In this episode, Dr. Cassandra Vonnes, a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, and member of the GAPNA Communication Team, talks with Dr. George Peraza-Smith, DNP, APRN-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP, President of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission.

Dr. Peraza-Smith discusses his dedication of being a nurse treating patients across the lifespan, from pediatrics to gerontology; the role of APRNs in the care of older adults; the importance of continuing education and obtaining nursing certification in the specialty of gerontology; and the mission and vision of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission.

Dr. George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, APRN-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP, has been a certified gerontological nurse practitioner for over 20 years. He teaches gerontology nursing to undergraduate and graduate programs and maintains a practice in long-term care and primary care. Dr. Peraza-Smith is graduate department chair and professor at South University in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Peraza-Smith has been an active GAPNA member serving as the Treasurer and Chairperson for the Geropsychiatric Special Interest Group. He was a co-author with the Consensus Statements on Proficiencies for the APRN Gerontological Specialist and currently serves as President of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission. In 2020, Dr. Peraza-Smith was awarded the Dave Butler Spirit of Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) Award.

Dr. Cassandra Vonnes, DNP, GNP-BC, APRN, AOCNP, CPHQ, FAHA, is the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) Coordinator, Geriatric Oncology, at the Moffitt Cancer Center, in Tampa, FL. She is a member of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association Communication Team and is a host of the GAPNA Chat podcast series.

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Production management by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc., for the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association.

Opening Music by:
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Closing Music by:
Scott Holmes.
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