In a ten year period, between 2016-2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more 64,000 Nurse Practitioners will be needed to meet healthcare demands in the United States. The various specialty areas of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are included in this figure; but, the roles of an Adult-Gerontolgy Primary Care Nurse Pratictioner (AG-PCNP) or an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) may warrant special attention.
It's been estimated that an average of 10,000 Baby Boomers, per day, are entering retirement age and are requiring specialized health care. However, that doesn't mean that the Adult-Geronotolgy Nurse Practitioner (AG-NPs) will work with a broad patient population. The Affordable Care Act added more Americans to insurance roles than ever before. The combination of the two has created a "perfect storm" in health care.
We've all heard of the nursing shortage, but not as much attention has been paid to the physician shortage in the United States. In order to maintain patient care, more physicians, physicians offices and healthcare systems are employing Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioners to keep up with patient populations. Many AG-NPs are establishing their own practices to treat patients.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
The nursing profession is dramatically changing. Nurses are encouraged to advance their education and diploma and Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN) are being phased out in many fields, with a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) now considered the entry-level education for nurses. More and more BSN prepared nurses are seeking Masters of Nursing (MSN) degrees to move into more lucrative and independent fields.
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners/em>
This nursing specialty focuses on health promotion and disease and illness prevention. AG-NPs make health assessments, detail health histories and the management of disease and illness. Practitioners will also make a diagnosis, order and analyze laboratory tests, prescribe medications and improvement care outcomes. These practitioners will typically find employment in physician offices, clinics, etc.
The AG-NP specialization certifies nurses to care for patients along a broad range of ages beginning with adolescence and on to adult and advance ages. The only age groups an AG-NP do not work with are infants and children up to adolescent age who are followed by Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). Best Medical Degrees has researched and develop a ranking of accredited, online Best Online MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A.G.N.P.) Programs.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Like the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, those specializing as Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-ACNP) will follow patients from age 13 to advanced age. These practitioners work closely with physicians and surgeons in acute care and hospital settings caring for patients, often in Emergency Departments, trauma units, intensive care units and sub-acute care units. AG-ACNPs are involved in complex monitoring, ordering diagnostic testing and analysis and direct patient monitoring. Best Medical Degrees has reviewed several online, accredited MSN Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner that will help you identify programs which meets your professional goals.
