An adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AG-ACNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides comprehensive care for adults and older adults with complex, acute or critical health issues. These skilled registered nurses work in acute care settings, such as emergency departments, intensive care units and specialty care units to manage conditions like chronic diseases and episodic illnesses.
The demand for qualified AG-ACNPs is growing due to an increase in the aging population, critical gaps in specialized healthcare services and higher incidences of chronic health conditions in older adults. This article explains what AG-ACNPs do, essential skills required for this role, job opportunities and how the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – AG-ACNP program from Youngstown State University (YSU) can help you advance your nursing career.
What Does an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Do?
Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioners diagnose and treat conditions, provide holistic care, perform complex medical procedures, and coordinate patient care from admissions to discharge. They also assist with patients’ transition to outpatient settings. This type of specialized care is specific to chronically ill and/or critically ill patients, primarily those who are elderly.
Work settings include intensive care units, trauma units, specialty clinics, emergency departments and hospital inpatient units. AG-ACNPs have working knowledge of clinical manifestations and patient responses to specific care challenges, and can interpret physical assessment findings to determine diagnoses, care needs, health promotion and maintenance.
How to Become an AG-ACNP
Several steps are required to become an AG-ACNP, starting with earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for nursing practice. After earning your BSN, you must receive your RN license by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Hands-on experience as a registered nurse, particularly in a critical care setting, is highly recommended before you apply for a nurse practitioner program.
The next step requires you to apply to a graduate program in AG-ACNP. While in the program, you must complete 500 or more hours of faculty-supervised clinical care in an acute care setting, ideally focusing on the AG-ACNP role and population.
After completing your degree and the required clinical hours, you must apply to take the national certification exam for AG-ACNPs. This exam is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
Once you have your graduate degree and national certification, you’ll need to apply for and receive your nurse practitioner license. This license should be obtained from the state where you plan to practice, and specific requirements vary by location.
What Are the Essential Skills for AG-ACNPs?
Successful AG-ACNPs must have a combination of clinical, interpersonal and leadership skills. Examples of clinical skills you’ll gain include advanced assessment and diagnosis through health screenings and tests, procedural competence, pharmacologic expertise, evidence-based practice, and rapid critical thinking and decision-making.
Interpersonal skills you will acquire include effective communication, empathy and compassion, cultural competence and patient advocacy. As a clinical and ethical leader, you’ll also develop leadership skills, such as team coordination and collaboration, mentorship, and conflict resolution.
What Is the Career Outlook for AG-ACNPs?
The demand for advanced nurses is on the rise and is expected to grow 35% by 2034, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This rate is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by retirements and career shifts creating new job openings, an increasing aging population, the growing prevalence of chronic disease, and an increasing need for high-quality, team-based models of care.
In addition to adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner roles, AG-ACNPs may work as hospitalist nurse practitioners, primary care nurse practitioners, geriatric care specialists or palliative care providers. They can also practice in specialized units such as wound care or cardiac electrophysiology. Typical care settings include intensive care units, hospitals, specialty clinics, emergency care centers, skilled nursing facilities and long-term acute care facilities.
Inside the Online Nursing Experience at YSU
Youngstown State University’s online MSN AG-ACNP degree is designed for busy working nurses, offering multiple start dates and flexible course scheduling to help you balance your career, home life and education. Core coursework covers topics including healthcare issues and trends, theoretical foundations in science and research, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced diagnostics and technologies. Specialized courses include Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 1, 2 and 3, along with corresponding practicums.
Students in the program complete 540 supervised clinical hours in acute care settings, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of expert instructors. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring it meets the highest standards of advanced nursing education.
Begin Your Journey Toward a Successful Nursing Career
The AG-ACNP path is a rewarding career path that empowers nurses to fulfill their goal of providing compassionate, holistic care to adult and elderly patients. This specialized nursing field has strong job prospects, high salary potential and allows you to make a positive impact on the patients you treat.
Take the next step toward your career goals with YSU’s online MSN – AG-ACNP program. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward a new career in nursing, apply online today.
