As the population ages, the demand for geriatric nursing is growing rapidly. In fact, the American Nurses Association (ANA) projects that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 3.8 million nursing professionals in the United States, with the greatest demand being for geriatric nurses.
Geriatric nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care of older adults. Geriatric nurses must also be able to communicate effectively with older adults and their families. They must be able to listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and provide them with accurate information.
In this blog post, we will provide an overview of geriatric nursing. We will discuss what geriatric nursing is, the types of settings where geriatric nurses work, and the skills and qualifications that geriatric nurses need. We will also discuss some of the challenges and rewards of working as a geriatric nurse.
What is geriatric nursing?
Geriatric nursing, also known as gerontological nursing, focuses on improving and maintaining the health of older adults. Gerontological nurses undergo specialized education to understand their unique health needs and provide patient-focused care.
They understand that minor conditions in younger adults can escalate into serious or life-threatening issues in older adults.
What does a geriatric nurse do?
Geriatric nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in caring for older adults. They have advanced education and training in the unique medical, physical, and psychosocial needs of older adults.
This includes an understanding of the aging process, common chronic conditions that affect older adults, and the impact of aging on overall health and well-being. Their responsibilities may include:
1- Patient care
Employees who specialize in geriatric nursing frequently assist elderly patients with feeding and hygiene because they may have trouble taking care of themselves. They could be in charge of the following duties in this capacity:
Helping patients with their fundamental requirements, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
Motivating patients to take on as much self-care as they can in order to enhance their sense of independence.
Medication administration and organization in accordance with the care plan.
providing therapy like limb massages and assisting patients with their exercise.
Making, organizing, and overseeing strategies for the health and treatment of patients.
2- Medication management
Geriatric nurses are experts in medication management for older adults. They assess medication needs, educate patients about their medications, and monitor for potential side effects or interactions.
3- Health assessment
Employees in geriatric nursing collaborate with general practitioners, gerontologists, and other members of a patient's healthcare team to diagnose conditions and create treatment programs for illnesses specific to the aging process. They carry out the following duties in this role:
Helping doctors do physical examinations and other procedures to evaluate a patient's mental state and cognitive abilities.
Understanding the variety of issues related to aging, including mental decline, incontinence, falls, and irregular sleep habits.
Evaluating the ability of patients to carry out everyday activities and self-care.
Keeping an eye on patients every day to make sure care plans continue to meet their needs.
Correctly and thoroughly entering every relevant data and vital signs in the patient records and database.
4- Collaboration with other healthcare professionals
Geriatric nurses work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physical therapists, social workers, and occupational therapists, to ensure that older adults receive comprehensive and coordinated care.
5- Patient advocacy
Geriatric nurses play a crucial role in patients with diminishing mental capacities who cannot make independent decisions about their health and treatment.
They act as patient advocates, coordinating care with other healthcare team members, and educate family members about the patient's condition, best practices, disease prevention, and self-care.
They also provide high-level end-of-life care and discuss the patient's needs and wishes with families and loved ones.
6- Psychosocial support
Geriatric nurses provide emotional support and counseling to older adults and their families. They address issues such as grief, loss, loneliness, and caregiver stress.
Where do geriatric nurses work?
Geriatric nurses work in a variety of settings to provide care for older adults. These settings may include:
Hospitals: Geriatric nurses in hospitals provide care to older adults who are admitted for a variety of reasons, such as surgery, acute illness, or chronic condition management. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans, monitor patients' condition, and educate patients and their families about their health needs.
Nursing homes: Geriatric nurses in nursing homes provide long-term care to older adults who require ongoing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They also manage chronic conditions, monitor patients' health, and educate patients and their families about their care.
Rehabilitation centers: Geriatric nurses in rehabilitation centers help older adults recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgery. They provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, and work with patients to develop strategies for managing their conditions and improving their functional independence.
Home health care agencies: Geriatric nurses in home health care agencies provide care to older adults in their own homes. They assess patients' needs, develop care plans, and provide a variety of services, such as wound care, medication administration, and assistance with ADLs.
Assisted living facilities: Geriatric nurses in assisted living facilities provide care to older adults who need more support than they can get at home but do not require the level of care provided in a nursing home. They help residents with ADLs, monitor their health, and provide psychosocial support.
Adult daycare centers: Geriatric nurses in adult day care centers provide care to older adults during the day while their caregivers are at work or school. They help residents with activities of daily living, provide social interaction, and monitor their health.
In addition to these traditional settings, geriatric nurses also work in a variety of other settings, such as:
Veterans' hospitals: Geriatric nurses in veterans' hospitals provide care to older veterans who have served in the military. They have specialized training in the unique needs of this population.
Community health centers: Geriatric nurses in community health centers provide care to older adults in underserved communities. They may also work on disease prevention and health promotion programs.
Academic settings: Geriatric nurses in academic settings teach nursing students, conduct research, and provide clinical care.
How to become a geriatric nurse?
1- Pursue a nursing degree
Graduation from an accredited nursing program is the first step toward a career in nursing. Some positions are open to those with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), an associate of science in nursing (ASN) or associate of applied science in nursing (AASN) but most require a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN).
BSN programs cover various fields like family health, physiology, leadership, ethics, research, community health, and pharmaceuticals. They typically take four years and include general education coursework.
Some colleges offer accelerated BSN programs, which can be completed in 11-18 months, for candidates with a natural science bachelor's degree. These programs typically require a 3.0 GPA in core courses and transferrable credits.
2- Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
After completing nursing school, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse in the US and Canada. This exam covers various nursing topics, including promoting health, patient care, and creating a safe environment.
Once you've passed the NCLEX, you can apply for a nursing license in the state where you want to work.
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Each state has its own requirements, so check with your state board of nursing for details. Many states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows you to get a license in multiple states without applying separately for each one.
3- Gain beside nursing experience
Most geriatric nurses gain experience in general healthcare settings before specializing in gerontology. You can start as a general bedside nurse in a hospital or clinic to hone your skills and bedside manner.
These roles provide exposure to patients of varying ages and health conditions, helping you develop a broad nursing foundation.
You may also consider working as an RN in a care home. While experienced nurses at these facilities typically have gerontology certifications, starting positions may not require specialized training.
4- Earn certification
A gerontological nursing certification can be earned after two years of experience as a nurse working with older adult patients in a hospital or nursing home.
Prerequisites include a valid RN license, two years of full-time experience, 2,000 hours of clinical practice in gerontological nursing within the last three years, and 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing.
How much do geriatric nurses make?
The growing population of over 82 million by 2030 will significantly increase the demand for geriatric nurses, as they provide primary and preventive healthcare services.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7% job growth for RNs between 2019 and 2029, with more opportunities for those with certifications.
RNs with geriatric skills earn an average income of $67,530, below the median salary of $75,330 for all RNs. Certifications can significantly improve geriatric nurse salary levels and job prospects.
Geriatric nursing skills
Geriatric nurses possess the same basic skills as RNs but develop additional nursing skills to treat an aging patient population. Key skills include understanding the aging process, communication skills, a positive attitude, and organizational skills.
Geriatric nurses can detect abnormalities and respond to emergencies by understanding the gradual changes in the body's nutritional needs and healing processes.
They may encounter more communication barriers and emphasize nonverbal communication to understand patients' symptoms and reassure them.
A positive attitude helps patients cope with difficult conditions and recover more effectively when they die.
Organizational skills ensure that each patient receives the correct dosage of medication and benefits from appropriate methods. Overall, geriatric nurses play a crucial role in healthcare.
Conclusion
In conclusion, geriatric nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care of older adults. Geriatric nurses have extensive knowledge of the physical and psychological changes that occur with aging, as well as the best practices for promoting healthy aging. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health clinics. Geriatric nurses play a vital role in ensuring that older adults receive the care they need to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. Geriatric nurses are highly skilled professionals who are passionate about helping older adults. They are dedicated to providing quality care and advocating for the rights of their patients. If you are considering a career in geriatric nursing, I encourage you to learn more about this rewarding field.
FAQs
1- What does a geriatric nurse do?
Geriatric nurses provide healthcare services to the elderly, assisting in maintaining their quality of life by assessing vital signs, administering medications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to implement treatment plans.
2- What is the difference between geriatric nursing and gerontology nursing?
Gerontology is a medical specialty that focuses on the physical, mental, and social aspects of aging, while geriatrics focuses on the care and treatment of older individuals.
