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

Jun 6, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

As the aging population continues to grow, the demand for geriatric nurses is increasing. This is due to the fact that older individuals often have more complex medical needs than younger people, and require specialized care. Geriatric nurses must have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide care for the elderly, such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and managing chronic conditions.

They must also be adept at recognizing signs of cognitive decline and dementia, as well as providing emotional support to patients and their families. With the right training and experience, a geriatric nurse can help elderly patients manage their health and maintain their independence.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Nursing Degree. The first step to becoming a geriatric nurse is to obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). The degree should include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, pharmacology, and other health-related topics.
Obtain Nurse Licensure. After graduating from a nursing program, individuals must obtain their nursing license. This typically requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Earn a Gerontological Nursing Certification. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers a Gerontological Nursing Certification for nurses who have at least two years of experience in geriatric nursing. This certification is voluntary, but it demonstrates expertise and can provide career advancement opportunities.
Acquire Experience. It is important for nurses to gain experience in geriatric nursing. This can be accomplished through internships or volunteer work with elderly patients.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the American Geriatrics Society can help nurses to stay informed about the latest developments in the field of geriatric nursing. This can also provide networking opportunities and access to continuing education courses.
Pursue Advanced Degrees. For those interested in furthering their career, pursuing an advanced degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can open up additional opportunities.

Staying ahead and efficient in a geriatric nursing career requires an investment of both time and education. By pursuing continuing education opportunities, nurses can stay up to date on the latest advancements in geriatric care, such as the use of technology to improve patient care. nurses can strive to build relationships with their aging patients and their families to increase their understanding of their individual needs.

By working closely with social workers and other healthcare professionals, nurses can learn to effectively collaborate to provide the best possible care. Finally, nurses must be organized and be prepared for unexpected situations, as well as plan ahead to ensure that all needs are met in a timely manner. By taking these proactive steps, geriatric nurses can stay ahead and remain efficient in their profession.

You may want to check Rehabilitation Nurse, Flight Nurse, and Public Health Nurse for alternative.

Job Description

Develops and implements comprehensive care plans for geriatric patients.
Monitors and coordinates care between medical professionals, family members, and other caregivers.
Educates patients and families regarding geriatric care and provides resources for support.
Performs physical assessments of geriatric patients and documents findings in patient records.
Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
Responds to changes in patient condition and initiates appropriate interventions.
Collaborates with other health care professionals in providing quality geriatric care.
Provides emotional support to patients and their families.
Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and plan of care.
Assists with rehabilitation services to improve patient function and mobility.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of geriatric conditions and treatments
Ability to assess the physical, psychological, and social needs of elderly patients
Knowledge of medications and their effects on the elderly
Ability to provide patient and family education
Understanding of end-of-life care
Ability to recognize signs of abuse and neglect
Ability to provide emotional support to elderly patients
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations regarding geriatric care
Ability to develop and implement individualized care plans for elderly patients
Knowledge of fall prevention strategies
Knowledge of infection control protocols
Ability to provide wound care and pain management
Ability to coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure quality care for elderly patients

Geriatric nursing is an important field of nursing that focuses on providing care for older adults. As the population ages, the need for knowledgeable, experienced geriatric nurses is growing. One of the most important skills to have in this field is the ability to effectively assess a patients physical, mental, and social health, as well as the ability to plan and provide appropriate care.

In order to do this, geriatric nurses must have a comprehensive understanding of the medical conditions and medications commonly associated with elderly individuals. They must also be able to identify signs of age-related changes and be able to provide appropriate interventions. Furthermore, geriatric nurses must be able to effectively communicate with their patients and their families in order to ensure that everyone involved understands what is happening.

With these skills, geriatric nurses can ensure that elderly patients receive the best possible care, which can improve their quality of life and make them more independent for longer.

Nurse Educator, Registered Nurse, and Licensed Practical Nurse are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in working with elderly patients?
How do you handle difficult situations when caring for geriatric patients?
Describe a challenging experience you had while working with a geriatric population.
What methods do you use to ensure that elderly patients receive the best care possible?
How do you ensure that elderly patients take their medications correctly?
What is your philosophy on end-of-life care for the elderly?
How do you work with family members in providing care to elderly patients?
How do you handle difficult conversations when discussing end-of-life care with elderly patients and their families?
What strategies do you use to keep elderly patients feeling hopeful and positive?
Describe a time when you have gone above and beyond to provide care to an elderly patient.

Common Tools in Industry

Communication Boards. A tool used to improve communication between geriatric nurses and their patients, typically with images and/or words on a board. (eg: Picture Communication Symbols)
Adaptive Equipment. Specialized equipment designed to help elderly patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing or dressing. (eg: Reachers, grab bars, handheld showerheads)
Mobility Aids. Devices that assist with mobility, including walkers, wheelchairs, and canes. (eg: Rollators, transport chairs, gait belts)
Medication Management Systems. Tools that help geriatric nurses keep track of medications and dosages for elderly patients. (eg: E-prescribing, e-MARs, barcode scanners)
Fall Prevention Interventions. Strategies to reduce the risk of falls in elderly patients. (eg: Exercise classes, home safety checks, use of hip protectors)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
American Nurses Association
National Gerontological Nursing Association
American Geriatrics Society
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses
American Organization of Nurse Executives
Society of Geriatric Nurses
American College of Healthcare Executives

We also have Medical-Surgical Nurse, Wound Care Nurse, and Quality Improvement Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The scientific study of aging and the changes that accompany it.
Geriatrics. The branch of medicine that specializes in the care of elderly people.
Geriatric Assessment. A comprehensive evaluation of an older persons physical, psychological, social, and functional status.
Long-Term Care. Services provided over an extended period of time to help people cope with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or impairments.
Acute Care. Immediate medical care for a sudden illness or injury.
Chronic Care. Medical care over an extended period of time to manage a long-term illness or condition.
Palliative Care. A type of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness.
Elder Abuse. Physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse of an elderly person.
Dementia. A group of symptoms caused by diseases that affect the brain, including memory loss, difficulty communicating, and changes in behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Geriatric Nurse? A1: A Geriatric Nurse is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing care to elderly patients. Q2: What type of education is required to become a Geriatric Nurse? A2: To become a Geriatric Nurse, one must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). Q3: What are the primary responsibilities of a Geriatric Nurse? A3: The primary responsibilities of a Geriatric Nurse include providing physical and emotional care for elderly patients, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and advocating for patient rights. Q4: How many years of experience are generally required to become a Geriatric Nurse? A4: Generally, Geriatric Nurses must have at least 3-5 years of experience in nursing, with at least one year of experience working with geriatric patients. Q5: What type of environment do Geriatric Nurses typically work in? A5: Geriatric Nurses typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health settings.