Gero Nurse Prep Need

Nursing shortage

Issue 1: Workforce environment complicated by a critical nursing shortage.

The nursing shortage that pervades the U.S. exhibits itself at all levels - local, state and national. No large metro or small town is immune - and the problem is most severe in rural areas. The current jobs downturn has disguised the problem - but the deficit remains real and serious. more

The problem is not lack of interest in nursing as a career. Just the opposite. Across the U.S., qualified applicants far exceed capacity to educate them. The long-standing problem: insufficient facilities, student slots and faculty to train them. While nursing schools everywhere have scrambled to increase capacity, to prepare more nurses faster, the problem won't be solved soon. Projections call for a nursing deficit through 2030.

Retention Rate

Issue 2: It's hard to attract and retain good nurses, more so in a shortage.

The prolonged nursing shortage ramps up competition for nurses at all levels, especially RNs, in all types of nursing specialties and care settings. Nurses have lots of options. Outstanding nurses can often name their employer and terms.

Nursing Staff Stability

Issue 3: : Staff stability in general & specifically in LTC/AL facilities.

A stable, enthusiastic staff is crucial to success in any organization, any field. While nursing is an exceptionally rewarding career, it can also be stressful. more

Thus, an ongoing challenge for all nurse employers is to remedy staff burnout and turnover. Nursing studies show that the challenge is biggest for LTC/AL facilities. But Gero Nurse Prep results show that advanced gerontological education can significantly raise job satisfaction, contentment, loyalty and retention.

No Senior Care Training

Issue 5: 2/3 of all U.S. nurses have no senior care training, yet most patients in long-term care & more than 50% in hospitals are over 65.

Given rapid U.S. growth in the 65+ population over the past generation, that percentage is eye-opener #1. more

What it means: No matter how competent in core nursing skills, a new long-term care RN without proper preparation is basically engaged in permanent on-the-job training. That can make it difficult to relate to, communicate with, care for and 'read' senior residents - in terms of physical, mental and emotional health.

Only 1%

Issue 6: : Only 1% of the nation's 2.2 million RNs have gerontological certification.

Board certification is the gold standard for clinical nursing practice at the RN level. more

It symbolizes clinical excellence in a specialty. With the burgeoning older adult population, we need nurses who are prepared to care for this growing population.