HCGNE - Education Initiatives

• Increase the degree options for the preparation of gerontological nurses and nurse scientists
• Enrich the gerontological content of undergraduate curricula
• Use innovative clinical practicum sites

The University of Iowa College of Nursing
Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence
Young Gerontologic Nurse Clinician Program (YGNCP)

What is the Young Gerontologic Nurse Clinician Program?

The Young Gerontologic Nurse Clinician program (YGNC) is a 1-3 year mentored program for undergraduate nursing students interested in a career in gerontological nursing. This unique opportunity to participate as a YGNC is open to all undergraduate and RN-BSN students who qualify.

What is expected of Young Gero Nurse Clinicians?

• Participation in practicum experiences (averaging 1-2 hrs/week) that incorporate older adults in a variety of clinical settings. A monthly journal summarizing this experience will be required.
• Completion of a project under the direction of your faculty mentor and/or expert clinician on a topic of interest and importance to gerontologic nursing practice that results in a tangible product. For this project, the student is eligible to receive 1-3 hours of Independent Study or Honors Independent Study credit (for students who qualify) applicable toward graduation.
• The student will be expected to develop and present a poster related to their project at the annual Long-Term Care Conference sponsored by the College of Nursing and/or in the CON at an event showcasing the program.
• Participation in the interdisciplinary Geriatric Journal Club and/or Geriatric Grand Rounds at least once per semester.
• Attendance at the annual Long-term Care Conference sponsored by the College of Nursing.

Benefits of being a Young Gero Nurse Clinician (YGNC)

• Complimentary registration to the annual LTC Conference.
• The option of registering for Independent Study or Honors Independent Study for up to 3 credits toward graduation.
• Complimentary subscription to the Journal of Gerontological Nursing.
• Complimentary copy(s) of selected gerontologic texts and /or resources.
• A valuable and unique clinical honor on your curriculum vitae.
• Opportunities to learn and practice leadership skills in gerontological nursing.
• Certificate of Gerontological Clinical Practicum Excellence.
• Identification of a network of potential employers.
• Opportunity to attend a GNP or graduate class(s) in gerontological nursing; and/or to shadow a GNP, GNP students of outstanding gerontological nurse clinician.
• Opportunity to attend special Adult and Gerontological Area of Study & Hartford Center events.

YGNC mentors

You will be paired with a faculty mentor and expert clinician(s) who match most closely your clinical interests and professional goals.

Application process

Application materials are available in the Hartford Center office (490 CNB), or may be downloaded by the links below:

The YGNC application consists of the following items:

• Completion of the YGNCP Application
• Goal statement (no longer than 1 page, 12 point font) describing your clinical interests and professional goals as they relate to gerontological nursing, and your reason for interest in the YGNCP.
• Two (2) endorsements from faculty or other health care professionals confirming your potential for clinical leadership in gerontological nursing.
• Application (PDF)
• Transcript Release Form (PDF)

Submit all materials to:

Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence
Attention YGNCP
490 CNB

Application Deadlines:

Nov 1 for Spring enrollment in the YGNC program
April 1 for Fall enrollment in the YGNC program

Questions About the YGNC Program?

Contact Babara Kyles at 319/335-7380 or barbara-kyles@uiowa.edu.

Geriatrics and the Advanced Practice Curriculum: A Series of Web-Based Interactive Case Studies

The Geriatrics and the Advanced Practice Curriculum: A Series of Web-Based Interactive Case Studies was developed to provide a user-friendly way for faculty to integrate essential geriatric nursing content into non-gerontological nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist programs. However, practicing NPs or CNSs may also find them useful as a means for updating or adding to their geriatric knowledge base. Click here for details.