Who is a geriatric nurse

A gerontologist focuses on the social and psychosocial effects of aging along with physical and mental health needs. Gerontologists often take on administrative and customer service roles and advocate for changes in public policy.

Gerontologists are rarely involved in direct patient care, although this has shifted some in recent years. Salary Source: U. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Geriatric nurses are responsible for a wide range of tasks. They take on standard RN duties such as administering medications, caring for wounds, providing treatments, monitoring vital signs, and developing patient care plans. However, because they are caring for older adults, there are specific concerns and responsibilities for geriatric nurses.

For instance, geriatric nurses must have an understanding of conditions that are common among older adults, including:. Geriatric nurses manage many of these conditions daily. They know the challenges these conditions can present, and they know the most effective way to provide care to patients who have them.

This often adds job duties such as:. Geriatric nurses can find work in settings such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Other common workplaces include:. The U. As a geriatric nurse, your specific job title and level of experience can have an impact on your salary. For instance, as Brecheisen mentioned, geriatric RNs with years in the role can take on management and leadership roles in skilled nursing or other long-term care facilities. Advancing your education could also boost your salary significantly.

Healthcare careers are on the rise. Consider earning a Gerontological Nursing Certification The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers a voluntary Gerontological Nursing Certification recognized by employers as a reliable assessment of RN entry-level skills and knowledge in the gerontological specialty. For certification, RNs must complete 2, hours of geriatric nursing and 30 hours of continuing education.

Geriatric Nurse vs. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner While geriatric nurses may enter the field with an RN license, adult-gerontology nurse practitioners NPs , as advanced practice registered nurses, must hold a master's and specialized certification.

The population over the age of 65 will grow to over 82 million by This demographic surge will positively impact the demand for geriatric nurses, as the expanding elderly population seeks an array of primary and preventive healthcare services.

Although the U. Certifications can significantly boost geriatric nurse salary levels and job prospects. Geriatric nurses provide healthcare services to the elderly, helping them maintain their quality of life. Although responsibilities vary by employment setting, these RNs may assess vital signs, administer medications, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to implement treatment plans.

They may assist with basic functions and personal hygiene and offer patients information and resources about their conditions. How long does it take to become a geriatric nurse? A geriatric nurse can enter the field after earning a two-year associate degree or a four-year BSN followed by receiving an RN license.

Employment opportunities increase by earning gerontological nursing certification which requires two years of RN experience with 2, hours of practice in gerontological nursing. What qualifications do you need to be a geriatric nurse? As a gerontology-focused nursing professional, you are not limited to only these settings. There are other creative ways to use your education, training, and passion for helping older patients. You can explore career options in academia, with health insurance companies or medical supply companies that cater to senior citizens.

Memory care centers are also an option for employment. Any healthcare organization or provider that works with the elderly may need your services. An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years in school for a BSN. Most nursing programs include classes and modules focused on geriatric nursing.

The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. Geriatric nursing assistants provide support and personal care for patients. They may assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, laundry, and other basic activities of daily living. Geriatric nursing assistants typically work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse who is responsible for overseeing all aspects of patient care.

Geriatric staff nurses provide support to both patients and doctors. They work with patients who have complex medical conditions and those with long-term or chronic illnesses. Geriatric staff nurses also provide support and supervision to other nurses, nursing assistants, and orderlies. Geriatric nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who have completed a graduate-level nurse practitioner program. In some cases, they may be in charge of supervising the work of nurses and other nursing staff members.

Home health nurses are responsible for administering various patient care services outside of the traditional healthcare setting. They may provide supportive care, teach patients about managing their conditions, assist in rehabilitation efforts, and help with activities of daily living. Hospice nurses provide care and support for patients who are living with a terminal illness or who are near the end of their lives. They typically work in a team with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients have the best possible quality of life during their final days.

Hospice nurses may focus on one aspect of care, such as pain management or grief counseling. Geriatric nursing is an area of specialization for registered nurses, which means that their salaries are generally comparable to that of other RNs. There are factors that impact salaries such as years of experience and geographic location.

Geriatrics is a growing field with significant financial upside. Yes, geriatric nursing is a specialty. Geriatric nurses are expected to have knowledge of gerontology, history of aging, care for older adults with impairment or chronic illness, and interventions that can help older adults maintain optimal health.

A geriatric nurse can enter the field after earning a two-year associate degree or a four-year BSN followed by receiving an RN license. A geriatric nurse will then earn additional certifications to work in geriatrics.