Many in the nursing profession would argue that there is a significant shortage of gerontological nurses. This observation is startling considering the National Institute on Health reports a “gerontological explosion” of older adults in the United States and around the world. Gerontological nursing is an often-neglected area in basic nursing education. In this discussion topic, we will look at the reasons why gerontological nursing is an underserved area of practice.
After reading and viewing the required instructional materials, draft a response to the following questions:
1. What does the term “gerontological nurse” mean to you?
2. Why do you think so few students choose gerontological nursing as a specialty?
3. What would increase interest in this area of nursing?
4. What is the relationship between A Profile of Older Americans: 2016 and the ANA Standards and Scope of Practice Nursing?
