Pioneering Change: Dr. George Peraza-Smith on the Future of Gerontological Nursing

Welcome to another episode of NPower Healthcare, where host Deb Tedesco is joined by Dr. George Peraza-Smith, the newly elected President of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA). In this enlightening episode, Dr. Peraza-Smith shares his vision for advancing gerontological nursing, strengthening leadership roles for nurse practitioners, and ensuring high-quality care for older adults nationwide.

Dr. Peraza-Smith discusses the current healthcare challenges in Florida and how nurse practitioners play a crucial role in overcoming provider shortages, particularly in geriatric care. He highlights the importance of advocacy efforts in promoting full practice authority, reimbursement parity, and improved healthcare delivery.

Listeners will also gain insights into the evolving landscape of long-term care, the integration of mental health services, and the significance of disaster preparedness, especially in disaster-prone areas like Florida. Dr. Peraza-Smith emphasizes the essential contribution of nurse practitioners in shaping the future of healthcare for an aging population.