Geriatric Nurses help elderly patients. These older adults are at greater risk of injuries and diseases like osteoporosis, Alzheimer's and cancer, which is why Geriatric Nurses focus on preventative care. They also help patients, and their families, cope with certain medical conditions that develop later in life. As a Geriatric Nurse, you can work in nursing homes, with home healthcare services and in hospice facilities taking care of bedridden patients, those with impaired mental ability, and for patients who are in pain.
Things You'll Do:
- Help rehabilitate patients after injuries
- Conduct routine check-ups and screenings
- Develop patient care plans
- Administer medication
- Assist with pain management
- Bathing and bedsore prevention
Your job characteristics:
- Multifaceted
- Structured
- Patient-facing
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Get YourNursing Diploma, Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
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Pass YourNational Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
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You can start working as a Registered Nurse.
More about becoming an RN › -
Get at least two years of clinical experience, including 2,000 hours in geriatrics, and take 30 hours of continuing education in geriatric nursing.
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Get YourGerontological Nursing Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center
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Become aCertified Geriatric Nurse
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Meet
Jacquelynread her story
Pediatric Nurse, BS/BSN
As a child I was diagnosed with cancer and was treated at the University of Michigan Hospital.
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Meet
Jennylynderead her story
Geriatric Nurse, RN
I became a Certified Nursing Assistant at the age of 16, after obtaining my Girl Scout Gold Award by arranging...
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How Much You
Can Makean average salary of
$41K - $54Kfind salary by stateWhat Else You
Can Expect- Since the elderly are more likely than any other age group to need nursing care, and with the US population growing increasingly older, your job outlook is good.
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