Geriatric Nurse

What is a geriatric nurse?

A geriatric nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who specializes in caring for older adults. These nurses focus on supporting the physical, mental, and emotional health of aging patients, often managing conditions that become more common later in life.

Geriatric nurses play an important role in helping patients maintain independence, comfort, and quality of life as they age.

What does a geriatric nurse do?

Geriatric nurses provide both medical care and daily support to older patients. Their responsibilities often include:

• Administering medications and treatments
• Assisting with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and eating
• Developing and managing patient care plans
• Educating patients and families about care and treatment
• Monitoring health conditions and vital signs
• Watching for changes in physical or cognitive health

They also act as advocates for their patients, working closely with families and their healthcare teams to ensure each individual receives the care they need.

Where do geriatric nurses work?

Geriatric nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings that support older adults, including:

• Assisted living and retirement communities
• Home healthcare agencies
• Hospice care settings
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Outpatient clinics and physicians’ offices

Many geriatric nurses work in long-term care environments, where they can build strong relationships with patients over time.

How to become a geriatric nurse

To become a geriatric nurse, you must first become an RN. This requires completing an associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

After becoming licensed, many nurses gain experience working with older adult populations in settings like hospitals or long-term care facilities. Some choose to pursue additional certification in gerontological nursing to strengthen their expertise and career opportunities.

How many years of schoolwork does it take to be a geriatric nurse?

The time required depends on your educational path. An associate degree in Nursing typically takes about two years to complete, while a BSN usually takes four years. Additional time may be required to complete pre-requisite courses.

After finishing your degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed. Additional experience or certification in geriatric nursing may add more time, depending on your career goals.

Make an impact through a nursing career

Caring for older adults takes compassion, skill, and strong clinical training. At UB, our Nursing programs help you build the foundation to support patients across all stages of life.