The
Graduate Nursing
ADVANCED PRACTICE
GERONTOLOGICAL NURSE (GNP or CNS)
FAQs
Q. What is
an Advanced Practice Gerontological Nurse?
A. Advanced Practice Gerontological
Nurses (APGNs) are licensed registered nurses who have graduate
preparation (Master’s Degree or post-master’s certificate) in nursing as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse
Specialist in Gerontological Nursing..
The advanced practice gerontological
nurse demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in the care of
older adults. Gerontological nurses in advanced
practice roles integrate relevant knowledge from nursing and other disciplines
into their practice and participate in interdisciplinary relationships to
create or influence the highest quality of care, the healthcare environment,
and positive outcomes for older adults. They demonstrate advanced levels of
knowledge, skill, forward thinking, and flexibility (ANA, 2001). Practice sites include, clinics, outpatient
settings, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community based settings
such as senior housing of all types.
Q. Where
do Advanced Practice Gerontological nurses practice?
A. APGNs practice in settings across the health care
delivery continuum. Many practice in acute care and hospital settings
,as well as long term care facilities, clinics, outpatient settings and
all levels of community based senior housing.
Q. What is the scope of practice for the
Advanced Practice Gerontological Nurse?
A. The scope of practice in gerontological nursing is evolving and continually
expanding as the science of nursing grows. The APGN facilitates and supports
health, wellness, healing and dying of older adults. Focus is on:
·
Individuals, families, groups, communities or
healthcare systems.
·
Integration of theory and best practice, creative and
critical thinking.
·
Proficiency in influencing and/or developing health
and social policy.
·
Planning, implementation, and evaluation of health
programs.
·
Improved quality ad cost-effective services.
·
The generation, testing and/or evaluation of gerontological knowledge (ANA, 2001).
Q. What are the APGNs
Prescribing Rights:
A. APGNs may apply for prescribing authority as NPs
or CNSs if they meet the criteria established for
each practice role dictated by the MN Board of Nursing as listed below: Also
see FAQs for specific details regarding prescription
rights for each advanced practice role:
·
Certification by a national nurse
certification organization acceptable to the MN Board of Nursing
·
Completion and verification of no less
than 30 hours of formal study from a college, university health care
institution which includes health assessment, medication classifications,
indications, dosages, contraindications and side effects, minimum of 45 hours
of supervised practice, and competence evaluation of the therapeutic management
of the clinical type of patients in the area of certification.
·
Written agreement with a physician based
on standards established by the MN Nurses Association and the MN Medical
Associate Memorandum of Understanding.
Third Party Payment/Medicare
Eligibility:
Third party reimbursement is an
interaction that occurs between the health care provider and the patient. The
payment between these two parties can involve a third party, such as a government
agency (Medicare or Medicaid) or a private insurance company. Federal
legislative directives and those in the State of
Q. What are the certification requirements for
Advanced Practice Gerontological Nursing?
A.
The
Certification guidelines are available
at:
http://nursingworld.org/ancc/certification/exams.html
Advanced Practice nurse (including NP and
CNS) regulations by state are available at:
http://www.ncsbn.org/public/regulation/boards_of_nursing_board.htm
More information about specific practice
roles is available from:
National Association of Clinical
Nurse Specialists: