Geriatric nurses work with older adult patients, providing a crucial service in healthcare. If you’re wondering what is geriatric nursing, it’s a specialized field that focuses on the unique needs of aging adults. Marian University is here to help you start your career in this growing and rewarding field.
As people age, their bodies inevitably face changes that require specialized care. Geriatric nursing focuses on providing the medical attention and support older adults need to manage age-related conditions and maintain a good quality of life. Geriatric nurses play a crucial role in ensuring elderly patients receive the care, respect, and comfort they deserve from managing chronic illnesses to addressing cognitive decline.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults, Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can help you get started in as few as 16 months. This program equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a highly trained nurse, ready to care for the aging population with skill and compassion.
Explore geriatric nursing, including the roles and responsibilities of nurses, their impact and answers to common questions.
What Is Geriatric Nursing?
Geriatric nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on improving and maintaining the health of older adults. In this field, nurses are trained to address the unique needs that come with aging, from managing chronic conditions to supporting cognitive health. Geriatric nurses work to ensure that elderly patients can live their lives as comfortably and independently as possible, despite the challenges aging can bring.
You might have heard the term gerontological nurses, which is a more formal term for geriatric nurses. These healthcare professionals work to enhance the quality of life for older adults, offering care tailored to the specific physical, emotional and mental health needs of aging patients.
See what clinical rotations consist of as an ABSN student.
Nurses’ Role in Geriatric Care
Geriatric care is a team effort involving healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, and social workers. Nurses play a crucial role in the patient care team by carrying out key tasks and acting as a go-between for the patient and the rest of the healthcare team.
They also often serve as advocates, bridging any gaps that might arise, particularly when it comes to communication between doctors and patients. Geriatric nurses ensure that the patient’s needs and wishes are clearly understood and respected, keeping everyone on the care team aligned on the treatment plan so the patient receives the best care possible.
Geriatric Nurse Responsibilities
Geriatric nurse responsibilities are similar to the duties of other nursing roles. They typically:
- Assess patient health
- Administer treatments
- Manage medication
- Provide emotional support
- Educate patients and their families
They also develop care plans that address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging. This can include helping patients with the activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and mobility, to maintain as much independence as possible.
The Impact of Nurses in Geriatric Care
With the aging population, geriatric nursing is more crucial than ever. According to the United States Census Bureau, older adults are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. Starting in 2030, when all baby boomers will be over 65, older Americans will make up 21% of the population. This growing need highlights the importance of geriatric nurses, who are essential in meeting the healthcare demands of an aging society.
Geriatric nurses specialize in caring for the complex healthcare conditions within elderly populations. They help address the physical challenges that come with aging, as well as the mental and emotional aspects, such as the stress of adjusting to a slower body or the isolation that can result from living far from family. By providing comprehensive care, geriatric nurses help elderly patients maintain dignity and quality of life during their later years.
FAQs About Nurses’ Role in Geriatric Care
Discover the answers to commonly asked questions about geriatric nursing.
What skills do geriatric nurses need?
Geriatric nurses need a blend of communication skills, assessment abilities, critical thinking, cultural competence, empathy, patience, compassion, adaptability, and flexibility.
How can geriatric nurses prepare for their role?
To become a geriatric nurse, you must first earn a nursing degree like a BSN and then pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Gaining experience by working with older adults is also essential for understanding the nuances of geriatric care.
What is the top priority for a geriatric nurse?
It is essential that geriatric nurses empathize with the patient, recognizing and respecting their unique circumstances and challenges.
Where do geriatric nurses work?
Geriatric nurses can work in settings including nursing homes, senior centers, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted-living centers, retirement communities. and even patients’ homes. Each environment offers its own set of challenges and opportunities for providing care.
While you may have more questions, rest assured they will be answered throughout nursing school—preparing you for a fulfilling career in geriatric nursing.
See some NCLEX Exam practice questions.
Start Your Geriatric Nursing Journey at Marian University
The need for geriatric nursing is growing, and with it, the opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of older adults. With the Marian University ABSN, you can begin your journey toward becoming a skilled geriatric nurse and help meet the increasing demand for quality care. With three annual program start dates in January, May, and August, there’s never been a better time to take the next step.
Apply now and connect with an admissions advisor to learn more about our accredited accelerated nursing program.