Geriatric Nursing
If you enjoy working with the elderly population by helping them to maintain their independence, geriatric nursing may be the career option for you. This career is very rewarding where the nurse helps those who are getting older and are suffering from various conditions that come around as people age. It is up to the nurse who specializes in geriatric care to ensure their elderly patients have the high quality care they deserve while ensuring their dignity is still intact.
Long-Term care responsibilities
The responsibilities in geriatric nursing within the long-term care setting have the goal of providing care to patients who are going through the final stages of the aging process. These nurses are responsible for each patient in their care throughout their shift. These responsibilities often include administering medications, monitoring vital signs and watching for any symptoms that require the care of a physician. Additionally, the nurse in the geriatric specialty is responsible for supervising any nurse’s aides or CNAs. This job can include long hours as well as an above-average salary.
Recommended education for geriatric nurses
The only requirement to become a geriatric nurse is that to be a registered nurse; therefore, a two-year associate’s degree is required. This career can go much farther with the aid of a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in geriatric nursing. A bachelor’s degree is the main requirement to enter into a master’s program if that is a student’s desire.
Geriatric nursing has become a field where many nurses want to work. They are able to help the elderly population maintain a high quality of life even in the final stages. The geriatric nurse is in high demand; therefore, it is not uncommon for the nurse to work double or additional shifts, resulting in overtime pay and higher-than-average salaries for a job that many enjoy.
Popular Schools and Recommended Degrees
Kaplan University
It takes a dedicated educational institution to stand beside you throughout your career. Whether you are already a nurse or have just made the decision to become one, Kaplan University has the people, programs, and professional affiliations to help you pursue your educational and career goals. Kaplan's nursing degree and certificate programs are taught by practicing professionals who are dedicated to helping you prepare for real-world challenges.
Liberty University Online
Liberty University's Department of Nursing is designed to provide individuals with a broad educational background, which builds upon liberal arts, behavioral and social sciences as well as nursing. The curriculum for the nursing program at Liberty University is directly derived from the stated purpose, philosophy, objectives and organizing framework of the Department of Nursing which is based on Patricia Benner?s nursing theory and the nursing process. It provides a framework for practice and a conceptual approach to the nursing curriculum.
CTU Online
As the largest group in the US healthcare workforce, nurses are challenged to make a significant difference in the health outcomes of individuals and populations. The RN to BSN degree completion program at Colorado Technical University is designed to prepare nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to expand their practice options for a variety of clinical and administrative leadership activities and to manage change in an increasingly complex and diverse environment.
