NR 447 Week 4 Part 2

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-447: RN Collaborative Healthcare

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

Welcome everyone! My name is __, and I am currently enrolled in the RN-BSN program at Chamberlain University. I appreciate your participation in this presentation on the advantages of gerontological nursing board certification for home health registered nurses (RNs) who care for patients aged 65 and older.

Benefits of Gerontological Certification

The gerontological nursing board certification is a competency-based examination designed to validate the foundational knowledge and skills of post-licensure RNs specializing in gerontological care. According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the certification serves as a valid and reliable assessment of clinical expertise in this specialty (ANCC, 2024). The exam assesses the clinical competency of registered nurses in gerontological care, and its acquisition reflects the nurse’s commitment to high-quality care and professional development.

To qualify for the Gerontological Nurse Certification (GERO-BC), RNs must meet certain requirements. Applicants must hold an active RN license, have two years of full-time RN experience, and complete at least 2,000 clinical hours and 30 continuing education (CE) hours in gerontological care (ANCC, 2024). The exam can be scheduled online through the ANCC website, and upon passing, the certification is valid for five years. The cost of certification is $395 for non-ANA members and $295 for ANA members (ANCC, 2024).

Certification Examination and Renewal

The GERO-BC exam is available year-round and offers a 120-day window for completion after application submission. The computer-based exam consists of 150 questions, including 25 non-scored items, and must be completed within three hours (ANCC, 2024). Results are reported as pass or fail, with retests available after 60 days, up to three attempts per year, at a cost of $270 per retest.

The certification must be renewed every five years. Applicants are required to maintain an active RN license and demonstrate continued professional development. This includes completing 75 CE hours in the gerontological specialty, as well as participating in one of eight professional development activities, such as research, publications, or quality improvement projects (ANCC, 2024). The renewal fee is $350 for non-ANA members and $250 for ANA members.

Importance of Gerontological Certification in Home Health Nursing

Home health RNs who provide care to patients over 65 years old can significantly benefit from gerontological board certification. This certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and skills necessary for providing age-appropriate care to the elderly population. According to the CDC, in 2019, 54.1 million U.S. adults were 65 or older, comprising 16% of the population. Moreover, the percentage of elderly adults receiving home care from nurses increased with age, highlighting the growing need for specialized geriatric care (CDC, 2018).

Although limited research exists on the impact of nursing certification in home health settings, studies in other healthcare settings have shown a positive correlation between board-certified nurses and improved patient outcomes. Certified nurses have been linked to reduced rates of falls, healthcare-associated infections, and overall mortality (Wei et al., 2023). Therefore, gerontological certification can enhance patient outcomes and elevate the quality of care provided by home health nurses.

Problem Statement: Knowledge Deficit Among Home Health RNs

There is a notable knowledge deficit regarding the benefits of gerontological nursing certification among home health RNs, which is evidenced by patient falls with injuries. The aging population and the increasing need for home health services necessitate more specialized knowledge in geriatric care. However, many home health nurses lack awareness of the certification process and its benefits, leading to potential negative impacts on patient outcomes.

A study conducted by Wei et al. (2023) identified both facilitators and barriers to obtaining nursing board certification. The study found that board-certified nurses value organizational recognition, a sense of belonging, and professional development, which fosters higher-quality patient care. However, barriers such as the cost of certification, time constraints, and a lack of knowledge about the certification process remain challenges for many RNs (Wei et al., 2023).

Conclusion

The GERO-BC is a competency-based exam that validates the skills of post-licensure RNs specializing in gerontological care. It is crucial for RNs working in home health settings to pursue this certification, as it directly impacts the quality of care provided to the elderly population. While there are barriers to obtaining certification, such as time and cost, the benefits—including improved patient outcomes, professional recognition, and a commitment to lifelong learning—far outweigh these challenges. More studies are needed to further investigate the specific effects of board certification in the home health setting, but current evidence suggests that certified RNs significantly improve patient outcomes. Encouraging more home health RNs to pursue gerontological certification will lead to better care for the elderly population and improved job satisfaction for nurses.

References

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). (2024). Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC). 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. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6927a7

NR 447 Week 4 Part 2

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