Geriatric nursing

Geriatric nursing is a nursing specialty that focuses on the care of elderly patients. This field of nursing is dedicated to the promotion of health, the prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled, and dying elderly adults.

Overview

Geriatric nursing is a rapidly growing field due to the increasing population of older adults. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, the global population of people aged 60 years and older will double from 12% to 22%. This demographic shift necessitates a healthcare workforce that is equipped to meet the unique needs of older adults.

Geriatric nurses, also known as gerontological nurses, are registered nurses who specialize in the care of older adults. They are trained to understand and manage the often complex physical and mental health needs of older people.

Education and Training

To become a geriatric nurse, one must first become a registered nurse (RN) by completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN. After gaining experience in nursing, one can pursue additional training and certification in geriatric nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Roles and Responsibilities

Geriatric nurses perform a wide range of roles and responsibilities, including:

• Assessing the health status and healthcare needs of older adults
• Developing and implementing care plans
• Managing chronic illnesses and diseases
• Providing palliative and end-of-life care
• Educating patients and their families about healthy aging and disease prevention
• Advocating for the rights and needs of older adults

Challenges

Geriatric nursing can be challenging due to the complex health needs of older adults. These can include multiple chronic conditions, mental health issues such as dementia and depression, and social issues such as isolation and elder abuse.

See Also

• Nursing
• Gerontology
• Palliative Care
• Elderly Care