Transitioning to an Adult/Gerontological curriculum

Nurse practitioner (NP) curriculum will change based on the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation (LACE) recommendations (AACN,2010). One recommendation for educational programs is that Adult NP and Gerontological NP programs merge to create Adult/Gerontological NP (A/GNP) programs. Certifying bodies, such as ANCC have indicated that future exams will cover content in both populations.  Thus NP educational programs with Adult or Gerontological Primary Care programs will need to explore means for combining their programs. This presentation/poster will describe one program’s A/GNP curriculum, implementation issues, and outcomes.

The NP Program at the University opened their Adult/Gerontological  Primary Care  NP program in 2005, after reviewing population trends and programs available in the state. At that time, there were no similar programs in the state. The development of a Master’s of Science A/GNP Primary care program was an innovative, proactive approach adapted from the University of Iowa NP curriculum, nationally known for their expertise in gerontological nursing.

Providing content in both population foci,  the A/GNP students graduating from this program have the knowledge base to provide primary care to adults across their lifespan, especially important given the trends for aging into one’s 80’s and 90’s.  The curriculum is integrated with the Family Nurse Practitioner program, so that all NP students enroll in a first clinical course in which content focuses on episodic care.  Following this course, A/GNP student enroll in a dedicated five credit didactic and clinical course in gerontological content.  Didactic content is derived from evidence based sources and includes online resources from The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, American Geriatric Society, and others. Mentored clinical experiences focus on transitional care and include rehabilitation, long term care, and primary care. Students are also provided short term experiences with a palliative care NP, and a GNP working in a community based memory evaluation clinic. Simulation and older adult actors as standardized patients have been teaching as well as evaluation methods. Curriculum, teaching and evaluation methods, enrollment trends and outcomes of the program will be discussed.