How to Become a Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses generally care for older patients and understand the mental and physical aspects of aging. These healthcare professionals provide bedside care, deliver and control medications, and support and educate patients and their caregivers. Geriatric nurses also support patients as they cope with aging-related issues like Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, chronic pain, osteoporosis, slips and falls, and decreased mobility.

People passionate about healthcare and the needs of older adults might find geriatric nursing an attractive career. Many successful nurses in this specialty exhibit critical thinking and communication skills, which help them assess and determine corrective or preventive actions. Geriatric nurses also need to communicate compassion and possess the physical stamina to lift or move patients.

Professionals specializing in geriatric nursing might see their career opportunities and earning potential expand. Many nurses work in home care, hospitals, and nursing homes. They can also find employment in government, case management, rehabilitation services, the military, or physicians’ private practices.

Some people in geriatric nursing advance their careers by getting a master’s degree to acquire more technical skills or a doctorate to pursue gerontological research opportunities. Nurses can also become adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs), who can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, educate patients, and provide routine check-ups and assessments. Regardless of their education, geriatric nurses must continue their education and maintain their licensure to remain employed.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Graduating from an accredited program means receiving an education that surpasses educational requirements and reflects academic rigor. Aspiring geriatric nurses can choose from several traditional and online programs that hold accreditation. Students from such programs can typically transfer their credits to other institutions, especially if they wish to further their education.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in-state students pursuing a bachelor’s degree pay an average of $9,349 a year in tuition and fees. A graduate degree can average $19,792 a year. Students might cut costs by enrolling in online nursing programs.

Geriatric nursing certifications also come with costs, including application and processing fees. For example, certification applicants pay a $140 administrative fee for the GERO-BC, and the application costs between $295-$395. Certification renewal costs between $250-$350.

According to Payscale, geriatric nurses earn a mean hourly wage of over $30, or $70,150 annually. Professionals with more than 20 years of experience can earn more than $94,000 on average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses in California earn some of the highest salaries. Other high-paying states include Hawaii, Oregon, D.C., and Alaska.

Individuals wanting to know how to become licensed geriatric nurses should learn about the steps to acquire the necessary education and credentials. After earning an ADN or BSN, a graduate must pass the NCLEX to become an RN. Then, they can pursue a gerontological nursing certification, which requires a state-issued RN license, two years of nursing experience, 30 hours of continuing education, and 2,000 hours of gerontological nursing practice.

Nursing students can shorten the time it takes to get a geriatric nurse license. One way to fast-track training involves enrolling in accelerated courses in accredited online nursing programs to graduate sooner. Also, nurses who have worked for a while can accumulate experience in critical care settings, which qualifies them to assess and treat the illnesses and conditions that many older patients experience.

Geriatric nurses require essential technical skills and knowledge sets to do their jobs well. They must possess an extensive understanding of gerontological issues, including knowledge of chronic ailments prevalent among older patients.

Nurses need to detect signs of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease early to ensure the highest quality of care. A geriatric nurse must also know how to provide the most comfort possible to individuals undergoing treatment or coping with pain. Soft skills like communication, patience, and empathy also factor into high-quality geriatric nursing.

Geriatric nursing represents one of many specialties in the nursing field. In addition to fundamental skills and knowledge, a geriatric nursing concentration requires competency in meeting older patients’ needs.

Nurses in this specialty typically focus on preventive medicine, end-of-life care, and working closely with caregivers and family members. Experts project that by 2040, adults over the age of 65 will comprise over 21% of the U.S. population. The expected growth of this age group drives the demand for compassionate and competent geriatric nurses.

According to PayScale, a geriatric nurse can make between $30-$40 per hour on average. Combined with bonuses, overtime pay, and profit sharing, geriatric nurses can earn between $51,000 and $85,000 annually. Accumulating work experience can allow professionals to increase their earning potential.

In addition to base pay, geriatric nurses can receive health insurance coverage, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education reimbursement. Some employers assist with moving expenses as a recruitment incentive.