Geriatric nurse treat and care for elderly patients in healthcare facilities.
Geriatric nurses are healthcare professionals who work closely with the elderly, caring for them in hospitals, retirement homes and rehabilitation centers. Their job is to address the physical and emotional needs of their patients, many of whom suffer from common afflictions of the elderly such as diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease and respiratory disorders. Geriatric nurses need both general nursing training and training specifically related to caring for old people. Their salary mostly depends on their educational background and experience.
Formal Education
Formal education requirements for geriatric nurses are similar to those of other nurses. Candidates should obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing known as a BSN. This degree consists of two years of mostly classroom time followed by two years of primarily clinical experience. Topics covered include anatomy, physiology, nursing ethics, pharmacology, psychology and patient care. Completion of a BSN degree qualifies an individual to become a registered nurse in their state. Those who wish to become advanced practice nurses or APNs need a master's degree in nursing, which typically takes two years to complete.
Experience and Certification
After completing their schooling, aspiring geriatric nurses can apply to become nurses in the geriatric wing of a hospital, in an old age home or rehabilitation center. These institutions usually have some sort of training program for new nurses working with the elderly. New geriatric nurses should gain at least two years of experience working with the elderly to qualify for certification. Geriatric nursing certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This organization offers certification for specific areas within geriatric nursing for those who want become, for example, a clinical nurse specialist in gerontological nursing or a gerontological nurse practitioner. Specific qualifications vary depending on what type of certification you apply for.
Salary
Salaries vary greatly among geriatric nurses depending on their credentials. According to nursing resource website Allnursingschools.com, the median annual salary of a geriatric nurse was $70,000 as of 2009. Individuals with less than five years of experience earn between $65,000 and $68,913 per year, while those with more than 10 years of experience can expect to earn over $75,000 a year.
Job Outlook
With the seemingly exponential growth of the elderly population in the United States, it's no wonder that the job outlook for geriatric nurses is excellent. According to Allnursingschools.com, the population of Americans over 65 is expected to grow to 20 percent by 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 39 percent job growth rate for geriatric nursing professions. This in-demand career can be very rewarding for the right individual, both monetarily and personally.
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