Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) provides developed nursing care to adults, older people, and elderly patients. They are suffering from chronic and life-threatening diseases (Shifrin, Widmar & Ashby, 2019). As illustrated by Fabbruzzo-Cota (2016), Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) take care of medically stable patients, including children, adolescents, adults, and older people. However, both Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner duties depend on specific knowledge and skills, their practice setting, and the features of the patient groups (Holley, 2016). Both of these nursing professions require certification from appropriate certifying authority as well as APRN licenses from the local Nursing boards such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AACN) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
As indicated by Hayes et al. (2017), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-ACNP) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who offer advanced nursing care to adults and older people who are suffering from terminal illnesses and chronic diseases. AG-ACNPs work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to come up with strategies for improving the outcomes for the patients. They collect patient medical history and diagnostic information, which is essential in determining the course of treatment. The efficient evaluation of patient conditions allows AG-ACNPs to incorporate management plans to the particular needs of patients continuously. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-ACNPs) work in various clinical settings, including clinics, hospitals, retirement homes, and private institutions (Holley, 2016). In addition to being an advanced practice nurse, AG-ACNPs also treat terminally ill patients through prescriptions, interpreting test results, and following up patient reactions to medications and other non-pharmacological treatments.
In the US healthcare system, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-ACNP) provide care to adults and older people with complex illnesses in severe care and medical facilities. Their job description involves ensuring that the patients are stable, monitoring, interpreting diagnostic test results such as ECG, and coming up with treatment plans which aim at maximizing health benefits to the patients at a reasonable cost. AG-ACNPs help other medical professionals in avoiding medical complications, especially with terminally ill patients. In most instances, AG-ACNPs work in departments such as trauma, emergency rooms, and intensive care units. Also, AG-ACNPs ensure that patients are comfortable until their discharge. These nurse professionals, in some cases, follow up with patients at outpatient facilities to ensure that they receive appropriate treatment. The work of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-ACNPs) increases the life span of these patients significantly, which in turn contributes to patient satisfaction.
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are looking forward to becoming Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-ACNP) have to go through several steps. Becoming an AG-ACNP requires an individual to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), which also includes certification as a registered nurse in the USA state. Also, nurses have to gain a year’s experience, which involves work with other professionals within the organization to promote quality healthcare. The APRNs have to apply to AG-ACNPs programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). These programs allow them to qualify for a master’s program in nursing (MSN) or doctoral degree program (DNP). After undertaking the AG-ACNP examination from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), AG-ACNPS has to apply for certification in the state they wish to work in, which is renewable after every five years.
The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) is a non-profit organization that focuses on growing the knowledge and skills of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-ACNP). GAPNA provides an online platform where AG-ACNPs can exchange ideas, ask questions regarding various health issues, and lend their experience and creating professional relationships with people with more experience. Being an active member of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) requires AG-ACNPs to pay a membership fee of $100 annually. AG-ACNP students pay $60, while associates who have an interest in becoming members of GAPNA pay $100. Retired advanced practice nurses pay a subscription fee of $75 per year. Also, GAPNA offers a 10% discount on regular membership fees for active and military personnel.
In conclusion, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) provide primary and specialized care to their patients through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Healthcare reforms and changes in nursing environments require nurses to keep on working on their knowledge and skills, which creates the need for specialization. Acquisition of expertise allows nurses to perfect their experience in a specific nursing field, making patient care efficient and cost-effective. The consensus model for APRN regulation regulates the specific nursing fields and gives organizations ways to implement the strategies.