Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other healthcare settings where they look after the patients and provide them with basic medical care. These healthcare experts may also assist doctors and other medical staff. Geriatric nursing is a specialized field within nursing. Geriatric nurses specialize in providing healthcare services to the elderly.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 19% between 2012 and 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. This is why becoming a geriatric nurse can be useful for those seeking suitable career opportunities.
How to Become a Geriatric Nurse
Students who are interested in a career in geriatric nursing can consider working towards an associate or bachelor’s degree. The associate degree may take 2 years to complete while the bachelor’s program can require 4 years for completion. Depending on the enrollment status of the students, the duration of these programs may be longer or shorter.
These programs provide instruction in various areas of study. Students may take courses in medical terminology, ethics, patient care anatomy and physiology. They may also have to complete internships or gain clinical experience as a requirement of these programs.
Aspiring geriatric nurses may also pursue the master’s in geriatrics nursing that generally spans over 1-2 years. Some of the topic included in this advanced degree is pathophysiology, nursing research, pharmacology and elderly nursing problems.
PhD degrees are also available for those who want to pursue a career in geriatrics nursing. This program can be particularly suitable for those who want to qualify for research opportunities. This advanced degree may be completed in 5-6 years, or may take shorter or longer than this. Students may cover topics such as medical ethics and research methods. In addition, they need to complete to complete an original dissertation as well.
Online Nursing Programs
Students who are interested in becoming geriatric nurses can pursue online programs as well. A number of school offer nursing degree programs in online format. These programs allow students to study from any location anytime. Some schools also offer hybrid programs in which students can attend some classes online and others in traditional classroom settings.
The ones who already hold a degree in nursing and want to earn advanced credentials or specialize in geriatric nursing can also work towards a degree online and study on their own terms.
Graduate Certificate in Geriatric Nursing
Those who are interested in the field of geriatric nursing can also opt for the graduate certificate and become a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialists with a focus in geriatric nursing. Students in this program learn about the issues in nursing the elderly, nursing theories and chronic health management.
Licensure and Work Experience
Geriatrics nurses must also work towards earning a license. They need to complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses or Practical Nurses.
Geriatrics nurses also need to complete a clinical so as to acquire experience for understanding nursing responsibilities in geriatric care.
Job Prospects
Nurses with a specialization in geriatric nursing can possibly find work in various settings including clinics, senior centers, hospitals and nursing homes. Opportunities are also available for working in the homes of patients or long-term care facilities.
Q:What is Geriatric Nursing?
A:Geriatric nursing can be defined a branch of nursing that focuses on providing healthcare services to aged people. Geriatric nurses perform a number of duties such as administering medication, diagnosing illnesses, conducting medical tests, monitoring aged patients, and more. If you want to know more about this field, take a look at our page.
Q:Is it possible to purse a geriatric nursing certification program online?
A:Yes, it is possible to pursue a geriatric nursing certification program online. You can choose from a wide variety of nursing online schools that are specializing in this field. The programs are covered online via tutorials, videos, slideshows, presentations, classroom conferencing, and lectures. These programs cost much less as compared to campus-based institutes and are extremely flexible.
Q:Can you tell me about the basic job duties of a geriatric nurse?
A:Geriatric nurses are skilled healthcare professionals. These nurses aim at helping aged patients suffering from medical complications and diseases. The job duties typically include the following: prescribing and administering medication, diagnosing health conditions and diseases, educating patients, assisting other physicians, and conducting medical tests. For more information, take a look at our page.
Q:Can you tell me about the focus of Geriatric Nursing?
A:Geriatric nursing is a specialty field that focuses on treating aged individuals. Geriatric nurses provide healthcare services to aged individuals who are suffering from various medical conditions. The healthcare needs of old people are different form regular healthcare needs. With the growing aged population in our nation, the demand for geriatrics nurses is on the rise.
Q:Can I complete a geriatric nursing certification in less than a year?
A:The duration of geriatric nursing certification programs will vary from institute to institute. Some schools offer 6 month certificate programs while others are offering 12 month programs. It is best that you search online and find out what options you have. The duration of certificate programs is less as compared to regular degree programs.
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