A Commentary on the Future of Geropsychiatric Nursing Practice: Definition, Education, and Advocacy

Abstract

Positioning geropsychiatric nursing (GPN) to meet the challenges of providing care to a growing population of older adults demands enhanced clarity in how the specialty defines the scope and focus of its practice. A distinctive professional profile will facilitate innovative approaches to other essential tasks: educating nurses as well as policy makers and the public about the unique contributions of GPNs to mental health care; advocating for more equitable treatment in the arenas of research support, reimbursement, and full participation on multidisciplinary clinical teams; and organizing GPNs into a critical mass capable of speaking with one compelling voice.