Q:What's a typical workday like for you?

A:I work with six to 10 elders who are either in the hospital or who have been discharged to a transitional care unit. I follow their progress as they recover. In addition, because I'm also a clinical nurse specialist, much of my work involves educating hospital staff about best practices in geriatric care.

Q:How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?

A:I specialize in delirium, which affects almost 80 percent of hospitalized elders and costs Medicare about $6.9 billion annually. If we can prevent delirium in elders, we can avoid extended hospital stays, premature long-term care placement and even untimely death.

Q:Who do you interact with during the course of the day?

A:I interact with patients and family members. I also work collaboratively with physicians; the nurses on the unit; other nurse practitioners; and clinical nurse specialists, nursing assistants and pharmacists.

Q:Why did you become a geriatric nurse?

A:First of all, I wanted to be better equipped to care for my own aging parents. I also had an experience caring for an elderly woman that made me realize how many losses older people sustain - their home, family and friends, and physical capabilities. I wanted to do what I could to make their days brighter.

Q:What do you like about your work?

A:This job gives me the opportunity to talk with older patients and hear their stories. Most have lived fascinating lives. I think Tom Brokaw is right: this really is the "greatest generation."