Purpose : The elderly population in the Republic of Korea was over 8.3% in 2003. This segment is projected to grow to 14.4% by 2019, with average life expectancy at 77.5 years for men and 84.1 year for women. According to significant increases in elderly population over 80 years of age, the demand of expert care for the bedridden and those suffering from dementia will be increased. The expanding role of nurses caring for the elderly requires that we properly define the role of the gerontological nurse practitioner (GNP).
Method : The authors collected and analyzed the following sources available from nations where systems have already been in place for the gerontological nurse practitioner: educational manuals, textbooks, research papers, and Web sites for American Nurses Credentialing Center and Gerontological Nurse Practitioners.
Result : The facilities and settings where GNPs serve are in-patient and out-patient acute care settings, long term care facilities, respite care facilities, day care centers, home-care agencies, community centers for the elderly, continuing care retirement communities. Although there are differences in role by setting of service, GNPs are nurse clinicians, educators, counselors, coordinators, facility administrators, researchers, advisors in ethical decision making, health services managers, self-care trainers, preventative-care administrators, environmental managers, advocates, program evaluators, information providers, and emergency responders.
Conclusion : The role and functions of GNPs according to the facilities and settings in South Korea should be analyzed and developed.
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