families through complex clinical and personal decisions. The continuous presence of nurses is foundational to communication, stability, and safety within long-term care communities.
Providing nursing care in these settings requires strong assessment skills, sound clinical judgment, and effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. These competencies are valuable in every area of nursing practice. Many nurses report that caring for older adults enhances their confidence, strengthens their clinical decision-making, and prepares them for leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings.
Trends in the RN Workforce
Despite strong demand, longterm care remains underrepresented among RNs. A national workforce analysis found that only about 10 % of RNs work in long-term care( Spetz et al., 2025). While compensation in these settings may be lower than in some acute-care environments, the study identified significant predictors of engagement, including gerontological knowledge, previous experience, and opportunities for leadership.
For nurses who wish to deepen their gerontological expertise over time, advanced practice preparation and specialty certification are essential pathways.
To distinguish advanced practice RNs( APRNs) who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults, the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission offers an( APRN) specialty certification in gerontology. This credential, the Gerontological Specialist Certified( GS-C), recognizes advanced proficiency and commitment to excellence in gerontological care. The GS-C recognizes APRNs who practice at a high level of proficiency in the care of older adults and signals a strong commitment to excellence in gerontological practice( Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission, n. d.).
The need for nurses prepared to care for older adults extends across the health system. Hospitals, primary care practices, home health agencies, rehabilitation programs, hospice, and long-term care organizations all rely on clinicians with gerontological expertise( National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022). This creates a wide range of employment possibilities and opportunities for specialization over the course of a career.
Advanced Practice Nurses in the Care of Older Adults
Advanced practice providers are central to the delivery of high-quality care for older adults. Nurse practitioners now represent nearly 60 % of fulltime primary care clinicians in U. S. nursing homes( Goodwin et al., 2021). Their roles include acute and chronic disease management, symptom assessment, care coordination, and leadership in quality improvement initiatives.
Recent evidence highlights strong professional fulfillment among nurse practitioners in long-term care. In a national study, nurse practitioners reported high satisfaction related to autonomy, interdisciplinary collaboration, meaningful relationships with residents and families, and the ability to influence care systems( Posey et al., 2025). Many indicated an intention to remain in long-term care practice because of the significant impact they can make on resident well-being. Systematic reviews have also demonstrated that advanced practice providers reduce avoidable hospitalizations, improve symptom management, and enhance family satisfaction( Lovink et al., 2017; Mileski et al., 2020). These findings underscore the importance of developing a strong pipeline of nurses who are prepared to move into advanced practice roles focused on the care of older adults.
Supporting Emerging Nurses
Professional organizations play a critical role in supporting students and early-career nurses exploring gerontological practice. The Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association( GAPNA) is a professional organization that advances the well-being and treatment of older adults through advocacy, education, and member engagement opportunities( GAPNA, n. d.). GAPNA is an advanced practice nursing organiza-
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