Posts Tagged ‘training for geriatric nurses’

How To Get A Job As A Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses specialize in caring for aging and aged patients.

Geriatric Nurses must  perform all the duties of a regular registered nurse, but they must be dedicated to giving the best possible care to a segment of the population that is more likely to be frail, ailing, or terminal.   Geriatric nurses must be especially patient, detail oriented, compassionate, kind, cheerful, and able to remain calm in stressful situations.  They must be well organized and enjoy the company of, and the challenges of working with, older patients.

Geriatric Nurses work in clean bright surroundings in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and long term care facilities.

As the  advances in health and medical practices advances, people are living longer.  The aging population has special needs in the areas of assessment, management, and administration of care.   They have special needs regarding sight, hearing, incontinence, memory, exercise, nutrition, mental health, and balance.  As a result of all these factors, there is an increasing demand for qualified Geriatric Nurses.

If you are interested in a career as a Geriatric Nurse, and are still in High School, it would be wise to get all the experience you can working with seniors.  Try to get some volunteer experience in a Nursing Home or Hospital.  Here you will become accustomed to the world of seniors as well as, their special needs and care.  Take school courses that are related to science and nursing. such as biology chemistry, mathematics, English, and health and nutrition.

Training

After obtaining your High School Diploma, you will need to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree In Nursing   This will take four years in a College or Univeristy.   Here you will study, among other subjects, microbiology, human growth and behavior, medical ethics and law, medical terminology, nutrition, physiology, and anatomy.

Before you decide on a College or University, inquire what they offer in the way of specific training for Geriatric Nurses.  Although all nurses’ training will give some instruction in Geriatric care, much of the skill of the Geriatric Nurse is learned on the job or through continuing education courses offered by hospitals.

Candidates who chose to take further education beyond the Bachelor of Science Degree In Nursing, may take a Masters of Science Degree in Nursing, BSN.  This will increase your chance for employment and promotion.

After graduating with your BSN, or MSN, for those who complete their Master’s Degree, you will need to get your license by passing a National Licensing Exam.  With this license, you will be able to practice as a Registered Nurse specializing in Geriatrics.

With added experience and additional training,  Geriatric Nurses may advance to become Gerontological Nurse Specialists.