Geriatric Nursing Certification

Geriatric Nursing

Geriatric nursing is a specialization in nursing which cares for older adults. As we grow older, our needs differ and we need a specialized kind of care, which can turn complicated later on. This makes Geriatric nursing a good area to specialize, as the population is grower older. Geriatric nursing care can be given in the patient’s own home, hospitals, specialized institutions such nursing care homes.

Geriatric nursing is widely practiced all over the world and is sometimes referred as Gerontological Nursing. Caring for the elderly is very complex because not only you give the basic nursing care you must also offer the emotional support that the elderly needs. Geriatric nurses must keep an eye in the mental health of the patients and be prepared for medical emergencies because their conditions can easily change.

Geriatric nurses must also work side by side with the families and help them perform basic task while taking care of complex nursing procedures. A significant role performed by geriatric nurses is educating and giving support to the elderly and their families. The elderly may be suffering from lifelong health conditions and they need counseling along with their families. Geriatric nurses must discus and explain the health condition of the patient with the patient, their families, relatives and caregivers concerned. They must explain, provide and recommend the instructions of care towards disease prevention and health promotion.

Geriatric Nursing Certification

Geriatric Nursing Certification is offered in many nursing schools and universities. There are many options and Geriatric nursing Certification may also be earned online.

Here are some of the prerequisites in earning a Geriatric Nursing Certification:

• You must be first a Registered Nurse (RN). You must pass the local requirements to be able to practice nursing as a profession.
• You must have experience working as a Professional nurse for at least 2 years.
• Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in gerontological or geriatric nursing within the last three years.
• Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological or geriatric nursing within the last three years.

After completing these requirements, you can apply to take the Geriatric Nursing Certification and take the test. If you pass the test you will become a certified Geriatric Nurse and will be qualified to work as a geriatric nurse in various settings like hospitals, nursing care homes and specialized institutions.

Working as a geriatric nurse can be very stressful emotionally. The elderly patients are more likely to die and may often be neglected by their family. As a geriatric nurse you are exposed to human suffering and this can be a strain. Geriatric nurses often work in well-ventilated and open spaces they also travel a lot to patient’s homes. They must always be available to do night shifts and are required to be on-call 24 hours of the day.

The concern of Geriatric Nursing is the physical and emotional strain in nurses. If you can overcome the stress and strain of the profession then Geriatric Nursing may be the specialization for you.