Several nurses have decided to become Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners. The profession offers them a wide range of professional development and earning potential opportunities. This article explores some of the reasons why people choose this career.

Professional Development

Professional development is an essential part of your career, whether you are a seasoned NP or a newcomer to the profession. Whether you are looking for a way to advance your education, gain leadership experience, or become more involved in the community, professional organizations can provide you with all these things. You may want to explore online AGNP  programs that may suit your needs and accessibility. There are several different types of professional organizations for aging care NPs. They range from specialty-specific organizations to more general associations. Each one can be helpful when it comes to aging care NPs. An aging care NP will often work in a hospital or specialty clinic. Some adult-gerontology NPs also work in outpatient settings, but most aging care NP jobs are in an acute care setting. Those interested in pursuing a career in aging care can pursue a post-professional certificate in gerontology. This certificate is designed for adult gerontology nurse practitioners with graduate preparation.

Ability To Work In A Wide Range Of Environments

Obtaining an adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) degree will enable you to treat patients across the lifespan. You can work in different settings, including hospitals, private practices, and community clinics. You may also be called upon to provide education, prevention, or disease management. A typical adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner’s work schedule will include days, evenings, and weekends. Some AGNPs work in hospitals and specialty clinics. Others work in schools or industry. In either case, you will be expected to utilize various technological tools to keep up with the latest advancements in the field. You will also be required to complete several continuing education hours to maintain your licensure. You will need to renew your ACLS certification every two years. A licensed Nurse Practitioner can earn a salary of up to $113,542 per year, depending on your geographic location and the type of job you do.

Ability To Help Caregivers Deal With Challenges

Having the ability to help caregivers deal with challenges as an adult gerontology nurse practitioner is an essential skill for nurses. The aging population is rapidly increasing in the United States, and there is a need for more geriatric specialists. As a result, nursing professionals must continue to develop their expertise in caring for aging patients. Adult gerontology nurse practitioners care for aging patients with acute and chronic illnesses. They can also provide therapeutic interventions to maintain their patient’s optimal level of function. They may work in an acute care facility, an emergency department, or a hospice. In addition to treating disease and illness, gerontological nurses are responsible for evaluating the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of aging. They may work with family members to develop care plans and discuss end-of-life decisions. They can also prescribe medications, depending on state laws. An aging population is complex, and a nurse’s job is to assess the patient’s physical, spiritual, and environmental factors. They must formulate a care plan tailored to meet each individual’s needs. 

Earning Potential

Whether you are a new graduate looking to make a career change or are considering a new career in the healthcare industry, understanding the earning potential of becoming an adult gerontology nurse practitioner can help you decide if it’s a good career choice for you. The earning potential of this career depends on the state you live in, your specialty, and your job qualifications. Although there isn’t an exact earning estimate, it’s expected that the average annual salary of a nurse practitioner in 2020 will be $111,680. This figure is lower than the estimated earnings of a geriatrician but higher than that of a women’s health nurse practitioner, who earns an average of $100,000 per year.