Geriatrics is a health care specialty focused on the clinical care of older adults. Typically, this means working in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living community and providing day-to-day care to the people living there.

What does a geriatric nurse do?

Geriatric nurses are responsible for a wide range of tasks. They perform standard RN duties such as administering medications, caring for wounds, providing treatments, monitoring vital signs, and developing patient care plans. However, because they care for older adults, geriatric nurses have specific responsibilities.postgraduate nursing in asia For example, geriatric nurses must understand conditions common to older adults, including: diabetes, heart failure, arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, cancer, dementia, chronic pain, Alzheimer's disease, and more.

Geriatric nurses deal with many situations every day, such as:

Monitor patients who may be at risk for falls and develop safety plans;

Assist patients with limited mobility to perform a range of movement activities and exercises;

Ensure patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia are safe and well cared for;

Checks on patients who are unable to express their needs to ensure they are clean, safe, and free of pain;

Observe changes in the patient's mental health that may indicate depression or feelings of isolation;

Communicate with family members about patient's health and progress;

How to become a geriatric nurse?

The first step to becoming a geriatric nurse is to pursue a two-year associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and then take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).pre registration nursing masters Once you pass, you It is possible to apply for a registered nurse license in your state. Once you earn your RN license, you can work as an entry-level geriatric nurse.

As you gain experience, your degree affects how you advance in your role. For example, if you earn a BSN, you may be able to work in a leadership or administrative role in elder care.

You can further your geriatric nursing career by earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). As a senior APRN,entry level masters programme in nursing there are two career options:

Geriatric Nurse Practitioner: A geriatric nurse practitioner serves as the primary care provider for older adults. They can evaluate, diagnose and prescribe treatment, including medications, to the patients they see.

Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialists provide advanced care to geriatric patients and work in a leadership capacity to improve care and patient safety in their facilities.

Licensing and certification?

No certification is required to practice as a geriatric nurse. However, it is a good idea to get certified. It demonstrates that you are certified in professional competence and that you have the experience and education necessary to provide excellent patient care. Additionally, certifications can help you stand out to employers.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC). You need an RN license in good standing to be eligible for this certification. Other eligibility requirements include:

At least two years of full-time RN experience;

Have at least 2,00 hours of clinical experience in aged care within the last three years;

At least 30 hours of continuing education in aged care in the past three years;

A certification exam is required and the certification needs to be renewed every five years;