Career In Rn Geriatrics Illinois

Types Of Geriatric Nurses

There are many different types of geriatric nurses. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and geriatric nurse practitioners are all available to work with older adults and their needs. Theyre typically found in hospitals or long-term care facilities, but geriatrics is a recognized medical specialty, so they can also be found in doctors offices or public health settings.

Where Do Geriatric Nurses Typically Work

Geriatric nurses typically work in hospitals and long-term healthcare facilities. Their job is to care for patients who are often bedridden and require assistance with mobility, medications, attachments, feeding tubes, wound dressings and other daily living tasks. Nurses aid in the prevention of partial or total dependency that a patient may otherwise have had were it not for their care. They also provide emotional support and provide guidance on how family members can best help the patient during his/her time of need. Some geriatric nurses engage in advocacy programs where they speak about beliefs regarding aging-related illnesses as well as ways to avoid abuse.

How Can Registered Nurse S Increase Their Salary

Increasing your pay as a Registered Nurse is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Registered Nurse that oversees more junior Registered Nurse s, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.

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What Is A Geriatric Nurse

Geriatric nurses specialize in providing professional nursing care for older patients, typically age 50 and over. The primary focus for geriatric nursing is to promote independence, mobility, and quality of life for the elder patient. Geriatric nurses address psychosocial as well as age-related physiological issues, working with primary care providers, social workers, and families to develop an individualized plan of care for elderly clients. In addition geriatric nurses are important advocates promoting the safety and well-being of older adults, including issues such as elder abuse and neglect.

Three Geriatric Nurse Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median salary for a registered nurse in 2021 is $77,600 per year or $37.31 per hour, but conditions in your area may vary.

The BLS does not differentiate between different specialties of nursing, but Glassdoor reports an annual salary of $68,791 for geriatric nurses, while PayScale reports an average annual salary of $70,585 or $30.68 per hour.

However, geriatric nurses can earn a higher annual salary with increased years of experience.

• Less than 1 year of experience earn an average hourly wage of $28.53
• 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $29.54
• 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $31.05
• 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $32.46
• 20 years and higher years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $34.00

According to ZipRecruiter, geriatric nurses earn the highest average yearly rates in the following states.

• Tennessee – $116,333
• Massachusetts – $112,142
• Nevada – $111,808

Regardless of location, full- and part-time geriatric nurses often enjoy a wide range of employment benefits. Some common benefits include paid time off, health insurance, relocation assistance, retirement plans and continuing education reimbursement.

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Required Geriatric Nurse Certifications/credentials

Core credentials/certifications needed for geriatric nurses:

• BLS or CPR certification
• Gerontological Nurse Certification, in which nurses must have:
• At least two years of experience as a traditional RN
• Complete 2,000 hours of clinical experience in a geriatric healthcare setting in the previous three years of employment
• Complete a 30-hour geriatric nursing continuing education course within the previous three years

Job Description For Staff Nurse

Staff Nurse – RN – Geriatric provides professional nursing care to assigned geriatric patients. Records patient histories, performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops geriatric care plans in conjunction with other medical professionals. Being a Staff Nurse – RN – Geriatric assists physicians during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients’ progress and records observations in patient medical records. Additionally, Staff Nurse – RN – Geriatric promotes patients’ independence by teaching patients and families to understand conditions, medications, and self-care skills. Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing.Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Requires a valid state RN license. Staff Nurse – RN – Geriatric‘s years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position’s specialty is the main requirement. …View full job description

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Two What Does A Geriatric Nurse Do

The primary duties of geriatric nurses are to care for and educate patients, their families, and caregivers. However, job responsibilities can vary depending on the place of employment. Geriatric nurses may also perform a variety of tasks including:

How To Become A Geriatric Nurse

Individuals who are thinking about pursuing a career as a geriatric nurse should have a unique interest in caring for elderly patients. It’s also advisable that interested parties gain a significant amount of experience in the field before making a final decision to enter it. Providing nursing care to elderly patients presents a number of unique and difficult challenges that traditional nursing does not. Geriatric nurses should be prepared to face these challenges head-on.

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What Do Geriatric Nurses Do

Geriatric nurses are responsible for promoting independence, mobility and quality of life in their patients as well working closely with families to develop individualized plans of care. They address psychosocial as well as age-related physiological issues, often working alongside primary care providers, social workers and other medical professionals. Geriatric nurses will typically assist the elderly patient with tasks such as medication management or basic personal hygiene needs as well as advocate for safety and well-being of the patient. They also often engage in advocacy programs where they speak about beliefs regarding aging-related illnesses as well as ways to avoid abuse.

About The Amita Health Medical Group

Employing more than 450 outstanding physicians, the AMITA Health Medical Group provides high-quality, compassionate care to people of all ages at dozens of convenient locations throughout Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. We’re here for those who need us the most. In sickness and in health.®

Our physicians have been a trusted presence in Chicagoland for more than three decades. We live in the communities we serve and we serve approximately 500,000 of our neighbors.

Our broad scope means that AMITA Health associates have excellent choices and flexibility in where they choose to work as well as a friendly, highly supportive environment and the leading-edge technology of a nationally-ranked, award-winning healthcare system.

Who We Are

Our values-driven, faith-based organization is dedicated to extending the healing ministry of Jesus, with dignity and empathy for all.

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Job Description & Information

• Essential Skills Needed – Strong interpersonal communication skills, compassion and empathy, patience, flexibility, experience with the elderly, versatility, personability, and strong observational skills
• Job Outlook – The United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics has projected that job growth for RNs will increase by at least 16% between 2014 and 2024. Due to the advancing age of the Baby Boomer generation, this figure is likely to be quite a bit higher for nursing professionals in the geriatric field

How Much Do Geriatric Nurses Earn

Nursing, in general, isidentified as one of the fastest growing professions in the US in terms ofsalary, with a projected growth of 16% +, much higher than the national average.Specialty certification can increase earnings significantly the median annualsalary range for geriatric nurses is 62,070 to $79,232, with an average salaryof $68,534. This is dependent on the job, and the geographical area. Salariesare generally higher in urban areas, however, the cost of living is typicallyhigher, as well. In addition, bachelors prepared nurses tend to earn highersalaries than nurses with associate degrees. According to the Bureau of LaborStatistics the top five states for general nursing salaries are

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What Are Some Geriatric Nurse Duties

• Administering medication/medication management
• Helping patients with range of motion exercises and other physical activities so as to maintain the patient’s functional mobility
• Educating the patient along with their families
• Looking out for signs of elder abuse
• Gaining an intimate understanding of the health issues of the patient
• Helping patients get to and from doctor appointments
• Regularly measuring and recording vitals
• Acting as a go-between for patients, their families, and various care providers
• Assisting patients with their daily needs like dressing, bathing, feeding, and using the restroom
• Helping maintain the patient’s psychosocial health
• Regularly assessing the mental status and cognitive ability of the patient

Take The Next Step Toward Your Healthcare Future With Online Learning

Karen is a Registered Nurse, graduating with a BSN in nursing in 1972 from North Park College in Chicago, Illinois. Her graduate degree was earned at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, in 1985. While her major clinical area specialty has been maternal/infant, pediatrics nursing, and womens health, she has also worked in med-surg and adult ICU environments. She have 22 years experience in a faculty role, the past 7 years in an online venue.

Sources: 50 State Boards of Nursing, University Websites, U.S. Department of Education, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ranking Methodology.

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One What Is A Geriatric Nurse

Gerontology is the study of the mental, physical and social aspects of the aging population. Some of the main functions of geriatric nurses are helping with bedside care, guiding daily activities, administering medications, and educating patients and caregivers.

Geriatric nurses care for patients with a wide range of health conditions including Alzheimers, cancer, heart failure, stroke and shingles, to name a few.

Medical Doctor/nurse Practitioner/physician Assistant

As a visiting health discipline, youll be our go-to person for ensuring the best patient care possible. Examine patients and their medical records.

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S To Become A Geriatric Nurse

• Earn Your RN: You must earn an RN degree from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing program. Many hospitals prefer a BSN degree. To further advance as a geriatric nurse, a masters degree is recommended.
• Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam: All RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure to practice nursing.
• Specialize in geriatric nursing: On obtaining licensure, RNs seeking to specialize in geriatric nursing must first gain professional nursing clinical experience working with older patients.
• Obtain Gerontological Nursing Certification: You must have a minimum of 2 years professional nursing experience, with a minimum of 2000 hours of clinical experience in geriatric nursing within the past 3 years. You must also document 30 hours of specialty related continuing education within the last 3 years.

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What Is The Average Salary Of A Geriatric Nurse

According to PayScale, the median yearly salary for a geriatric nurse is approximately $63,871. Geriatric nursing salaries will depend significantly on the city and state which they’re employed in, the number of years they’ve been working in the field, degrees and specialty certifications, and employer. Although this will also depend on the employing organization, most geriatric nurses who are employed full-time will receive some kind of benefits package which will typically include medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance coverage. A few weeks of paid time-off each year is also common in this field.

How Much Do Geriatric Nurses Make per Year?

• $45,000 $75,000 annually

How Much Do Geriatric Nurses Make per Hour?

• $25.70 average hourly wage

Why Join Our Team

Memorial Hospital employees are a vital part of delivering quality health care to patients in our area. We believe that each staff member has a role in fulfilling our mission. We are looking for employees who appreciate our commitment to our patients and the community. If this is you, we encourage you to apply!

Memorial Hospital and Hancock Village have scholarships and internships available, call HR at for more details.

Check the list of available job opportunities on this page. Then click here to APPLY ONLINE or to view and print out an application and send it to us via fax or US mail.

CMS Mandate Requirement

Memorial Hospital is subject to COVID-19 vaccination mandates issued by CMS, as well as other mandates issued by state and federal government. Memorial Hospital strives to honor and enforce those mandates in a manner consistent with the law and individual rights. All employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as required by the CMS mandate. If you are selected to be hired but are not fully vaccinated and desire to request a Medical or Religious Exemption, please contact Human Resources, complete the appropriate request form and submit it back to them as soon as possible. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact Human Resources.

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Six What Is The Career Outlook For A Geriatric Nurse

According to the BLS, there were 3,130,600 Registered Nurses in the United States in 2021. By 2031, its expected that another 195,400 nurses will be needed, an expected growth of 6%.

Geriatric nurses are one of the most highly demanded nursing specialties. Because of the aging Baby Boomer population, geriatric nurses are especially needed in long-term care facilities.

As Americans continue to live longer, this need will only continue to rise.

How Do I Become A Geriatric Nurse

The first step toward becominga geriatric nurse is to become a Registered Nurse, earning an associate or bachelor of science degree from an accredited nursing program. It isimportant to note that many employers prefer at least a BSN. After graduation,you must obtain RN licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN examination in your state.Once you have achieved licensure, you will need to obtain professional nursingclinical experience in geriatric nursing.

To be eligible to obtain Gerontologic NursingCertification certification offered by the American NursesCredentialing Center you must:

• Hold current, active RN licensure
• Have a minimum of 2 years full-timeprofessional nursing experience
• Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinicalpractice in geriatric nursing within the last 3 years.
• Have completed 30 hours of continuingeducation in geriatric nursing within the last 3 years.

Certification is validfor 5 years, after which it must be renewed by meeting the renewal requirementsin place at the time of renewal, such as specialty-related professionaldevelopment and practice activities. If this is not possible, the certificationexam must be retaken.

At the graduate/advancedpractice nurse level, the ANCC offers two certifications Adult-GerontologyAcute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification and Adult-Gerontology Primary CareNurse Practitioner Certification.

Eligibility requirementsinclude:

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Geriatric Nurses Jobs Salary & Employment

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, the number of people living well past 80 will drastically increase. With that, the demand for geriatric nurses will rise. Elderly people are always much more likely to require healthcare services, so deciding on the geriatric niche might be a smart decision for job security.

The Role Of The Geriatric Nurse In The Nursing Shortage

The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites thatemployment for nurses will increase at a rate of 16% by 2024. There is anational shortage of nurses in general related to the Baby Boomer populationentering retirement, and the increased health needs of the growing agingpopulation. It is projected that the South and West will be hardest hit by thenursing shortage. The 12 states expected to have the most acute shortages are Florida, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho,Montana, Nevada and New Mexico.

Given the growing elder population, nurses specializing in geriatric care are will be in greater demand, with a higher than average growth rate than for nursing in general. Employment opportunities are expected to expand, making this specialty a very stable career path for professional nurses.

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