WANTED: clinical experts to teach the next generation of gerontological nursing professionals. Why it's important to be an "early adopter" of the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

T statistics are staggering and cited often: Between 2000 and 2030, the U.S. population of older adults is projected to double as the Baby Boomer generation turns 65 (He, Sengupta, Velkoff, & DeBarros, 2005). These increased numbers of older adults bring more complex health care needs, including startling epidemics of obesity and diabetes, and higher acuity during a nursing shortage that is only projected to get worse (Auerbach, Buerhaus, & Staiger, 2007). Escalating retirements of clinical nurse experts and leaders contribute to this worsening nursing shortage (Hader, Saver, & Steltzer, 2006), as do faculty shortages that result in qualified applicants being turned away from undergraduate and graduate nursing programs (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2007). The expanding number of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs represents a positive step forward in addressing older adults’ health care acuity and complexity by preparing expert clinicians with enhanced clinical, leadership, and research skills (AACN, 2004). The practice doctorate offers an exciting opportunity for advanced practice nurses (APNs) to strengthen the bridge between gerontological nursing science and practice through practice inquiry. DNP-prepared clinicians will be adept at translating research data into the practice arena to improve care for older adults, as well as generating new approaches to address deficiencies in the health care system. In addition, DNP graduates with clinical expertise in gerontological nursing will be well prepared to provide high-quality mentorship to APNs caring for older adults and address current and future shortages by moving into educator roles at academic institutions (Brown et al., 2006). We invite you to join other “early adopters” of this trend (Hathaway, Jacob, Stegbauer, Thompson, & Graff, 2006), seek DNP preparation, and support the education of DNP graduates with gerontological expertise. Early adopters have a greater opportunity to shape DNP academic programs and clinical practice while demonstrating—to other professionals, policy makers, and funding agencies—that the DNP offers an innovative solution to health care and workforce needs. How can you be an early adopter in ways that will enhance gerontological nursing?