How to Be Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 19, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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As the population of senior citizens increases, there is a growing need for geriatrics licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This is due to the fact that geriatric patients often require specialized care that must be provided by health professionals with specific skills and training. An LPN with a geriatric specialization is trained to provide physical and emotional support to elderly patients, as well as to monitor their vital signs and medications.

This knowledge and expertise helps to ensure that elderly patients receive the highest quality of care. The presence of a geriatrics LPN also helps to reduce the risk of falls, pressure ulcers, and other medical complications, which can have a significant impact on an elderly person's quality of life.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many LPN programs require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Complete an approved nursing program. The program must be approved by the state in which the student intends to practice.
Obtain a license. All LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and apply for licensure with their state board of nursing.
Consider specializing in geriatrics. Geriatrics is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care of elderly patients.
Take additional training or continuing education classes. Many states require nurses to take continuing education classes every year or two to maintain their license. Geriatric-specific classes or seminars are available through professional organizations and universities.
Seek certification in gerontology. Organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offer certifications in gerontology for nurses who meet certain qualifications.

As a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse, it is essential to stay up-to-date on current regulations and best practices. This helps ensure that elderly patients receive the highest quality of care. Keeping updated and efficient requires staying informed about the latest research and resources, developing strong communication skills with patients and their families, and utilizing the most effective technological tools available.

Consistently attending continuing education courses and seminars will help the nurse stay abreast of new trends in geriatric care and provide the best possible care for patients. utilizing electronic medical records, online medical resources, and other technology-based tools can help streamline patient care processes and increase efficiency. By staying informed, communicating effectively, and utilizing the latest technologies, Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurses can provide the highest quality of care for their elderly patients.

You may want to check Geriatric Home Care Worker, Geriatrics Hospice Chaplain, and Geriatrics Research Scientist for alternative.

Job Description

Provide direct care to geriatric patients, including assessing physical and mental health, administering prescribed medications, and providing general nursing care.
Monitor vital signs, document changes in patient condition, and report any concerns to the supervising physician.
Assist patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Educate geriatric patients and their families about proper care, nutrition, and disease management.
Develop and implement individualized care plans for geriatric patients.
Coordinate with other departments to ensure patients receive necessary treatments.
Participate in continued education and training to stay up-to-date on best practices for geriatric care.
Assist with moving, transferring, and repositioning geriatric patients as needed.
Provide emotional support and guidance to geriatric patients and their families.
Maintain patient records and prepare reports as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic anatomy, physiology and medical terminology related to geriatrics
Understanding of the aging process and age-related changes
Ability to assess physical, emotional and mental health of geriatric patients
Ability to provide physical care, including hygiene, nutrition and mobility assistance
Ability to recognize changes in a patient's health status and respond accordingly
Understanding of medication management and administration
Knowledge of common geriatric diagnoses and conditions
Ability to communicate effectively with geriatric patients and their families
Understanding of end-of-life care and hospice services
Knowledge of safety protocols and risk reduction strategies for geriatric patients

As a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse, one of the most important skills to have is good communication. Good communication is essential in order to provide quality care to elderly patients, as it allows nurses to effectively understand their needs and respond appropriately. Poor communication can lead to inadequate care, which can cause serious health risks in elderly patients, such as delayed diagnosis or medical errors.

having good communication skills can help to create a trusting relationship between the nurse and patient, which further enhances the quality of care that can be provided. A Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse should also possess knowledge of geriatric-specific medical conditions, as well as the physical and mental needs of elderly patients. By having a thorough understanding of geriatric health issues, a nurse is better able to provide appropriate and timely care.

Finally, empathy and patience are key traits for a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse, as elderly patients often require extra patience and understanding. By having empathy and patience, nurses are more likely to provide quality care that is tailored to the individual needs of elderly patients.

Geriatrics Medical Billing Specialist, Geriatrics Certified Nursing Assistant, and Geriatrics Medical Office Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geriatric patients?
How do you ensure that all of the needs of a geriatric patient are met?
What challenges have you faced when caring for geriatric patients?
How do you tailor care plans to meet the individual needs of elderly patients?
What techniques do you use to help elderly patients stay engaged and motivated?
How do you maintain a positive relationship with elderly patients who may be difficult to work with?
What strategies do you follow to ensure that elderly patients are receiving the best care possible?
How have you demonstrated your commitment to providing quality care to elderly patients?
What do you find rewarding about working with geriatric patients?
What additional training or certifications do you possess that would make you an effective Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records (EMR). An electronic health record system that stores, captures, and maintains patient data and medical information. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Clinical Documentation Software. A computer program used to document patient care, diagnoses, treatments, and other medical information. (e. g. Dragon Medical Practice Edition, eClinicalWorks)
Medication Administration Software. Software designed to help nurses manage the medication dispensing process, from ordering to administering medications. (e. g. Pyxis SupplyStation, Omnicare Medication Manager)
Telehealth Platforms. Technology that facilitates remote medical services, such as teleconferencing and other forms of digital communication between healthcare providers and patients. (e. g. VSee, Docent Health)
Home Monitoring Devices. Devices used to monitor and track a patients vital signs, such as blood pressure and oxygen levels, from the comfort of their own home. (e. g. Fitbit, KardiaMobile)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geriatrics Society (AGS)
National Council of Certified Gerontological Nurses (NCCGN)
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in Gerontology (AANPG)
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA)
Association of Rehabilitation Nurses Gerontological Special Interest Group (ARN-GSIG)
National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA)
Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
International Council of Nurses Gerontological Nursing Section (ICN-GNS)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)

We also have Geriatric Speech-Language Pathologist, Geriatrics Home Health Nurse, and Geriatric Physiotherapy Assistant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The study of aging, including the physiological and psychological changes that occur with age.
Long-Term Care. Services provided to those who have a chronic illness or disability that require ongoing monitoring and assistance with daily activities.
End-of-Life Care. Care provided to individuals near the end of life, including symptom management, emotional support, and end-of-life planning.
Palliative Care. Care that focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms caused by serious illness, while providing emotional and spiritual support to the patient and family.
Acute Care. Short-term care for the diagnosis and treatment of an illness or injury.
Chronic Care. Long-term care for conditions that require ongoing monitoring and management.
Home Health Care. Health care services provided in the patients home, such as nursing care, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Assisted Living. A type of residential care facility that provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
Rehabilitation. A range of services designed to help patients with physical or cognitive impairments reach their maximum potential for functioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse? A1: A Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse is a nurse who specializes in providing care to elderly patients. Q2: What duties does a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse typically perform? A2: A Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse typically performs duties such as monitoring vital signs, administering medications, providing wound care and education, and providing emotional support to elderly patients. Q3: What qualifications are required to become a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse? A3: To become a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse, one must have a state-issued license, complete an accredited nursing program, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Q4: How long does it typically take to become a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse? A4: It typically takes about two to three years to complete the necessary educational requirements and become a Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurse. Q5: What is the job outlook for Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurses? A5: The job outlook for Geriatrics Licensed Practical Nurses is expected to be positive due to the increasing demand for healthcare services for the elderly population.