The characteristics and practice proficiency of nurse practitioners who care for older adults.

Roughly 54 million Americans are 65 years of age or older. Given the number of comorbid diseases reported in older adults, healthcare tailored to the specific needs of this population is imperative. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are uniquely positioned to provide care to older adults; yet little is known about the geriatric-oriented NP workforce. In this study, four professional organizations distributed a survey link to their members who were queried on their demographic, employment, and practice characteristics; one organization's members responded to a previous survey, providing two time points for comparison. Compared with 2016 respondents, there was minimal growth in diversity, fewer who practice in suburban or rural areas, and restrictions on clinical education related to the ongoing pandemic. The findings from this study should alert policymakers of the need to address the development of an adequate workforce of clinicians who specialize in geriatrics.

Characteristics and practice patterns of advanced practice registered nurses caring for older adults: A survey of Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association members.

BACKGROUND: Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play a pivotal role in meeting the increasing needs of elder care given the aging population. A good understanding of the characteristics of gerontological APRNs is important for future workforce planning. PURPOSE: To understand the demographic, employment, and practice characteristics of APRNs who provide elder care. METHODS: A 34-item survey was distributed to 2,500 current members of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. Three hundred and sixty-four members provided demographic information and employment and practice patterns. To examine the sample representativeness, the survey sample was compared with a sample drawn from the National Sample Survey of Nurse Practitioners 2012. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Most respondents were older than 55 years, held a master's degree, were certified as a Gerontology APRN, worked in a long-term/elder care setting as an APRN, earned a salary ranging from $105,001 to $125,000, and practiced in urban or suburban areas. Most respondents worked full time, provided care for people who were 55 to 75 years old, and prescribed under a collaborative agreement. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The study results suggested that gerontological APRNs have the experience and competence to meet the increasing needs of elder care, practice in a variety of settings, including in rural areas, and spend much time with patients. Future efforts are needed to support APRN practice, such as improving their autonomy and independence.