Overview
Nurses who work in the field of geriatrics, also known as gerontology, focus on caring for older adults. This is a high-demand practice area, because older people are more likely to require health services. Half of all hospital admissions are for patients over age 65, but only 1% of nurses are certified in geriatrics.
In addition, geriatric nursing is a fast-growing career, because Americans are living longer. The post-WWII “Baby Boomer” generation is just now hitting retirement age. According to the U.S. Census, by 2050 more than 20% of Americans – 88 million people – will be over age 65.
Geriatric nurses are educated to understand and treat the often complex physical and mental health needs of older people. They try to help their patients protect their health and cope with changes in their mental and physical abilities, so older people can stay independent and active as long as possible.
In working with an older patient, a geriatric nurse will:
- Assess the patient’s mental status and cognitive (thinking) skills
- Understand patient’s acute and chronic health issues
- Discuss common health concerns, such as falls, incontinence, changing sleep patterns and sexual issues
- Organize medications
- Educate the patient about personal safety and disease prevention
- Explain and recommend adjustments to the patient’s medication regimen to ensure adherence
- Link the patient with local resources as needed
Many older people have health conditions that do not require hospitalization, but must be treated with medication, changes in diet, use of special equipment (such as a blood sugar monitor or walker), daily exercises or other adaptations. Geriatric nurses help design and explain these healthcare regimens to patients and their families. They often function as “case managers,” linking families with community resources to help them care for elderly members.
You can download, save and print a PDF of this career profile:
Geriatric Nurse 31 Dec 2008 [pdf, 193 KB]
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Salary:
$45,000
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$55,000
[*]
Years in school:
4
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6
after high school graduation
Job outlook:
Excellent
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