How to Be Geriatrics Certified Nursing Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 12, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The need for geriatrics certified nursing assistants is growing rapidly due to the increasing numbers of aging population. With the rise in life expectancy, more and more people are living into their 80s and 90s, requiring specialized care that is best provided by geriatrics certified nursing assistants. As a result of the growing demand for geriatrics certified nursing assistants, many nursing schools are offering specialized courses and programs to equip nursing assistants with the knowledge and skills required to properly care for elderly patients. With the training and certification, geriatrics certified nursing assistants can provide a higher level of care, including specialized medical services such as helping patients with mobility issues, ensuring proper nutrition, administering medication and providing emotional support to elderly patients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many healthcare employers require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent before they can begin training for any type of nursing assistant position.
Enroll in a state-approved nursing assistant training program. Nursing assistant programs are usually offered at community colleges and technical schools, and some healthcare facilities also provide in-house programs. These programs typically take 8-12 weeks to complete and include instruction in basic nursing care, patient safety, infection control, and other topics related to providing care to elderly patients.
Pass the certification exam. Upon completion of the training program, students must pass an exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The exam consists of both a written and a practical portion.
Obtain geriatric-specific training. Although not required, obtaining additional training in geriatrics can help CNA's better serve elderly patients. This type of training is usually offered through continuing education programs at community colleges or technical schools.
Become a Certified Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CGNA). Once a CNA has obtained additional geriatric training and experience, they can apply for certification as a CGNA. Certification requirements vary by state, but typically include completing a certain number of hours of geriatric-specific training, passing an exam, and maintaining continuing education credits.

Becoming an ideal and competent Geriatrics Certified Nursing Assistant (GCNA) requires dedication and commitment. By taking the initiative to enroll in a GCNA program, one will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate care to elderly patients. This process includes a variety of educational requirements, such as completing coursework in gerontology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals.

hands-on training in clinical settings allows aspiring GCNAs to gain practical experience that will help them succeed in the profession. With the right combination of education, experience and dedication, one can become an ideal and competent GCNA and make a positive impact on the lives of elderly patients.

You may want to check Geriatric Rehabilitation Aide, Geriatrics Nursing Home Administrator, and Geriatrics Research Scientist for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor vital signs such as weight, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature
Provide safe and effective transfer of patients from bed to wheelchair, chair to bed and other areas
Assist in administering medication and treatments as ordered by the physician
Provide assistance with toileting, bathing, dressing, and grooming
Prepare meals, feed residents and document food intake
Assist in ambulation and exercise activities
Perform range of motion exercises and provide skin care to residents
Assist residents with daily activities and provide companionship
Record and report changes in residents condition to the supervisor
Maintain a clean and safe environment for residents

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to assess and monitor the physical and emotional needs of elderly patients.
Knowledge of proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.
Proficient in providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating.
Ability to provide basic healthcare services such as taking vital signs and monitoring catheters.
Knowledge of special protocols for elderly patients such as fall prevention and memory care.
Ability to perform housekeeping tasks such as light cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping.
Ability to communicate effectively with elderly patients and their families.
Knowledge of common geriatric conditions such as dementia and arthritis.
Familiarity with medical terminology and documentation procedures.
Ability to adapt to changing medical needs and provide emotional support to elderly patients.

Being a geriatrics certified nursing assistant requires a variety of skills in order to provide the best care and support to elderly patients. One of the most important skills to have is the ability to empathize and connect with the elderly. Empathy is essential because it allows the nursing assistant to understand the needs and feelings of the elderly patient.

having excellent communication skills is imperative in order to effectively communicate with the elderly patient, family members, and other medical staff. Furthermore, being organized, detail-oriented and having strong problem-solving skills are also essential for success. Having these skills allows the nursing assistant to be able to anticipate problems and develop creative solutions.

Finally, having good physical stamina is important because many tasks involve standing, walking, and lifting for long periods of time. Having these skills allows the nursing assistant to provide excellent care for the elderly patient and make a positive impact on their lives.

Geriatrics Dietary Aide, Geriatric Speech-Language Pathologist, and Geriatrics Clinical Nurse Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geriatric patients?
How do you handle difficult conversations and situations when working with elderly patients?
What strategies do you use to ensure that all geriatric patients receive the care they need?
What techniques do you use to help elderly patients maintain their independence?
How do you ensure that all geriatric patients receive the respect and dignity they deserve?
How would you handle a situation in which an elderly patient is refusing care?
Describe how you would establish a good rapport with a geriatric patient.
How do you incorporate family members into the care of a geriatric patient?
What techniques do you use to provide emotional support to elderly patients?
What challenges have you faced when caring for geriatric patients and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Gait Belt. Used to provide assistance and support to elderly patients while they are walking, (eg: helping them stand up and walk to the bathroom).
Transfer Board. Used to help move clients safely and easily from bed to wheelchair or wheelchair to bathtub, (eg: transferring a client from their bed to the shower).
Reacher. Used to help elderly patients with limited mobility reach objects they cannot otherwise reach, (eg: helping an elderly patient grab a box of tissues from the top shelf).
Bed Rail. Used to help elderly patients get in and out of bed safely and provide support while sleeping, (eg: providing stability for an elderly patient as they get in and out of bed).
Raised Toilet Seat. Used to raise the height of a toilet seat, making it easier and safer for elderly patients to use the restroom, (eg: making it easier for an elderly patient to sit down on the toilet).
Shower Chair. Used to provide a safe and secure place for elderly patients to sit while showering, (eg: providing stability for an elderly patient while they are showering).
Grab Bars. Used to provide support for elderly patients when transferring from bed to chair or when using the restroom, (eg: providing stability for an elderly patient when they are getting in and out of the bathtub).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Geriatrics Society
American Nurses Association
National Council of Certified Gerontological Nurses
National Gerontological Nursing Association
National Association for Home Care & Hospice
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
American Medical Directors Association
American College of Health Care Administrators
Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine

We also have Geriatrics Medical Office Receptionist, Geriatrics Mental Health Technician, and Geriatric Home Care Worker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Long-term Care. A form of health care that provides supportive services for people who need ongoing assistance due to physical or mental disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or cognitive impairments.
Gerontology. The study of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.
Palliative Care. Medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving comfort for people with serious illnesses.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Basic activities of everyday life, such as eating, dressing, bathing, and toileting.
Assistive Devices. Devices that help people with physical disabilities perform daily activities more easily.
Cognitive Impairment. A decrease in mental capacity that affects a persons ability to think, remember, understand, and make decisions.
End-of-Life Care. Medical care and support provided to patients who have a terminal illness or are approaching the end of their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geriatrics Certified Nursing Assistant (GCNA)?

A Geriatrics Certified Nursing Assistant (GCNA) is a specialized nursing assistant who is trained and certified to provide care and assistance to elderly patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

What duties and responsibilities are associated with being a GCNA?

GCNAs are responsible for providing basic nursing care to elderly patients, such as helping them with activities of daily living, monitoring vital signs, assisting with personal hygiene, and providing emotional support. They may also administer medications, collect samples for laboratory tests, and maintain patient records.

What qualifications are needed to become a GCNA?

To become a GCNA, individuals must complete an accredited nursing assistant program and pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) exam. In addition, GCNAs must have at least one year of experience providing care to elderly patients in a healthcare setting.

How long does it take to become a GCNA?

The time it takes to become a GCNA will vary depending on the individuals education and experience. Generally, it will take between two to four months to complete the training and certification process.

What is the average salary for a GCNA?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for CNAs in general is $29,640. The average salary for a GCNA will vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

Web Resources

Certified Nursing Assistant ( CNA) / Geriatric Nursing Assistant ... www.montgomerycollege.edu
Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Aide Certificate - Allegany www.allegany.edu
Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA) www.csmd.edu