complications, length of stay, and need for readmission

12

Future of Gerontological Nursing
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Protect for care of older adults and nurses.
Advance research
Promote Integrative Care
Develop new roles
Balance