What is a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)?
The National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (NCGNP) 2003 Position Paper defines Gerontological Nurse Practitioners (GNPs) as follows: Gerontological Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses with specialized education in the diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions often found among older adults and generally associated with aging. Many such conditions lead to functional decline requiring therapeutic interventions to restore or maintain an optimal level of function, or when appropriate, palliative care. Such chronic or debilitating conditions are often complex and can occur in younger adults. The GNP has the clinical expertise to care for such aging persons. . . . The GNP may treat adults of any age who have acute and chronic conditions. Who employs Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioners? Adult and or gerontological nurse practitioners are employed by physicians, clinics, and health departments to see patients in the traditional
