With that, the demand for geriatric nurses will rise. Geriatric nurses sometimes collaborate with primary care doctors, nutritionists, surgeons, cardiologists, and intensive care staff to ensure patients’ well-being. Beginning in the 1980s, nurse researchers have pursued answers on older adults about their well-being, and those suffering from serious chronic conditions.Bowers2020/> The NI… Geriatric nurses may visit patients’ homes to provide care or work in centers that help the elderly fight against memory loss and dementia. They also provide support for people adjusting to necessary lifestyle changes or dealing with troubling diagnoses. [...] home; home-visit nursing to give care and treatments prescribed by a physician, an oriental doctor or a dentist; day and night care (including functional therapy and medical treatments) given for short periods in residential facilities providing geriatric care; short-term [...] Upon receiving a passing score on this test, certification as a registered nurse is granted. Graduates will then need to take and pass the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. A person in this field may work not only with elderly patients who have physical conditions, but also with those who have mental health or clarity issues. They represent an integral component of the healthcare team and look to help older patients to maintain their independence, mobility, and quality of life. They also educate and counsel families of elderly patients who suffer from acute and chronic conditions. Although this will also depend on the employing organization, most geriatric nurses who are employed full-time will receive some kind of benefits package which will typically include medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance coverage. Gerontological Nurse (RN-BC) Certification, in which nurses must have: At least two years of experience as a traditional RN, Complete 2,000 hours of clinical experience in a geriatric healthcare setting in the previous three years of employment, Complete a 30-hour geriatric nursing continuing education course within the previous three years. As you probably would expect, the first step towards holding the title as a geriatric nurse is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a reputable college or university. According to PayScale, the median yearly salary for a geriatric nurse is approximately $63,871. A few weeks of paid time-off each year is also common in this field. Geriatric nurses specialize in the care of older patients and are a crucial part of the healthcare team in helping older adults maintain their mobility, independence, and quality of life. Geriatric nurses work specifically with elderly patients. Gerontological nurses walk a tight rope stretching across the centuries from the past to the present that introduced the notion that those who entered could survive and recover. What is the Importance of Geriatric Fitness. This type of nurse may also perform tests on patients, such as blood tests, and administer medications in keeping with a doctor’s instructions. While they don't enjoy the same scope of practice that RNs have, LPNs often start in the field of geriatrics and then earn their RN degree to move into positions of higher responsibility. Is Amazon actually giving you the best price? primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Part of a geriatric nurse's job is assisting a doctor as he examines patients or performs procedures. Elderly people are always much more likely to require healthcare services, so deciding on the geriatric niche might be a smart decision for job security. He may then attend nursing school or college to earn a diploma or degree in nursing. Learn about a little known plugin that tells you if you're getting the best price on Amazon. with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach. They may also work with patients who have developed problems with hearing or seeing as well as they used to. To become a registered nurse, for example, a person needs either a diploma or an associate’s degree in nursing. Addressing psychosocial issues and the mental health of patients is also one of the primary concerns of the geriatric nurse. Geriatric nurses also help to educate and support patients and their families. To secure more opportunities, however, some aspiring nurses seek bachelor’s or master’s degrees instead. Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a wiseGEEK writer, and she focuses Their job is not limited to caring for people with such conditions and difficulties, however; they may provide care for a wide range of other conditions as well. They perform mental as well as physical healthcare on aged patients. Traditionally, geriatric nurses begin their careers by first becoming registered nurses. This involves earning a nursing degree (ADN or BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. The modern hospital is 18th century innovation and those who entered were youths with acute injuries rather than chronic illnesses heavily seen in modern society. A geriatric nurse provides medical care for elderly patients. In many places, a person who wants to become a geriatric nurse has to graduate high school or earn an equivalent to a high school diploma. Core credentials/certifications needed for geriatric nurses: As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, the number of people living well past 80 will drastically increase. Put simply, geriatric nurses are registered nurses who care specifically for elderly patients. There are many settings in which a geriatric nurse may work. Geriatric nurses care for the elderly in the following settings: Individuals who are thinking about pursuing a career as a geriatric nurse should have a unique interest in caring for elderly patients. Licensed Professional/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs), however, often work with geriatric patients in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. A geriatricnurse provides medical care for elderly patients. Some work in hospitals, urgent-care centers, and other types of medical care facilities. Providing nursing care to elderly patients presents a number of unique and difficult challenges that traditional nursing does not. Geriatric nurses receive training that helps them meet the unique needs of elderly patients. Often, geriatric nurses help patients who have trouble controlling their bladders or remembering events. A geriatric nurse may even find opportunities to work in a patient’s home. What are the Most Common Geriatric Problems? After earning a degree or diploma, an aspiring geriatric nurse usually has to pass a jurisdiction-approved licensing exam to practice nursing. They have specific training in elderly care and have studied gerontological research and practices. Amazon Doesn't Want You to Know About This Plugin. Geriatric nurses work closely alongside physicians, social workers, and families. This type of nurse may provide a variety of services, caring for patients with acute and chronic conditions, helping those with injuries, working to prepare patients for surgery, and caring for them after surgery. They are trained to be able to perform traditional nursing duties, yet they also have special training that helps them better understand the special needs … How Do I Get the Best Assisted Living Training? For example, they often work with patients who have experienced the loss of some mobility or have chronic pain. … It's also advisable that interested parties gain a significant amount of experience in the field before making a final decision to enter it. What Is a Geriatric Nurse? Geriatric nursing salaries will depend significantly on the city and state which they're employed in, the number of years they've been working in the field, degrees and specialty certifications, and employer. Additionally, these nurses may discuss treatments, finances, and resources with families, insurance companies, … These nurses focus primarily on the development and implementation of treatment plans for chronic illnesses and other diseases commonly associated with old age, like hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, strokes, cancer, dementia/Alzheimer's, chronic pain, and respiratory disorders. Geriatric nurses should be prepared to face these challenges head-on. Sometimes geriatric nurses also help develop plans for patient care and teach both patients and their loved ones the specifics of medical conditions and how to care for them at home. Home » Top Nursing Careers & Specialties » Geriatric Nurse. Minimum degree you’ll need to practice:Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Certification: The American Nurses Crede… A geriatric nurse, or gerontological nurse, is a type of nurse that helps care for aging and elderly individuals. This little known plugin reveals the answer. RNs will then need to meet the requirements to become a board-certified Gerontological Nurse through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. They are trained to anticipate the needs of aging adults and work closely with primary care physicians, attending physicians, social workers, and families to provide individualized care to elderly patients.