Mennonite Offers Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Graduate Sequence

Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University is further enhancing its commitment to the care of older adults with the addition of a new gerontological nurse practitioner graduate sequence.  Classes in the sequence offer nurses specialized education in the diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions found among older adults.

The gerontological nurse practitioner sequence is targeted toward practicing nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and who wish to expand their level of expertise in the care of aging patients.  Classes within the sequence are offered online and students will complete their clinical practice experiences in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient settings, and long-term care facilities.

The first class of students in the sequence will begin classes in the summer of 2008.  The development of the gerontological nurse practitioner sequence and curriculum was made possible through grant funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

“Gerontological nurse practitioners are in demand to address the growing need for care focused on the chronic conditions and symptoms associated with aging,” said Elizabeth Carlson, assistant professor at Mennonite College of Nursing.  “This graduate sequence will give nurses the expertise needed to provide advanced care to older patients and their families.”