Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare
Prof. Name:
Date
Welcome, everyone! My name is Veronika Sysoyeva, and I am currently enrolled in the RN-BSN program at Chamberlain University. Thank you for attending this presentation, which focuses on the benefits of gerontological nursing board certification for home health registered nurses (RNs) caring for patients aged 65 and older. Gerontological board certification offers an opportunity for RNs to validate their knowledge and skills in providing specialized care to the geriatric population, promoting improved patient outcomes and professional development.
The Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC) is a competency-based examination provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It assesses entry-level clinical knowledge and skills for post-licensure RNs specializing in geriatric care. The certification process includes an online application, submission of supporting documents, and completion of a three-hour, 150-question exam. Costs for the certification range from $295 for American Nurses Association (ANA) members to $395 for non-members.
Eligible candidates must hold an active RN license, possess two years of full-time experience, complete at least 2,000 clinical hours in geriatric care, and finish 30 hours of continuing education in the specialty within the last three years. The certification is valid for five years and requires renewal based on professional development and continuing education.
Despite the growing geriatric population, a knowledge deficit exists among home health RNs regarding the benefits of gerontological certification. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2019, 54.1 million Americans were aged 65 or older. Of this group, a significant portion required home healthcare services, particularly as they aged: 4.5% of adults aged 65–69, 8.2% aged 70–74, and 13.2% aged 75 or older received such care.
This gap in certification knowledge has been linked to suboptimal patient outcomes, including increased falls with injuries. Research by Wei et al. (2023) underscores the positive correlation between board-certified nurses and improved patient outcomes, such as reduced falls, healthcare-acquired infections, and mortality rates. Board certification ensures that nurses possess advanced expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Facilitators to Certification | Barriers to Certification | Impact of Certification |
---|---|---|
Studies link certification to improved patient outcomes (e.g., reduced falls and infections). | High cost of exams, study materials, and time constraints. | Decreased patient falls, infections, and mortality. |
Certification validates advanced expertise and commitment to professional development. | Lack of organizational support and awareness about benefits. | Enhances agency culture through improved staff satisfaction and retention. |
Creates role models among certified nurses, promoting peer mentorship and shared resources. | Limited research on specific certifications’ effects on home health outcomes. | Certified RNs demonstrate leadership and promote evidence-based practices. |
Wei et al. (2023) emphasized that board-certified nurses not only exhibit specialized knowledge but also foster professional development within their organizations. Certified nurses often act as mentors, encouraging peers to pursue certification by sharing resources and highlighting its benefits. However, the study revealed barriers such as the financial cost of certification, limited time, and insufficient organizational support. Wei et al. recommend additional research to explore the direct impact of certifications like GERO-BC on specific patient outcomes.
The GERO-BC certification offers numerous benefits for home health RNs, including improved patient outcomes and professional growth. Despite challenges such as cost and time constraints, certification equips nurses with the skills necessary to address the complex needs of the geriatric population. Encouraging more RNs to pursue GERO-BC will enhance care quality and reduce adverse events like falls and infections.
Continued research is needed to establish stronger evidence linking certification to improved outcomes in home health settings. Nonetheless, existing studies demonstrate that board-certified nurses positively impact healthcare delivery by fostering a culture of excellence and lifelong learning.
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). (2024). Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC). Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/gerontological-nurse/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018). QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥65 Years Who Received Care at Home From a Nurse or Other Health Care Professional During the Past 12 Months, by Age Group — National Health Interview Survey, United States. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6927a7
Wei, H., Haddad, L. M., Nwokocha, T. A., Powers, M., Wei, A., Carroll, Q., & Ballard, N. (2023). Organizational culture and roles in promoting nurse specialty certifications: A qualitative study in the United States. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 10(2), 189–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2023.03.003
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