Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

Faculty Coordinator:

Christine Mueller, Ph.D., RN
612-626-4922 or cmueller@umn.edu

Specialty Area Information:

With the increasing number of elderly persons, there is a need for nurses who have expertise in gerontological nursing. In response to this community need, the University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers courses to prepare nurses to become Gerontological Nurse Practitioners and Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Students who pursue the Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (GCNS) area of study take core courses in nursing theory, moral/ethical issues, and research. They acquire skills in health assessment, including functional, socio-economic, psychological/cognitive, and physical assessment. They learn the dynamics of aging, interventions for health promotion, and planning and implementation of programs to improve quality of care for elderly patients throughout the continuum of care. As a population of frail elders continues to increase, there is likely to be a greater demand for clinical experts in Gerontological Nursing.

Multiple opportunities are available for students to:

• Work with nationally and internationally recognized faculty members conducting research on health care issues of the elderly.
• Become an active member in and have access to resources available from the School of Nursing Center for Gerontological Nursing.
• Practice with renowned practitioner preceptors in innovative health care settings.
• Attend lectures/seminars/conferences presented by prominent leaders in nursing and gerontology.
• Participate in innovative interdisciplinary education experiences.

Students who pursue the Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist (GCNS) complete the required practicum hours to be eligible for the national certification examination.

Sample Plan and Required Courses

Course Descriptions

Jobs/Roles of GCNS

The GCNS possess expertise about the nursing care of elderly at various points along the health continuum. The GCNS serves as a clinical expert in the planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care standards. A significant role of the GCNS is providing staff, patient and family education, identifying clinical research opportunities, and developing and/or coordinating programs specific to the needs of elders.

Certification

Completion of required GCNS coursework and clinical experience provides eligibility to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center GCNS certification examination.

Admission to the GCNS Specialty

GCNS course work starts fall term and includes approximately 600 hours of clinical experience. Efforts are made to provide students with practica in a variety of clinical settings within their geographical area. Practica are under the direction of GNP/GCNS certified faculty, and supervised by certified nurse practitioner and clinical specialist preceptors or physicians. Applicants are required to have at least one year of experience working with the elderly population.

Those students interested in GCNS area of study that are not selected may be placed on a waiting list. If placed on a waiting list, it does not ensure entrance into the GCNS area of study for the following year. If not selected from the wait list, you must reapply to be considered for a subsequent year.

Those students already enrolled in Graduate School at the School of Nursing in a different area of study, may apply for the GCNS area of study by submitting a new School of Nursing application and a Graduate School Change of College form. Applications are due November 1. Contact the School of Nursing Office of Student Services if you have questions.

Students who have completed a Master's of Science degree in nursing and are interested in pursuing coursework which would allow them to take the ANCC GCNS certification examination may apply for the Post-Masters Certificate Program.