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

Oct 24, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Geriatric rehabilitation nurses play a critical role in providing care to elderly patients. Their responsibilities include assessing patient needs, developing and implementing treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and providing education and support. As a result, geriatric rehabilitation nurses often provide high-quality, compassionate care that can help improve the quality of life for their elderly patients.

They also help reduce the risk of falls, injuries, and other health issues while providing emotional and social support. Furthermore, geriatric rehabilitation nurses collaborate with the patient's family, primary care physician, and other health care professionals to create an effective treatment plan that meets the patient's needs and goals. geriatric rehabilitation nurses are vital for helping older adults maintain their independence and live longer, healthier lives.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. All aspiring geriatric rehabilitation nurses must first obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. A BSN degree typically takes four years to complete, and students must complete coursework in human anatomy, physiology, health assessment and pharmacology.
Obtain a Registered Nurse License. All registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed and legally practice in a state.
Earn a Master of Science in Nursing Degree. Many geriatric rehabilitation nurses choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which typically takes two years to complete and provides advanced clinical training.
Obtain Certification in Geriatric Nursing. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers certification in gerontological nursing and provides an online study guide to help nurses prepare for the certification exam.
Complete an Internship or Residency Program. Many healthcare organizations offer internship or residency programs in geriatric rehabilitation nursing, allowing nurses to gain hands-on experience.
Maintain Certification. Geriatric rehabilitation nurses must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses and renewing their credentials every five years.

Geriatric rehabilitation nurses are essential in providing care for the elderly population. They are specially trained to assess and manage the rehabilitation needs of elderly patients and to identify potential health risks. The goal of a geriatric rehabilitation nurse is to help elderly patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

By providing patient-centered care, such as assessment, education, and support, geriatric rehabilitation nurses are able to create individualized treatment plans that can help elderly patients maximize their functional abilities, reduce pain, and improve their overall health and wellbeing. The benefits of geriatric rehabilitation nursing can be seen in the prevention of falls, reduced hospitalizations, improved physical functioning, and improved quality of life for the elderly population.

You may want to check Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator, Geriatrics Home Health Nurse, and Geriatrics Clinical Data Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement individualized care plans for elderly patients.
Monitor and assess the physical and mental health of elderly patients.
Foster a warm and supportive environment for elderly patients.
Educate patients and families on geriatric-related health issues.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician.
Monitor patient progress and provide updates to physicians and families.
Coordinate with other medical professionals to ensure quality care.
Help elderly patients adjust to lifestyle changes associated with aging.
Educate caregivers on proper care techniques.
Help elderly patients maintain independence and quality of life.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the psychosocial, physical and cognitive changes that occur in aging adults.
Ability to assess, monitor and evaluate patients progress.
Ability to develop individualized plans of care for geriatric patients.
Ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of chronic illnesses and conditions common in the elderly.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of geriatric rehabilitation nursing.
Knowledge of medications commonly used to treat geriatric patients.
Ability to effectively communicate with elderly patients and their families.
Ability to identify safety issues in the home and design safe and effective interventions.
Knowledge of the legal aspects of elder care, including guardianship, consent and advance directives.
Knowledge of available community resources for geriatric patients.

Geriatric rehabilitation nurses play a vital role in providing specialized care for elderly patients. They possess a wide range of skills, but the most important of these is being able to develop an understanding of each patients individual needs and abilities. This involves taking into account a patients physical, cognitive, psychological and social functioning in order to develop an effective plan of care.

The ability to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals is also essential. In addition, geriatric rehabilitation nurses need to be able to assess and monitor patient progress, as well as be knowledgeable about the latest treatments and technologies available for elderly care. By possessing these skills, geriatric rehabilitation nurses are able to maximize the quality of life for their elderly patients and help them live better lives.

Geriatric Psychologist, Geriatric Health Care Administrator, and Geriatrics Medical Office Receptionist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geriatric rehabilitation patients?
What methods have you found to be successful in working with geriatric patients undergoing rehabilitation?
How do you handle working with geriatric patients who may have limited mobility or communication?
What do you feel sets you apart from other geriatric rehabilitation nurses?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in geriatric rehabilitation nursing?
What strategies do you use to help geriatric patients stay motivated during their rehabilitation process?
How do you handle difficult conversations with families of geriatric patients about their care and treatment options?
How do you ensure that the geriatric rehabilitation care plan is followed by both the patient and the family?
What challenges have you faced in your experience as a geriatric rehabilitation nurse, and how did you address them?
Describe a successful experience you had as a geriatric rehabilitation nurse.

Common Tools in Industry

Gait belt. A belt used to provide stability and support for a patient while walking. (Eg: Used to help an elderly patient walk safely and securely with a nurses assistance. )
Transfer board. A flat board used to assist with patient transfers, such as from bed to wheelchair or wheelchair to toilet. (Eg: Used to help an elderly patient transition from the bed to the wheelchair safely and securely. )
Handheld devices. Electronic devices such as iPads or portable phones used by geriatric rehabilitation nurses to communicate with patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals. (Eg: Used to record and track a patients medical history, medications, and rehabilitation progress. )
Wheelchair. A device used to help those with mobility challenges get around safely. (Eg: Used to help an elderly patient move from one area of the hospital or care center to another in a safe and secure manner. )
Reacher. A tool used to help a patient reach items that are out of reach due to mobility limitations. (Eg: Used to help an elderly patient reach items on a high shelf without having to stand. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Nurses Association
American Geriatrics Society
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association
National Association of Geriatric Nurse Practitioners
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
American Physical Therapy Association
American Occupational Therapy Association
International Council of Nurses
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals

We also have Geriatrics Research Scientist, Geriatrics Physical Therapy Technician, and Geriatric Psychiatrist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The study of aging, including the physical, psychological, and social changes associated with growing older.
Rehabilitation Nursing. A specialty of nursing focused on helping individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses reach their highest level of independence and quality of life.
Geriatric Care Management. A comprehensive approach to helping seniors remain independent, manage their own health, maintain their quality of life, and find appropriate resources.
Geriatric Assessment. A comprehensive evaluation of a senior's physical, psychological, and social functioning to identify any potential health problems, care needs, and health risks.
Palliative Care. Medical care focused on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of serious illnesses, as well as emotional and spiritual support for the patient and their family.
Geriatric Mental Health. A specialty of mental health focused on treating elderly patients with mental health conditions and helping them manage the challenges of aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Geriatric Rehabilitation Nurse?

The primary role of a Geriatric Rehabilitation Nurse is to provide specialized care to elderly patients with physical and cognitive impairments.

What qualifications are required to become a Geriatric Rehabilitation Nurse?

To become a Geriatric Rehabilitation Nurse, one must possess a valid RN license, at least one year of medical-surgical nursing experience and specialized training in geriatric nursing.

What type of care does a Geriatric Rehabilitation Nurse provide?

Geriatric Rehabilitation Nurses provide comprehensive care which includes physical and cognitive assessments, care planning, patient education, wound care and medication management.