What is geriatric nursing? A geriatric nurse specializes in the care of older adults who may have chronic conditions or acute health problems. Geriatric nurses work in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. You can become a geriatric RN by earning your nursing degree and passing the NCLEX.
In a study by Frontiers in Public Health, researchers acknowledged that aging isn’t uniform. Older adults will naturally experience changes in sensory experiences, physical function, and cognitive acuity and are more susceptible to chronic or somatic illness. As a geriatric nurse, it will be your job to consider these factors and educate your patients on lifestyle changes that will keep them safe and prolong their lives.
If you feel called to care for older generations, Utica University’s comprehensive Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and Advanced Standing in Nursing programs help students become capable nurses. Built for applicants seeking a second degree, Utica’s ABSN and Advanced Standing in Nursing programs leverage your previous college education so you can earn your degree on an accelerated timeline and start your career as a geriatric nurse as soon as possible.
What is geriatric nursing? Let’s explore how to become a geriatric nurse and what the work entails.
What Is Geriatric Nursing?
One of the first things you should know about being a geriatric nurse is that these professionals can be confused with gerontologists. Gerontology refers to the study of aging and older adults. A gerontologist is a researcher who examines issues such as how aging affects adults and how public policy might support their needs. In contrast, a geriatric registered nurse (RN) provides patient care to older adults. A geriatric RN may also be called a gerontological nurse but not a gerontologist.
Geriatric RNs can provide a complete range of care to older adults by helping patients manage chronic diseases and chronic pain or assessing physical and cognitive changes. These nurses may also provide palliative and end-of-life care. Geriatric RNs often work with patients who have suffered from or are at a high risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, dementia, diabetes, or cancer.
Common Responsibilities of a Geriatric Nurse
Like many other RNs, geriatric nurses might work in a hospital, but they are frequently found in long-term care facilities and home health agencies.
Within these settings, geriatric RNs may do any of the following:
- Assess patients and monitor their health
- Administer medications
- Provide wound care
- Work to reduce the risk of bed sores
- Monitor for potential signs of elder abuse or neglect
- Provide extensive patient and family caregiver education
- Offer a compassionate ear to patients having trouble coping with the effects of aging and ill health
Essential Skills and Traits for This Specialty
A geriatric RN can benefit from a diverse skill set, including hard and soft skills. The following are particularly helpful for this nursing specialty:
- Compassion and empathy
- Patience
- Knowledge of the aging process
- Communication skills, including the recognition of nonverbal communication cues
- Positive attitude
- Organization
- Interpersonal skills
- Resilience
- Sense of humor
There are plenty of nursing career options to consider. Check out these 10 nursing specialties in demand.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Geriatric Nurse?
You might be eager to start this career pathway if you enjoy working with older adults and think you’ve got what it takes to excel in this specialty. How long does it take to become a geriatric nurse? There is no universal answer to this question, as there are different paths one could take toward this career.
For example, if you have a high school education and few to no college credits, you’ll need to enroll in a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum number of college credits, you could be eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, such as the ABSN program at Utica University. This program can allow you to graduate in as few as 16 months upon completing the degree requirement courses.
After earning your nursing degree, you’ll also have to pass the nursing licensure exam. If you pass the exam on your first try, you can obtain your license and become a nurse more quickly.
Steps to Become a Geriatric Nurse
Becoming a geriatric RN can be a meaningful career choice because it allows you to develop strong working relationships with your patients and their families over time. Steps you can take to achieve this career include obtaining a degree, passing the licensure exam, and gaining experience in your desired specialty.
Obtain a B.S. in Nursing Degree
Your first step is to earn a nursing degree. If you’re eligible for Utica University’s ABSN program, you can complete your nursing theory coursework online for greater convenience. This allows you to review the learning material as often as needed. Of course, you’ll still be held accountable for meeting instructor deadlines and taking exams.
In addition to the coursework, you’ll attend in-person nursing skills labs and simulation labs. In skills labs, you’ll develop fundamental nursing skills, including IV placement, nasogastric tube insertion, and wound care. In simulation labs, you’ll work in groups to manage various patient care scenarios using high-tech medical manikins, which simulate patient responses.
For the last component of our program, you’ll complete a series of clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities. Under the supervision of your nursing instructors and preceptor, you’ll practice providing direct patient care and interacting with patients and their loved ones. Utica University ABSN students gain exposure to various nursing specialties in clinicals, such as adult health, acute care, and community health.
Pass the NCLEX-RN®
After graduating with your B.S. in Nursing, the next step is to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). The NCLEX is a rigorous exam that requires nursing knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills.
It’s ideal to begin studying for it well in advance. Try to answer a few practice questions daily and take several full-length practice exams before your examination date.
Gain Work Experience in Your Specialty
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX and obtained your nursing license, you can look for geriatric nursing jobs at hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare organizations. If you don’t find a geriatric nursing-specific job right away, you might consider gaining some experience in a similar specialty, such as medical-surgical nursing.
Ready to start nursing school? Consider these 11 tips on how to prepare for nursing school before the semester starts.
Obtain Professional Certifications
As you gain experience at the bedside in geriatric nursing, you might consider pursuing a professional certification. Some employers prefer to hire geriatric nurses with certifications, so earning one may enhance your employment prospects.
One option is the Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC) offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include demonstrating at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in geriatric nursing within the last three years.
Why Geriatric Nurses Are in High Demand
As the U.S. population ages, the need for geriatric nurses will continue to grow. Older adults also tend to have more health concerns, such as chronic conditions and acute conditions like heart attacks.
As a whole, the need for all types of RNs in the U.S. continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for RNs is expected to be 6% from 2023 through 2033, faster than average. At this rate of job growth, healthcare employers expect to hire about 197,200 new nurses during this period.
Prepare for Your Future in Geriatrics at Utica University
Utica University maintains a longstanding tradition of nursing education excellence, with a focus on preparing students for specialized fields like geriatric nursing through rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experience. If eligible for our ABSN program, you could graduate with a quality B.S. in Nursing degree and be prepared to confidently sit for the NCLEX. Plus, you’ll have dedicated nursing instructors and Academic Success Coaches to support your progress.
Contact our friendly admission representatives today to learn more and determine whether our ABSN program is a good fit for you.
