What does an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner do?

Kim Mullins, DNP, APRN-CNP, AOCNP, associate professor of nursing and coordinator of adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner online programs at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, discusses the role and what she enjoys about working in the field, along with some of the benefits of UC's programs.

Mullins: Although some people believe adult-gerontology nurse practitioners only take care of older people, we actually care for patients 13 and older, so your patients will range from adolescents to people along the entire life spectrum.

Mullins: Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners certified in primary care (as opposed to acute care) are not limited to working in primary care settings. We can work in specialty settings, such as dermatology, orthopedics, pulmonary, oncology clinics and more, as long as they are outpatient, community-focused settings.

Mullins: As an RN, I worked in several acute care settings, so when I began my graduate education, I started in an acute care nurse practitioner program, but I quickly realized adult-gero primary care nurse practitioners care for the same types of patients, but in outpatient settings. I liked that the adult-gerontology primary care specialty would allow me to build relationships with patients, address their health concerns long term, and offer support that I couldn’t provide in the hospital. 

Mullins: Our adult-gerontology primary care online programs prepare you to think critically and be a successful nurse practitioner through courses in advanced health assessment, differential diagnoses, pathophysiology, pharmacology and more.

One of the biggest strengths of nurse practitioners is that they are nurses first. We build on your previous experience and education as a nurse so you can look at a patient from a holistic approach and through the lens of a provider.

In our practicums, you work side-by-side with a nurse practitioner or physician, learning how to use the same skills you learned in your classes, but with real patients. These experiences, coupled with the online education we provide, prepare you for your certification exam and to care for patients as you proceed in your career.