How to Become a Geriatric Nurse
Wondering what it takes to join the ranks of geriatric nurses? The rise in the elderly population means these nurses will be in increasingly high demand in the next decade and beyond. Nurses who specialize in gerontology can work in direct patient care or in non-traditional roles, such as geriatric care managers. Keep reading to learn about what it takes to become a geriatric nurse, typical job duties, geriatric nurse certification options, and more.
What Is a Geriatric Nurse and What Does a Geriatric Nurse Do?
Geriatric nurses care for the elderly population. Although they may address diseases and injuries, professionals who work in this specialty also work with healthy patients who are experiencing the normal deterioration that can come with aging.
When you decide on a geriatric nursing career path, it’s good to know what will be expected of you on a daily basis. Some geriatric nurse responsibilities include:
- Reality orientation
- Emotional support
- Medication administration
- Fall risk assessments
- Mental status assessments
Where Do Geriatric Nurses Work?
Geriatric nurses work in facilities that specialize in caring for the elderly, such as:
- Nursing homes
- Post-acute care facilities
- Geri-psych units
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living facilities
How to Become a Geriatric Nurse
There are core milestones every nurse must complete no matter the route you take to this nursing role. Take a look at these important steps.
Step 1: Complete Nursing School
Once you decide if you want your associate vs bachelor degree, you’ll learn important information required for all specialties in nursing school. It’s your first chance to see which niche is right for you. You’ll learn about topics like the human body, therapeutic communication, caring for various demographics, and hands-on skills.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX
In order to obtain your license to practice, you must pass the NCLEX exam, which means you’ve retained enough nursing school knowledge to apply it in the field.
Step 3: Gain Experience
You may be able to begin your career as an RN in geriatrics, but prior experience will certainly increase your chances of landing the job. If you’re sure this is the path for you, consider becoming a geriatric nursing assistant before starting nursing school. On the other hand, if you prefer to gain experience outside of geriatrics — like in a med-surg unit or outpatient clinic — you’ll have a well-rounded perspective of how the body ages.
Step 4: Get Your Geriatric Nurse Certification
Getting certified isn’t typically required for geriatric nurses, but it shows you’re committed to your specialty, gives you more in-depth knowledge, and builds your confidence. Below, we share options for geriatric nurse certification that may boost your career.
- Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC): This competency-based exam tests on the clinical knowledge and skills necessary to work in gerontology. Applicants must have completed at least 2 years of full-time practice as a registered nurse and a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours in gerontology within the past 3 years. They must also have completed 30 hours of continuing education unique to this specialty within the past 3 years. This certification lasts for 5 years.
- APRN Gerontological Specialist – Certified (GS-C): This geriatric nursing certification tests advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) on their ability to manage geriatric health needs. Applicants must have worked a minimum of 2,500 hours as a geriatric APRN over the past 5 years. They must also have completed 50 hours of continuing education unique to gerontology within the past 3 years. You must renew this certification every 5 years.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Geriatric Nurse?
The time it takes for you to enter this speciality is unique to your specific career path. If you attend a traditional nursing program, expect to invest at least four years.
Geriatric Nurse Salary
Typical geriatric nurses earn around $78,150 annually. Your salary may vary based on your facility, years of experience, and location.
When you’re deciding on a new place to live, it’s helpful to know what nurses are paid in that area. Here are five states with some of the highest salaries for nurses:
Geriatric Nurse Skills
Some nursing skills are more relevant to specific specialties. The traits below are especially helpful when working in geriatrics. Earning geriatric nurse certification can help you hone these traits.
Attention to Detail
Elderly people may have difficulty with caring for themselves due to memory loss and decreasing sense acuity, so it’s up to you to look out for them. Recognizing small skin tears or a change in their routine early on can prevent future complications.
Patience
The difficulties of aging impact both the elderly and their caregivers. You may have to repeat yourself to your patients, wait a while for them to complete simple tasks, deal with challenging behaviors, and more. Life moves at a slower pace for them, so be prepared to adapt to this change.
Conscientiousness
Your patients will be increasingly dependent on you to maintain their quality of life. Ensuring that you complete all your tasks as thoroughly as possible goes a long way. It’s essential that they can depend on you to care for their needs.
Therapeutic Communication
Imagine knowing that you’re slipping into dementia or losing your hearing. Sounds frustrating, right? This is the reality for many geriatric patients. You’ll use therapeutic communication to adapt to your patients’ needs; this can make an impact on compliance and smooth interactions. It’s important that patients feel confident that they understand you and that their needs are heard.
Become a Great Geriatric Nurse
Does gerontology sound like a good fit for you? Sign up for personalized nursing job notifications through IntelyCare today and find the right position for your goals.