Janet Jesiolowski, BSN, RN-BC, CSRN, CFN, SCRN, CMSRN
By Erin Flynn Jay
Finding Her Calling in Gerontological Nursing
Janet Jesiolowski first became interested in gerontological nursing after reading a nursing journal article on caring for the elderly population. The piece highlighted that older adults were among the fastest-growing patient populations in the United States, yet only 1% of all nurses were certified in gerontological nursing. That startling statistic motivated her to pursue certification and deepen her knowledge of the unique needs of aging patients.
She became certified in gerontological nursing in 2015. “I wanted to be fully prepared to understand the unique healthcare needs of the growing elderly population by gaining knowledge of the aging process and its impact in my clinical practice,” she explained.
Path to Certification
Jesiolowski’s hospital had recently achieved NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Health System Elders) facility certification, which opened the door to new educational opportunities. Through NICHE, she earned her Geriatric Resource Nurse certification before sitting for her board exam with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
While NICHE resources prepared her well, she emphasized the importance of personal accountability: “No one is going to just hand you the information to take the exam.”
She recertifies through continuing education units (CEUs) and began earning them immediately after certification. “As soon as I became certified, I started researching and attending CEUs to maintain it.”
Applying Knowledge in the Emergency Room
Today, Jesiolowski works as an emergency room staff nurse, where her gerontological expertise is essential since most of her patients are elderly. Common issues she encounters include:
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Use of potentially inappropriate medications (per the Beers Criteria)
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Altered mental status related to urinary tract infections
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Adverse effects of opioid use in chronic pain
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Determining when patients can no longer live independently
Her certification allows her to detect subtle clinical changes and intervene early, improving patient outcomes.
The Value of Certification
For Jesiolowski, the best part of being certified is the validation it brings: “Patients often inquire about my gerontological certification pin, and it gives me the ability to explain my certification to them. It also provides me the opportunity to be a role model to my peers about the importance of achieving nursing certification and its benefits to patient care.”
She keeps her knowledge sharp by reading journals, attending conferences, and maintaining membership in nursing organizations.
Balancing the Demands of Nursing
The role of a gerontological nurse can be physically and emotionally draining. Jesiolowski admits she wishes there had been more emphasis on self-care:
“Too often nurses are too tired after a shift to prepare a meal and instead use the fast-food drive-through. I would advise new nurses to prepare healthy meals ahead of time and find an activity to unwind—whether it’s a walk, listening to music, or meeting friends—rather than focusing on how chaotic the day was at work.”
Looking Ahead
In addition to her gerontological certification, Jesiolowski is also board certified as a Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) and a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN). She is currently preparing for her Emergency Nurse certification.
She believes success as a gerontological RN requires:
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A strong understanding of the physiological changes of aging
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Astute critical thinking skills
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Commitment to evidence-based practice
Her advice for others considering this path is simple: “Go for it. You’ll improve your clinical knowledge, sharpen your critical thinking skills, and provide the very best care to an elder population that so greatly needs it.”
👉 Gerontological Nurse Certification Overview
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