Geriatric Nurse Career in Brief
Geriatric nurses work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to care for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of elderly patients, helping them maintain independence and quality of life. These registered nurses (RNs) possess specialized knowledge and skills to treat common health issues affecting the elderly population. Some key responsibilities include the following:
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop treatment plans and administer medications
- Educate patients and caretakers on coping skills to handle age-related conditions
- Provide treatment for chronic conditions most likely to affect the elderly (e.g., heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease)
- Monitor for signs of elder abuse
- Assist with and train patients on daily living activities, such as hygiene, toileting, and medication management
Career Traits
- Knowledge of the aging process and disease progression
- Ability to recognize verbal and nonverbal communication cues
- Compassion
- Patience
Where Do Geriatric Nurses Work?
RNs specializing in geriatric care typically find employment at hospitals and medical clinics. In addition, work settings such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare also rely on the services of geriatric nurses.
Hospitals Geriatric nurses implement treatment plans, administer medications, and educate patients and families about care options.
Nursing Homes Nursing home RNs provide full-time healthcare, assist with personal needs and rehabilitation, and monitor patients for bedsores, infections, or other conditions.
Home Healthcare Home healthcare geriatric nurses help patients recover from surgery and care for those with chronic conditions such as dementia or paralysis. They may also assist with personal hygiene and nutritional needs while working with families to maintain the best level of care.
Why Become a Geriatric Nurse?
Although geriatric nurses often work in physically demanding and stressful settings, this career offers personal and professional fulfillment by providing crucial healthcare services and improving the quality of life for the aging population.
Advantages to Becoming a Geriatric Nurse
- Rewarding work in patient-focused care and advocacy
- Assist patients in maintaining their quality of life by offering preventive care and wellness education
- Develop high pharmacological and treatment skills while working with patients on several medications for multiple conditions
- Increasing job and salary opportunities , especially for RNs with graduate training and certification
- Potentially strong relationships with patients and their families in long-term care facilities and nursing homes
Disadvantages to Becoming a Geriatric Nurse
- Physically tasking duties, such as lifting, turning, and bathing bedridden or immobile patients
- Heavy workloads and understaffing in hospitals serving high elderly populations
- Difficulty communicating with and treating patients suffering from cognitive impairments and dementia
- Increasing paperwork related to government regulations and insurance claims, especially for RNs working in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Burnout from caring for end-of-life patients and those with untreatable or rapidly declining conditions
How to Become a Geriatric Nurse
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.
Geriatric Registered Nurse
- ADN or BSN degree and valid RN license; may pursue voluntary gerontological certification
- Typically employed in hospitals, nursing homes, skilled long-term care and assisted living facilities, and home healthcare
- Provides bedside care, assists healthcare team during medical exams and procedures, and administers medications
- Serves as a liaison between patients and other healthcare professionals
- Educates patients and caregivers on treatment options
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Master of science in nursing; certification and license as an NP with possible specialization in various fields such as diabetes and palliative care
- Offers a full range of services for adults across the lifespan from adolescents to the elderly
- Can work in private practice in addition to other healthcare facilities
- May provide services independently of direct physician supervision, depending on state NP licensing regulations
How Much Do Geriatric Nurses Make?
The population over the age of 65 will grow to over 82 million by 2050. 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.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not differentiate between RN specialties, RNs can expect a 5% overall job growth between 2024 and 2034, with more opportunities available to those with certifications. Based on salary information provided by PayScale's employee reports, RNs with geriatrics skills earn an average income of $78,063, below the overall median salary of $93,600 for all RNs as reported by the BLS. Certifications can significantly boost geriatric nurse salary levels and job prospects.
Resources for Geriatric Nurses
Frequently Asked Questions About Geriatric Nurses
Reviewed by:
