With our aging global population, the spotlight on geriatric care is more pronounced than ever, and the demand for skilled geriatric nurses is increasing. This field is worth exploring if you’re an aspiring nurse looking for both a rewarding career and growth opportunities.
This guide unpacks the field of geriatric nursing, including job responsibilities, career prospects, and educational requirements. Read on to learn if this fulfilling career is the right fit for your future in healthcare.
Geriatric Nursing: A Quick Overview
Geriatric nursing is a specialized field focusing on the healthcare of elderly patients. As individuals age, they often require more extensive medical attention due to various age-related health issues, chronic conditions, and sometimes cognitive impairments like dementia. Geriatric nurses manage these complex health needs while promoting independence and quality of life for their older patients.
What Is a Geriatric Nurse?
Also called a gerontological nurse, a geriatric nurse is a healthcare professional dedicated to improving the quality of life for elderly patients. These nurses develop personalized care plans, manage medications, and educate patients and their families about maintaining health in old age.
Nurses in this field significantly impact their patients’ lives, especially during this vulnerable stage. They serve as advocates for older adults, ensuring dignified and respectful treatment.
Geriatric nurses have the opportunity to learn from the vast experiences of older adults and often form deep relationships with them, making the career a fulfilling option for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of the aging community.
Job Responsibilities of a Geriatric Nurse
Geriatric nursing is a specialization demanding a profound sense of compassion and strong skills geared toward caring for the elderly. Nurses in this field perform various day-to-day duties, including the following:
- Administer medications and treatments
- Assist with daily living activities (e.g., bathing, dressing, feeding)
- Facilitate mobility through support with walking, transfers, and exercises
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families
- Monitor and assess patients’ physical and mental health
- Recognize early signs of infections, pressure ulcers, and other complications
- Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
Each of these responsibilities is essential in enhancing the quality of life for older adults. As a geriatric nurse, you’ll need to blend your medical expertise with empathy to effectively treat this sensitive age group.
Work Environments
Geriatric nurses work in diverse settings, each offering unique opportunities to care for elderly patients. Typical work environments include:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Residential care facilities
- Hospice and palliative care
Job Outlook and Career Advancement
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. This demographic shift creates a growing need for specialized care in geriatrics. On top of that, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in employment for registered nurses from 2022 to 2032, which may be driven significantly by the demand for elder care.
Besides this promising future, geriatric nursing also offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. Experienced geriatric nurses can pursue roles such as:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): focusing on improving patient outcomes and nursing practices in geriatric care.
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP): providing primary and specialty care with advanced practice skills.
- Healthcare Administrator: managing nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or other elder care services.
How To Become a Geriatric Nurse: Educational and Licensure Requirements
If you’re interested in pursuing this field, here are the foundational steps you need to consider:
1.Earn a Nursing Degree
The first step is to complete an accredited nursing program, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) transitional program entails 15 months of study, after graduating from a 12-month Vocational Nursing program and obtaining a Licensed Vocational Nursing license. Continuing your education and obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers more in-depth clinical skills training and provides opportunities for leadership roles and further specialization in nursing practice.
2. Become a Registered Nurse
After earning your degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in the state you plan to practice.
3. Gain Experience
Working as a registered nurse, especially in hospitals, nursing homes, or home healthcare settings, is crucial for gaining relevant experience. Building experience in senior care helps you develop the specialized skills needed for this field.
4. Pursue Specialized Education
Consider obtaining a geriatric nurse certification, such as the Gerontological Nursing Certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It’s also a good idea to enroll in geriatric nurse practitioner programs or pursue a Master’s degree. These can further enhance your expertise and open doors to more advanced career opportunities.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Geriatric Nurse?
Generally, it takes 2-4 years to complete a nursing degree (ADN or BSN). Gaining experience after passing the NCLEX-RN can take several months to a few years. Pursuing specialized education and certification may add another year, making the process approximately 4 to 6 years.
Geriatric Nurse vs. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Geriatric nurses focus on providing direct patient care, managing chronic conditions, and supporting daily activities.
In contrast, AGNPs have advanced education (typically a master’s or doctoral degree) and are trained to diagnose and manage medical conditions, prescribe medications, and provide primary care. AGNPs can offer a broader scope of practice, including performing advanced clinical procedures and leading healthcare teams.
Kickstart Your Nursing Career at Texas Health School
The field of geriatric nursing presents a unique opportunity for those aspiring to make a substantial impact within the healthcare industry, especially as our population ages. It offers a challenging yet deeply rewarding career pathway, diverse work environments, and the potential for significant personal and professional growth.
With the increasing demand for specialized geriatric care, now is an excellent time to consider a career as a geriatric nurse. If you’re inspired to make a difference in the lives of the elderly, Texas Health School is here to support your ambitions. Our nursing and allied health programs are meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to excel in senior care and beyond.Ready to start your healthcare career with us? Contact Texas Health School today to learn more about how you can begin preparing for a rewarding career in geriatric nursing.