AGACNPs care for the sickest of the sick, the physiologically unstable, technologically dependent and highly vulnerable patients.
– Linda Briggs D.N.P., ACNP-BC, FAANP
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) provide care for the sickest of the sick in a variety of clinical care settings. And in a world where the baby-boom generation is living longer and needing more health care, nurses with expertise in treating older adults in the acute care setting will be in high demand.
So, if you’re looking for a career where you can make a real difference, you might consider becoming an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
It’s time for another riveting episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World. We’re excited to welcome two advanced practice nursing faculty join us: Linda Briggs, D.N.P, ACNP-BC, FAANP and Helen Brown, M.S., ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP.
Key points covered in this episode:
✔️A Trailblazer in Nurse Education: Dr Linda A. Briggs’ Legacy in the Field
Linda A. Briggs has been a cardiovascular specialist for decades – so long that she’s earned dual certification as an Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She received a Fulbright Specialist, and she was awarded the GW Bender Teaching Award in 2017, proving her commitment to educating future nurse practitioners.
✔️From ED to Classroom: Experienced AGACNP Nurse—Helen Ferguson Brown
Helen Ferguson Brown has over 20 years of experience in Emergency Departments and a passion for quality patient care. She is an acute care nurse practitioner and an adjunct clinical instructor at GW University, where she’s been teaching AGACNP students for 5 years. Her dedication to education has earned her national recognition, including the esteemed Circle of Excellence Award from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
✔️Mastering the Art and Science of AGACNP: What They Do and Why It Matters?
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) are the superheroes who save lives in emergencies. These highly trained nurse practitioners take care of those who are the sickest of the sick, the physiologically unstable, technologically dependent and highly vulnerable patients, and they work their magic in all sorts of settings – not just hospitals.
They might be found saving lives in rehab centers, performing superhero feats in ambulatory surgical centers, or even flying high as flight nurses on helicopters. No matter where they’re based, AGACNPs are ready to leap into action whenever their patients need them.
✔️From Bedside to Boardroom: Where AGACNPs Make Their Mark
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses wants to remind us that care isn’t bound by location. AGACNPs, who traditionally work in hospitals, can also be found in other settings – outpatient clinics, urgent care facilities, and even rehab and long-term care facilities. Their adult general background allows them to work in many different places. The possibilities are endless for these versatile healthcare professionals. Although they work with a team, they are more like independent providers, taking charge and making the tough calls.
✔️AGACNP Salaries: How Much Can You Really Make?
Are you ready to give your nursing career a boost? As an AGACNP, you have your pick of exciting job opportunities, especially in hospitals. And we’re not just talking pocket change – according to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Jan 2023 is a sweet $108,054. But wait, there’s more! In Washington, DC, you can rake in a cool $115,659, as reported by Salary.com. Keep in mind, the numbers may vary depending on location and workplace.
✔️ AGACNP Training Using Simulate
Simulation labs at GW are top-notch, allowing students to diagnose and assess critically ill patients. From scenarios based on real-life experiences in the emergency department and ICUs, they have to diagnose various conditions, from septic shock to arrhythmias. Essentially, they’re given a chance to practice their AGSCNP skills without any real-life consequences, of course.
✔️ Mapping Out Your Nursing Degree
Are you a nurse passionate about helping the most complex and critically ill patients? If you’re a BSN-prepared nurse or certified nurse practitioner seeking to become an advanced practice nurse, look no further than GW’s AG-ACNP program!
Our part-time MSN program spans 48 credits and 600 clinical hours, while our BSN-DNP program covers 70 credits and 1000 clinical hours. For those already holding a Master’s degree, our post-Master’s certificate might be right up your alley with 20 credits and 600 clinical hours. Don’t wait; apply now to take your nursing career to the next level!
✔️ AGACNP Education at GW
Want to dive into the world of adult gerontology acute care nursing? You can find out all the juicy details on Nursing.gwu.edu! Apply now ~ and if you need any help or have questions, you can call Dr. Linda Briggs, D.N.P., ACNP-BC, FAANP, at 202-994-6259.
If you have questions, or comments or need help, please feel free to drop a one-minute audio or video clip and email it to me at melissabphd@gmail.com, and I will get back to you by recording an answer to your question.
More Resources About Memory And Alzheimer’s Disease …
This Is Getting Old has several other episodes about memory and Alzheimer’s. You can check them out below:
- EP: 65 – What are the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease? Part I: Symptoms of Early- and Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
- EP: 66 – What are the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease? Part II: Symptoms of Late- and End-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
- EP: 64 – Alzheimer’s Disease and Living Alone: Four Signs Someone May Not Be Safe at Home Alone
- EP: 63 – Alzheimer’s Disease and Driving: Five Signs That It’s Time to Take the Keys
- EP 38: Ten Tips for Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
About Melissa:
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (‘96) and Master of Science in Nursing (‘00) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON). I truly enjoy working with the complex medical needs of older adults. I worked full-time for five years as FNP in geriatric primary care across many long-term care settings (skilled nursing homes, assisted living, home and office visits) then transitioned into academic nursing in 2005, joining the faculty at UNCW SON as a lecturer.
I obtained my PhD in Nursing and a post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing (2011) ) and then joined the faculty at Duke University School of Nursing as an Assistant Professor. My family moved to northern Virginia in 2015 and led to me joining the faculty at George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing in 2018 as a (tenured) Associate Professor where I am also the Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health and Humanities.
Find out more about her work HERE.
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