[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]4-6 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/12064987/Geriatrics”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]$78,063[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]5%[/hen-ui-text] Growth from 2024-2034 for all RNs[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Geriatric Nurse Career in Brief[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Geriatric nurses work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to care for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of elderly patients, helping them maintain independence and quality of life. These registered nurses (RNs) possess specialized knowledge and skills to treat common health issues affecting the elderly population. Some key responsibilities include the following:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Primary Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Develop treatment plans and administer medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educate patients and caretakers on coping skills to handle age-related conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide treatment for chronic conditions most likely to affect the elderly (e.g., heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitor for signs of elder abuse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assist with and train patients on daily living activities, such as hygiene, toileting, and medication management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Career Traits[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Knowledge of the aging process and disease progression[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ability to recognize verbal and nonverbal communication cues[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Compassion[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Patience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where Do Geriatric Nurses Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs specializing in geriatric care typically find employment at hospitals and medical clinics. In addition, work settings such as nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare also rely on the services of geriatric nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Geriatric nurses implement treatment plans, administer medications, and educate patients and families about care options.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Nursing Homes[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing home RNs provide full-time healthcare, assist with personal needs and rehabilitation, and monitor patients for bedsores, infections, or other conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”minus” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]Home Healthcare[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Home healthcare geriatric nurses help patients recover from surgery and care for those with chronic conditions such as dementia or paralysis. They may also assist with personal hygiene and nutritional needs while working with families to maintain the best level of care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Geriatric Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although geriatric nurses often work in physically demanding and stressful settings, this career offers personal and professional fulfillment by providing crucial healthcare services and improving the quality of life for the aging population.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Advantages to Becoming a Geriatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rewarding work in patient-focused care and advocacy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assist patients in maintaining their quality of life by offering preventive care and wellness education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Develop high pharmacological and treatment skills while working with patients on several medications for multiple conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Increasing job and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/geriatric-nurse/”] salary opportunities [/hen-ui-link], especially for RNs with graduate training and certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potentially strong relationships with patients and their families in long-term care facilities and nursing homes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Disadvantages to Becoming a Geriatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physically tasking duties, such as lifting, turning, and bathing bedridden or immobile patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Heavy workloads and understaffing in hospitals serving high elderly populations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Difficulty communicating with and treating patients suffering from cognitive impairments and dementia[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Increasing paperwork related to government regulations and insurance claims, especially for RNs working in nursing homes and assisted living facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Burnout from caring for end-of-life patients and those with untreatable or rapidly declining conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Geriatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]ADN qualifies[/hen-ui-link] students to apply for licensure, most employers prefer to hire RNs with [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degrees[/hen-ui-link]. Students may also take advantage of [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-BSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] or accelerated degrees designed for non-nursing majors that take less than four years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX-RN to Receive RN licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of ADN or BSN programs [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]must apply[/hen-ui-link] to take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) through their state’s nurse licensing board.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Bedside Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers generally require geriatric nurses to have completed clinical work experience in critical care and/or to earn certification. This typically entails two years of post-RN geriatric nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider earning a Gerontological Nursing Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers a voluntary Gerontological Nursing Certification recognized by employers as a reliable assessment of RN entry-level skills and knowledge in the gerontological specialty. For certification, RNs must complete 2,000 hours of geriatric nursing and 30 hours of continuing education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Geriatric Nurse vs. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While geriatric nurses may enter the field with an RN license, adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (NPs), as advanced practice registered nurses, must hold a master’s and specialized certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Geriatric Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences//”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] and valid RN license; may pursue voluntary gerontological certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically employed in hospitals, nursing homes, skilled long-term care and assisted living facilities, and home healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provides bedside care, assists healthcare team during medical exams and procedures, and administers medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Serves as a liaison between patients and other healthcare professionals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educates patients and caregivers on treatment options[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]Master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link]; certification and license as an NP with possible specialization in various fields such as diabetes and palliative care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offers a full range of services for adults across the lifespan from adolescents to the elderly[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Can work in private practice in addition to other healthcare facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]May provide services independently of direct physician supervision, depending on state NP licensing regulations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Geriatric Nurses Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The population over the age of 65 will grow to over [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage” target=”_blank”]82 million by 2050[/hen-ui-link]. This demographic surge will positively impact the demand for geriatric nurses, as the expanding elderly population seeks an array of primary and preventive healthcare services.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not differentiate between RN specialties, RNs can expect a 5% overall job growth between 2024 and 2034, with more opportunities available to those with certifications. Based on salary information provided by PayScale’s employee reports, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/12064987/Geriatrics” target=”_blank”]RNs with geriatrics skills[/hen-ui-link] earn an average income of $78,063, below the overall median salary of $93,600 for all RNs as reported by the BLS. Certifications can significantly boost geriatric nurse salary levels and job prospects.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”Find State-Specific Salary Data” href=”/registered-nursing/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Geriatric Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.gapna.org/welcome-former-ngna-members” target=”_blank”] Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Established in 1981, GAPNA provides professional development and continuing education opportunities designed for advanced practice nurses who care for elderly patients. Members receive quarterly newsletters and access to online resources. The association offers a new specialty certification available only for APRNs. The Gerontological Specialist-Certified (GS-C) credential requires a minimum of 2,500 hours of experience working with older adults.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.americangeriatrics.org/” target=”_blank”] American Geriatrics Society[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] AGS champions health, independence, and quality of life for the elderly by offering programming, publications, and resources for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public. HealthinAging.org, the AGS public education portal, provides older adults, family members, and caregivers with timely information on health and the aging process with access to a network of geriatrics healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://eldercareworkforce.org/” target=”_blank”] Eldercare Workforce Alliance[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] EWA represents 35 national organizations that have joined forces to prepare the healthcare system to care for older Americans and their families. Policy priorities include strengthening the direct care and immigrant eldercare workforce, ensuring healthcare access through Medicaid and Medicare, and the expansion of mental health resources. The alliance offers state-issued briefs, caretaker resources, and an advocacy toolkit.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://alnursing.org/” target=”_blank”] American Assisted Living Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Created by assisted living nurses, AALNA is the only national nonprofit association representing RNs and LPNs/LVNs employed in assisted living settings. Membership benefits include discounted registration for the AALNA national conference and reduced rates for long-term care insurance and professional liability insurance. AALNA administers the Assisted Living Certification Exam, available to both RNs and LPNs/LVNs.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Geriatric Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a geriatric nurse do?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Geriatric nurses provide healthcare services to the elderly, helping them maintain their quality of life. Although responsibilities vary by employment setting, these RNs may assess vital signs, administer medications, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to implement treatment plans. They may assist with basic functions and personal hygiene and offer patients information and resources about their conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a geriatric nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A geriatric nurse can enter the field after earning a two-year associate degree or a four-year BSN followed by receiving an RN license. Employment opportunities increase by earning gerontological nursing certification which requires two years of RN experience with 2,000 hours of practice in gerontological nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What qualifications do you need to be a geriatric nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Geriatric nursing requires a valid RN license and undergraduate coursework that provides the essential knowledge and skills necessary to engage in evidence-based practice. In addition to gaining experience in clinical placements, nursing students receive training in acute and chronic disease management, advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology, palliative care, and healthcare promotion.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What kind of nurse takes care of the elderly?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) and certified nursing assistants often work with older patients in nursing homes and home care settings. However, hospitals and other facilities serving elderly populations prefer to hire RNs who hold BSN degrees, and, in some cases, voluntary gerontological nursing certification. MSN-trained advanced practice nurses may obtain national certification as adult-gerontology [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/acute-care/”]acute care NPs[/hen-ui-link] and adult-gerontology primary care NPs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Nicole Galan, RN, MSN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale/v1599580499/experts/Nicole_Galan.jpg” img-alt=”Nicole Galan, RN, MSN” layout=”horizontal” background=”none” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Nicole Galan is a registered nurse who earned a master’s degree in nursing education from Capella University and currently works as a full-time freelance writer. Throughout her nursing career, Galan worked in a general medical/surgical care unit and then in infertility care. She has also worked for over 13 years as a freelance writer specializing in consumer health sites and educational materials for nursing students.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Galan is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare-review-partners//”]Learn more about our review partners[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]