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Are you looking for a career in nursing that allows you to make a difference in the lives of older adults? If so, then you may want to consider becoming an adult gerontologic nurse practitioner (AGNP).
AGNPs are advanced practice nurses who provide primary care and other services to older adults. They are often involved in helping their patients manage chronic conditions, as well as providing preventive care and health promotion.
If you’re interested in becoming an AGNP, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know, including what the job entails, what kind of education and training is required, and what you can expect in terms of salary and advancement opportunities.
What is an adult gerontologic nurse practitioner?
An adult gerontologic nurse practitioner (AGNP) is a type of nurse practitioner (NP) who specializes in the care of older adults. AGNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat the health needs of older adults, as well as to educate patients and their families about how to manage chronic conditions.
AGNPs must have at least a master’s degree in nursing, and they must be licensed as NPs in their state of practice. In some states, AGNPs may also need to complete additional coursework or training in geriatrics or gerontology.
The scope of practice for AGNPs varies from state to state, but generally includes:
• Conducting physical exams and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Prescribing medications and other treatments
• Providing patient education and counseling
• Coordinating care with other healthcare providers
• Serving as a patient advocate
Education and training
There are a few educational paths that can be taken to become an adult gerontologic nurse practitioner (AGNP). A common route is to first obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. After completing a BSN program, AGNPs must then complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on adult gerontology or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a focus on adult-gerontology.
AGNPs must also obtain certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). To be eligible for certification, candidates must have a current, active RN license and must have completed an accredited AGNP program. Candidates must also pass an ANCC-certified AGNP certification exam.
Once certified, AGNPs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits and renewing their certification every five years.
Job Duties
As an adult gerontologic nurse practitioner (AGNP), you will provide care for patients who are aged 18 and older. You will diagnose and treat diseases that are common in adults, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. You will also provide preventive care, such as screenings for cancer and cholesterol. You will prescribe medications and order tests, as needed. In addition to providing direct patient care, you will also provide guidance and support to families and caregivers. You may also serve as a patient advocate.
Work settings
There are a variety of work settings that AGNPs may be employed in. These include hospitals, clinics, physician offices, nursing homes, and home health agencies. AGNPs may also be employed in government agencies or research organizations.
Hospitals are the most common work setting for AGNPs. In hospitals, AGNPs may work in medical-surgical units, intensive care units, or emergency departments. AGNPs may also work in outpatient clinics or surgery centers.
Clinics are another common work setting for AGNPs. In clinics, AGNPs may provide primary care or specialty care. Specialty areas that AGNPs may work in include cardiology, oncology, or endocrinology.
Physician offices are another possible work setting for AGNPs. In these settings, AGNPs typically provide primary care services. However, some physician offices may also offer specialty care services.
Nursing homes are another type of facility that employs AGNPs. In nursing homes, AGNPs provide care to residents who are unable to live independently. Services that AGNPs provides in nursing homes include wound care, pain management, and disease management.
Home health agencies are another common employer of AGNPs. Home health agencies provide nursing and rehabilitative services to patients who are homebound. Services that AGNPs provided in home health agencies include wound care, disease management, and IV therapy.
Salary
The average salary for an adult gerontologic nurse practitioner (AGNP) is $97,000. AGNPs who are employed in hospitals tend to earn the highest salaries, followed by those who are employed in clinics. AGNPs who are employed in physician offices and nursing homes typically earn the lowest salaries.
AGNPs who work in hospitals typically earn salaries that are 20% higher than the average for all AGNPs. The highest-paying hospital settings for AGNPs are intensive care units and emergency departments. The lowest-paying hospital setting for AGNPs is medical-surgical units.
AGNPs who work in clinics typically earn salaries that are 10% higher than the average for all AGNPs. The highest-paying clinic settings for AGNPs are specialty care clinics. The lowest-paying clinic setting for AGNPs is primary care clinics.
AGNPs who work in physician offices typically earn salaries that are 5% lower than the average for all AGNPs. The highest-paying physician office settings for AGNPs are those that offer specialty care services. The lowest-paying physician office setting for AGNP is primary care services.
Finally, AGNPs who work in nursing homes typically earn salaries that are 5% lower than the average for all AGNPs. The highest-paying nursing home setting for AGNP is long-term care facilities. The lowest-paying nursing home setting for AGNP is skilled nursing facilities.
Advancement opportunities
There are a number of ways that adult gerontologic nurse practitioners (AGNPs) can advance their careers. One way is to pursue advanced education, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. AGNPs with a DNP degree will be prepared for leadership roles in clinical practice, research, and education.
Another way to advance one’s career is to obtain certification in a specialty area, such as cardiology or oncology. AGNPs who are certified in a specialty area will have the opportunity to provide care for patients with more complex needs.
AGNPs can also advance their careers by taking on leadership roles in clinical practice, research, or education. AGNPs who assume leadership roles will have the opportunity to impact the delivery of healthcare services and improve patient outcomes.
About the Author
Priscilla Is a nurse practitioner that has been working in healthcare for over 10 years. She started working as a patient care tech, a Certified nursing assistant, A Licensed practical nurse, a registered nurse, and a board-certified Family Nurse practitioner. She has worked in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and homes as well as working in the neonatal intensive care unit, pediatrics, maternal, and adult care, Military nursing, immediate care, and family practice.
