Gerontological Option
Adult Nurse Practitioner students may enroll in this option to increase their knowledge and skills related to care of the frail elderly in a variety of long-term care settings. Adult Nurse Practitioner students who complete this option are eligible for national certification as Geriatric Nurse Practitioners (GNPs).
NPTC 534 Health Management of the Frail Elderly (3)
Focuses on providing a theory base for nursing assessment and management of common physical and psychosocial problems of frail elderly clients in both community and institutional settings. Interrelatedness of multiple health problems and normal age changes among the old-old are discussed in relationship to maintenance of functional ability, independence, and quality of life within a variety of supportive environments. Prerequisites: NPTC 535, 537, or consent of instructor for CNS students; concurrent enrollment in NPTC 536.
NPTC 536 Frail Elderly Health Management Practicum (1-2)
Provides a faculty-supervised clinical practicum in collaborative practice with advanced practice nurse and/or physician preceptors in institutional or community settings where frail elderly individuals are provided with preventive services and health promotion, maintenance, and rehabilitation. Emphasizes holistic assessment, maintenance of functional ability, and promotion of quality of life. Includes a seminar component that must be taken concurrently. Concurrent and/or prior enrollment in NPTC 534.