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Discussion

NP options in geriatrics

Hello,

At this point in my nursing education, I would like to be a Family Nurse Practitioner with a focus in geriatrics. The options I am aware of include

1. Having my own practice

2. Working in a doctor's office (ambulatory care)

3. LTC facility

What other options do I have? For instance, what could I do if I worked in a hospital? Is there another area I should specialize in for geriatrics if I work in a hospital? Do Family NPs work in hospitals? What kind of work is available working in a doctor's office? Are there other facilities/types of work I have not listed?

I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!

Featured Replies

  • Expert
Hello,

At this point in my nursing education, I would like to be a Family Nurse Practitioner with a focus in geriatrics. The options I am aware of include

1. Having my own practice

2. Working in a doctor's office (ambulatory care)

3. LTC facility

What other options do I have? For instance, what could I do if I worked in a hospital? Is there another area I should specialize in for geriatrics if I work in a hospital? Do Family NPs work in hospitals? What kind of work is available working in a doctor's office? Are there other facilities/types of work I have not listed?

I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!

Geriatrics NP is not recognized by a number of states (this will probably get worse due to decisions about the certification). Most Geriatric NP programs seem to be dual programs with the ANP. You can find more information in the NP section here. A strictly geriatric NP would be tough to use in the hospital. As you will find in the NP section there are issues with FNPs working in inpatient settings (depending on your state).

David Carpenter, PA-C

  • Author

Thank you for your input!

One of the most difficult things in LTC is finding qualified medical personnel who want to work there...especially MDs. So many of the large SNFs with busy sub-acute floors, hire an NP to cover all those patients. I believe in Massachusetts you can not have a stand alone practice, so the plan is for the NP to work 'for' the medical director as an employee of the facility.

  • Author

1. I'm surprised that so few people have an interest in working in a LTC facility (as you mentioned). Why is that?

2. Since I am looking at all my options, are there other fields I have not considered? For instance, during my med-surg rotation, I worked on a cardiac unit and all but one patient was over age 77. Loved it!

3. What kind of NP works on a cardiac unit?

4. Are there other types of NPs that have a high load of geriatric patients?

I lean toward FNP, because I can work with people from the entire life span. However, if I get certification, I can focus on (and be more competent with) my geriatric patients when they show up.

5. Is there some sort of community/public health nursing with geriatric patients? If so, what is it/what is involved? I am a blank slate on this. Have no ideas about it since we have not done this clinical rotation yet.

I think you need to look at the specifics in your state. Eastern Maine Medical Center employes FNP with geriatic specialization to assist in providing continuity of care across the acute care/SNF/NF/Homecare settings. They are utilized as geriatric specialists by inpatient staff with questions/concerns and assist with coordination of services across the spectrum.

Also FNP in Maine working with some physicians to assist with nursing home and home visit responsibilities. After two years of working with a physician FNP - geriatric specialties form independant practices as well.

The what you can do and where really depends state to state.

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