How's the job market for GNP (Geriatrics Nurse Practitioner)

Trauma Columnist · Jun 1, 2008

Just like the other very specialized NP degree tracks, the GNP might be too narrow to get a job in anything other than LTC. I know a GNP where I live (central IL) and she has been out of school for well over a year and still works as a staff nurse in a med-surg unit. She doesn't want to work LTC, so that is what she is doing. In our area, there is only one gerontologist and he has a mid-level already.

Its always advisable to do the broadest track ie FNP or ANP or ACNP so that you have more options, at least IMHO.

mom and nurse · Jun 1, 2008

I recently graduated with an ANP and passed the certification exam.

I wanted to originally go for the GNP but I am glad I chose ANP because it gives me more options. GNP folks, in my understanding can only work as an NP with ages 55 and up.

As an ANP I should be able to work with 16 and up. (or 15 and up... I have to check). And FNP (which I am finding are in high demand) work with folks "womb to tomb" so to speak....

Women's health NPs are certified to work with women only ... except when counselling men about birth control.

Of course some are certified in more than one area...

And ACNPs of course have many options (they are Acute care NPs). I am finding that in our area hospitals seem to prefer the ACNPs.... As an ANP I had my clinicals in primary care offices... ACNPs have their clinicals in the hospital. (though some ANPs are employed by hospitals...)

I'm planning to interview for positions that will allow me to work as an NP in an LTC setting....

Hope this helps...others may have other information for you. :typing

goldensfo · Jun 1, 2008

Thank you so much traumaRUs and mom_and_nurse for your reply!! It seems ANP is the better choice...

ANPFNPGNP · Jun 7, 2008

Thank you so much traumaRUs and mom_and_nurse for your reply!! It seems ANP is the better choice...

Please do NOT limit yourself with an ANP and definitely not a GNP. I made the mistake of doing that and I had to go back to get a post-Master's certification as a FNP. Going back for the FNP was a MAJOR undertaking! With my ANP, I could see ages 12 and up (it depends on the program), but when reality struck and I was looking for a job, that wasn't going to cut it. However, if you live in a large metropolitan area, the more "specialized" NP's are utilized more and make more $$$.