How to become a geriatric nurse: Salary & Responsibilities
In this article, we outline a step-by-step guide on how to become a geriatric nurse. Geriatric nursing is a specialized field of healthcare that focuses on providing care to elderly patients. Geriatric nurses are trained to provide physical, psychological, and social support for older adults who have chronic conditions or disabilities.
They also help manage the medications and treatments prescribed by physicians for their aging patients. Becoming a geriatric nurse requires an understanding of the unique needs of this population as well as dedication to helping those in need receive quality care.
Geriatric nurses are sometimes known as gerontological nurses. Nurses in this profession, regardless of title, have problems and duties that need compassion, patience, and understanding.
They care for patients who have physical or mental health impairments that make it difficult for them to communicate, care for themselves, recall instructions, or move even short distances safely. Patients who are at a high risk of falling or who can’t talk about pain, hunger, or other needs may be in the care of geriatric nurses.
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How to become a geriatric nurse
If you’re interested in becoming a geriatric nurse, there are several steps you should take:
1) Earn your nursing degree – To become a registered nurse (RN), you must first complete an accredited program at either the associate or bachelor’s level from an approved college or university.
2) Obtain experience working with elderly populations – If possible try volunteering at hospice centers, assisted living facilities, or other long-term care settings where seniors reside so that when it comes time for job interviews employers will know that you have some relevant experience working with this population already under your belt.
3) Pursue specialty certification – After gaining some work experience within geriatrics many nurses opt to pursue additional certifications such as Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (CGNP), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse/Certified Clinical Specialist in Adult/Gerontological Nursing (APRN/CCS-AGN). These credentials demonstrate knowledge beyond basic RN qualifications which can make one more attractive candidate when applying for positions within this field.
What role does a geriatric nurse do?
Geriatric nurses are in charge of a variety of responsibilities. They do routine Nursing activities such as medicine administration, wound care, treatment, vital sign monitoring, and designing patient care plans.
Notwithstanding, Geriatric nurses have concerns and obligations since they care for the elderly. They must be familiar with frequent conditions among the elderly such as heart failure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and lots more.
- Geriatric nurses must be familiar with Monitoring people who may be at risk of falling and devising fall prevention strategies
- Keeping an eye out for changes in patients’ mental health that might indicate despair or isolation.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
- Checking on patients who are unable to express their needs to ensure they are clean, safe, and not in pain
- informing family members of patients’ progress and frequent conditions that affect elderly people
Where do they work?
Geriatric nurses can find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and nursing care institutions. They could also work in Assisted living residences, Retirement homes, and Mental health facilities.
Salary for geriatric nurses
Being a trained geriatrics nurse offers both job satisfaction and the possibility of financial reward, making it a realistic alternative for individuals wishing to enter the healthcare business. The increasing demand is partly due to higher life expectancies across all demographics and greater knowledge about the significance of effective elder health management.
In conclusion
Nursing attracts those who are sensitive, empathic, and caring. Geriatric nursing requires a lot of patience, good communication skills, and the ability to stay calm even when things aren’t going as planned. You’ll also need to be resilient because, as a geriatric nurse, you’ll likely witness many patients deteriorate and die.
