How to Be Geriatric Mental Health Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 22, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Geriatric mental health nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on providing mental health care for elderly individuals. As people age, they often experience mental health concerns due to physical changes, social isolation, and cognitive decline. Geriatric mental health nurses are trained to assess and manage the mental health needs of elderly patients, working with them to develop plans for improving their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

These nurses provide a variety of services, such as counseling, psychotherapy, medication management, and respite care. By identifying and addressing any mental health concerns early, geriatric mental health nurses are able to help elderly individuals live healthy, fulfilling lives, while also reducing their risk of developing serious conditions such as dementia or depression. geriatric mental health nurses work to promote awareness about elderly mental health issues and advocate for improved care for the elderly population.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to become a Geriatric Mental Health Nurse is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree program is typically four years in length and includes both classroom instruction and clinical experiences.
Become a Registered Nurse (RN). Once you have earned your BSN, you must become a Registered Nurse (RN). To do this, you must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Obtain Geriatric Nursing Experience. To become an expert in geriatric mental health nursing, you should obtain experience in caring for older patients. You can start by obtaining a nursing job in a hospital or nursing home that specializes in geriatric care.
Consider Specialty Certification. Although not required, it may be beneficial to obtain certification in gerontological nursing. The American Nurses Association offers the Gerontological Nursing Certification Exam, which is available to RNs who have at least two years of experience caring for elderly patients.
Pursue Advanced Education. To advance your career, consider earning a master's or doctorate degree in nursing with a focus on geriatric mental health. These programs will teach you more advanced skills and techniques to help you provide the best care for your patients.
Obtain Licensure. Most states require nurses to obtain a license in order to practice. To obtain licensure, you will need to take and pass the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) exam. This exam covers topics such as pharmacology, health assessment and pathophysiology.

Staying ahead and capable as a geriatric mental health nurse requires a commitment to continuing education and self-development. Developing strong relationships with elderly patients and their families, being familiar with the latest trends in gerontology, and understanding the unique needs of the aging population are all key components to success. Additionally, staying current on advances in psychiatric medication and treatments, as well as familiarizing oneself with ethical considerations and legal issues that may arise in the field, are essential for staying ahead and capable in this profession. Finally, maintaining an open and empathetic attitude, engaging in self-care activities, and engaging with peers can help promote resilience and provide an outlet for stress relief.

You may want to check Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator, Geriatric Rehabilitation Nurse, and Geriatrics Dietary Aide for alternative.

Job Description

Provide nursing assessment and care for elderly patients with mental health issues
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for elderly patients with mental health concerns
Monitor and evaluate the response of elderly patients to mental health treatments
Administer medications and other treatments for elderly patients with mental health issues
Educate patients, families, and caregivers about mental health issues and treatments
Provide crisis intervention and follow-up care for elderly patients in distress
Facilitate communication between family members, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals
Coordinate referrals to mental health specialists
Develop and lead group therapy sessions for elderly patients
Advocate for elderly patient rights and ensure quality of care

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of physiological, psychological, and social changes associated with aging
Ability to assess cognitive, affective, and behavioral problems in elderly patients
Understanding of end-of-life care concerns
Understanding of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation
Ability to provide emotional support, counseling, and crisis intervention
Knowledge of pharmacology, psychotropic medications, and dietary supplements
Knowledge of community resources and services available to elderly patients
Ability to coordinate care with other medical professionals
Understanding of legal and ethical issues related to geriatric care
Knowledge of home health care options and safety measures for elderly patients

Geriatric mental health nurses play an important role in providing care for elderly patients. They must possess a variety of skills to provide the best possible care for their patients. One of the most important skills that a geriatric mental health nurse must have is empathy.

Having empathy allows them to understand the experiences and feelings of their elderly patients and how to best provide care and support. geriatric mental health nurses must be knowledgeable about the effects of aging on mental health, and have an understanding of the diseases and conditions commonly seen in the geriatric population. They must also be able to communicate effectively with both the patient and their family members.

Finally, they must be able to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, crisis management, and provide appropriate referrals when necessary. By possessing these skills, a geriatric mental health nurse can provide the best possible care for their elderly patients.

Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse, Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, and Geriatrics Medical Billing Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geriatric mental health patients?
How do you handle challenging situations with geriatric mental health patients?
What techniques do you use to build rapport with geriatric mental health patients?
How do you ensure that you are providing the best possible care to geriatric mental health patients?
Describe a time when you had to adjust your approach in working with a geriatric mental health patient.
How do you maintain confidentiality when working with geriatric mental health patients?
What strategies do you use to help geriatric mental health patients cope with depression?
How do you recognize and respond to changes in a geriatric mental health patient's condition?
What methods do you use to ensure effective communication with elderly patients and their caregivers?
How do you maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated when working with geriatric mental health patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). A psychotherapy technique used to help individuals recognize and address patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior that contribute to distress. (e. g. helping a patient identify and respond to destructive thought patterns. )
Motivational Interviewing (MI). A counseling approach that focuses on helping an individual explore the ambivalence they may feel about making a change. (e. g. helping a patient recognize the benefits of adopting healthier lifestyle behaviors. )
Mindfulness Meditation. A technique used to help individuals focus their attention on the present moment. (e. g. guiding a patient through a mindful breathing exercise. )
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). A screening tool used to measure the severity of depression in older adults. (e. g. administering a GDS to a patient to assess their mental health status. )
Crisis Intervention. A form of short-term counseling used to help individuals in a crisis situation. (e. g. helping a patient process a recent trauma and develop coping strategies. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Psychiatric Nurses Association
National Association of Geriatric Nurses
American Nurses Association
Sigma Theta Tau International
American Nurses Credentialing Center
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
American Association of Directors of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
International Council of Nurses

We also have Geriatrics Medical Records Technician, Geriatrics Medical Office Receptionist, and Geriatrics Hospice Chaplain jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The scientific study of aging and the problems and issues related to older adults.
Geriatric Psychiatry. A branch of psychiatry that specializes in the mental health of older adults, including diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.
Cognitive Decline. The gradual decline of mental abilities such as memory and reasoning.
Dementia. A collection of symptoms that affect cognitive abilities and interfere with a persons daily life.
Delirium. A sudden and severe change in mental status that can occur in older adults due to an underlying medical condition or medication side effects.
Depression. A feeling of sadness, loss of energy, or difficulty sleeping that persists for more than two weeks and interferes with daily activities.
Anxiety. An excessive fear or worry that can interfere with a persons ability to cope with everyday life.
Substance Use Disorder. The misuse of alcohol or drugs, resulting in significant impairment or distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Geriatric Mental Health Nurse do?

A Geriatric Mental Health Nurse is a specialized nurse that works with elderly patients to help improve their mental health and overall quality of life. They provide counseling, medication management, education, and support to elderly patients with mental health issues.

What qualifications does a Geriatric Mental Health Nurse need?

A Geriatric Mental Health Nurse typically has a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and is licensed by the state in which they work. They must also have extensive experience working with the elderly and a strong understanding of gerontological health issues.

Where do Geriatric Mental Health Nurses work?

Geriatric Mental Health Nurses can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, outpatient clinics, or private practice.

What challenges do Geriatric Mental Health Nurses face?

Geriatric Mental Health Nurses often face challenges such as lack of access to resources, limited understanding of the unique needs of elderly patients, and limited time to spend with individual patients.

What rewards does a Geriatric Mental Health Nurse experience?

The rewards that a Geriatric Mental Health Nurse experiences are often intangible, such as the satisfaction of helping their elderly patients improve their mental health and quality of life. Additionally, they may experience a sense of accomplishment from providing support to individuals and families during difficult times.