I, too, am a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. I am rather suprised that GNP's were not mentioned as one KEY source for solving the growing shortage of geriatric provider shortage. Not only do we have the focused education in geriatrics and gerontology, but we are nurses first: we are positioned to be more prepared to address all aspects of care for the aging population. This includes physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and family care.

   We are able to diagnose and prescribe with varying degrees of physician oversight (depending on the state of licensure). With our specialized education, coupled with our nursing backgrounds, it is no wonder that care provided by GNP's is so welcomed by most patients, families, as well as the doctors or organizations that hire us. And our numbers are growing, which is a good thing.

   As mentioned by a previous responder, continued political involvement is key to enhancing our practice autonomy, which in turn, results in great care and comfort to our growing older adult population.

Lorraine Schwartz, RNP, GNP; University of Rhode Island; Lead Faculty, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program