Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) Jobs

GNA Jobs Overview

Geriatric Nursing Assistants (more commonly known as GNAs) are crucial members of healthcare teams in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other settings where the focus is caring for the elderly. Under the supervision of an RN or an LPN, GNAs are responsible for the physical and emotional wellbeing of elderly patients, which includes helping them with daily living activities and checking their vital signs.

There are more than 1 million people working as nursing assistants in this country. As the population ages, more will be needed. Working as a GNA can be a demanding job, but it is often rewarding as well. GNAs are tasked with providing the personal attention and support their older patients need. If you want to make a real difference to the everyday lives of seniors, finding work as a GNA might be the right path for you. You can find current GNA jobs in all settings, by taking a look at IntelyCare’s job board.

GNA Education and Skills

Much like those working to become certified nursing assistants, anyone training to become a GNA will begin with earning a high school degree or completing a GED. The next step for both certified nursing assistants and geriatric nursing assistants is to complete a nurse assistant training program that is approved by the state nursing board. These programs are available from community colleges, hospitals, and online. In order to become a GNA, however, you must take and pass the GNA exam. The exam will test for skills in areas like infection control, patient safety practices, proficiency in answering healthcare questions, and good communication skills.

In addition to the specific skills tested on the GNA exam, all employers will look for those softer skills that will best help your care for patients and their emotional and physical wellbeing. Most employers would like their GNAs to be team players, possesses time management skills, have good attention to detail, be compassionate and caring, and be able to communicate clearly with patients, other caregivers, and the patient’s family.

GNA Resume and Cover Letter

Even if you are an experienced nursing professional, you’ll want to make sure your nursing resume and cover letter are both up to date and can display your skills and experience to their best advantage. Take a look at the job description for the position you are most interested in; it can provide ideas on what to focus on most. For instance, if the job ad mentions that the employer is looking for someone with experience working with Alzheimer’s patients, highlight your previous work in memory care facilities.

Interviewing

Just like other in professions, interviews for GNA jobs can make you a little nervous. But taking some time to learn about the latest tips and tricks for a nursing assistant interview can help you calm yourself and get prepared. Remembering that taking time to research the company, listening carefully to the questions asked, and just being your true self can help you land that new geriatric nursing assistant job.

GNA Salary and Benefits

Salaries for GNA jobs vary by location. The average base salary for a GNA in the U.S. is just over $35,000. However, in areas where the demand is the greatest (and for those professionals with more experience), the pay can increase to over $43,000.

In addition to salary, don’t forget to investigate what benefits and perks may be available to you. Many full-time employers will offer a wide range including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement accounts, bonuses, discount programs, paid time off, and even free company merch.

Ways of Working

There are a lot of ways to work as a GNA. In addition to working full time in a hospital or assisted living facility, you can work on contract, travel, or on a per diem basis, allowing you more freedom to pick up shifts or change facilities as you choose. You may also consider whether you want to work in the many different kinds of post-acute care centers, from hospice facilities to retirement communities.

Want to Control Your Schedule as a GNA? Work With IntelyCare

There are so many types of GNA jobs available these days, but there is really one type of job that allows you to choose where and when you work. Take control of your working life with the IntelyCare app and become an IntelyPro today.