PLEASE NOTE: The contents of this website are for informational purposes only. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Many accredited colleges and universities offer the nursing training, and potential nursing students have many options when it comes to the manner in which to receive their degree. Become a member of a Geriatric Nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession. In the United States, Baby Boomers are growing older and often account for more healthcare visits than younger Americans. Those considering a position as a geriatric nurse should have experience and interest in caring for an aging population. Topics of … Before becoming a geriatric nurse, you should evaluate your personality. A geriatric nurse, or gerontological nurse, is a type of nurse that helps care for aging and elderly individuals. RNs must complete an examination for certification, which lasts five years. As most people get older, their bodies start to wear out and they begin experiencing more health problems. What Does a Geriatric Nurse Do? Since human life expectancy has increased and the members of the Baby Boomer generation have started aging, the demand for geriatric nurses is expected to increase dramatically. It is necessary to attend a nursing school to become a geriatric nurse. Geriatric nurse salaries will depend on many different factors. RegisteredNursing.org does not guarantee the accuracy or results of any of this information. If you wish to work in the field of geriatrics, however, you will also need additional education and training, along with experience working with elderly patients. If you're an exceptional writer or like-minded company, please drop us a line! Once you obtain this degree, you must then sit for the gerontological nursing certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Generally, the minimum education requirement for a geriatric nurse is a 4-year nursing degree from an accredited college or university. According to Nurse Journal, “Geriatric nurses […] help with caring for medical needs including pain relief, hygiene assistance, and routine assessment and treatments that become necessary after a certain age. Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Geriatric Nurse. This certification is currently offered through the ANCC. All rights reserved. American Assisted Living Nurses Association (AALNA), National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM), Transporting patients to doctor’s visits and other appointments, Helping patients with their daily needs, such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. You can spend two years for an Associate degree or 4 years for a Bachelor’s degree. Becoming a Geriatric Nurse Most geriatric nurses start out by becoming registered nurses, which involves earning a nursing degree and passing a difficult certification examination. Certifications can help in improving job opportunities and they help to increase your marketability. Because of this, elderly people often need more medical care than others. As a geriatric nurse, you will be required to perform a number of duties. 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 are often not only responsible for the physical well-being of their patients, but also for their mental and emotional well-being as well. Many nursing schools have geriatric nursing modules that are incorporated into the program. Usually this requires a 2-4 year program to attain an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, or a Registered Nurse Degree from a Registered Nurse Diploma program. The median salary for a geriatric nurse is $66,169 annually. As a geriatric nurse, you should keep a close eye on these patients and attempt to remain cheerful and compassionate, even during the most difficult times. The specific program can be known as a different name depending on the nursing school. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers certification for nurses who: Geriatric nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings such as: Geriatric nurses are trained to anticipate the needs of an aging patient population, and possess the skills needed to act on their behalf. To be eligible to become certified you will need: Already be an RN Nurse with up to date nursing license. All trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. Geriatric nurses provide safety, independence, and security to others who have already made contributions to society and are now in need of care. Oftentimes, elderly patients will seem morose or angry, due to reasons such as their failing health, lack of independence, and isolation from their loved ones. While some elderly patients are somewhat content or even happy-go-lucky, others may be sad, scared, or even angry that their health is failing. Geriatric Nurse Education Graduates can start their geriatric nursing career with a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. An important role in geriatric nursing comes not only with treatment, but with prevention as well, as they educate and assist with medical conditions that could appear.”2 Place of employment, geographic location, geriatric nursing certification, level of experience and how much education you have are all figured in when determining your salary. However, a lot of hospitals favor nurses with a Bachelor’s degree. To become a Geriatric Nurse, you'll first need to complete a registered nursing program at an accredited college or university. Step 2: Pass the National Licensing Exam. Further, you must show that in the last three years of your service, you have fulfilled the minimum hours of continuous training in gerontological nursing. They should also be patient, understanding, empathetic, and compassionate, with a true desire to work with aging patients. A nurse willing to act as an advocate, resource, and liaison is an added benefit. Some students choose to earn a diploma from a participating hospital or a 2-year degree from an accredited college or university before earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. In fact, an estimated 4 million older adults experience abuse and neglect, according to the American Psychological Association, and geriatric nurses can work as advocates for them and provide them the resources they need. To become a geriatric nurse, candidates must earn a previous nursing license and complete years of experience in a nursing role. Generally, the minimum education requirement for a geriatric nurse is a 4-year nursing degree from an accredited college or university. We saw them dancing or tapping their feet and moving their heads. The roles and duties of a geriatric nurse may include: While the field of nursing is rewarding in and of itself, specializing in geriatric nursing can be especially rewarding. 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 of many elderly people. How to Become a Geriatric Nurse. As a geriatric nurse, you are also in an excellent position to give both patients and their loved ones advice on certain health and ability related issues. Geriatric nurses are often employed at healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics. EveryNurse.org is an advertising-supported site. If you wish to work in the field of geriatrics, however, you will also need additional education and training, along with experience working with elderly patients. 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. If you choose this career, you should also be able to handle and bounce back from depressing events, such as the death of a patient. Some geriatric nurses also work in home healthcare, traveling to patients’ homes to care for them there. Nursing students can begin their careers in geriatric nursing by completing courses in nursing programs. However, salaries can vary depending on the state and city, years of experience, employer or facility, and degree and certifications held.