Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Geriatric Nurse

🎯 Role Definition

As a Geriatric Nurse, you are more than a caregiver; you are a vital advocate, clinician, and source of comfort for our elderly population. This specialized role calls for a deep understanding of the aging process and the unique physical, mental, and social challenges that come with it. You will be at the forefront of developing and implementing personalized care plans, managing complex chronic conditions, and ensuring the highest quality of life and dignity for each resident. If you are a compassionate and skilled Registered Nurse with a passion for gerontology, this is an opportunity to make a profound impact every single day.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Registered Nurse (RN) in a hospital or acute care setting
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with advanced training
New Graduate Nurse with a preceptorship in geriatrics

Advancement To:

Geriatric Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Gerontology

Lateral Moves:

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse
Home Health Nurse
Case Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive and ongoing assessments of geriatric patients' health status, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.
Develop, implement, and meticulously evaluate individualized care plans for elderly patients in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, patients, and their families.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians, vigilantly monitoring for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, with special attention to polypharmacy risks.
Provide specialized wound care, including pressure ulcer prevention, assessment, and treatment, by utilizing evidence-based practices and advanced wound dressings.
Manage complex chronic health conditions common in the elderly, such as diabetes, hypertension, dementia, and congestive heart failure, while providing robust patient and family education.
Perform skilled nursing procedures, such as IV therapy, catheterization, tube feedings, and tracheostomy care, ensuring patient safety and comfort are paramount.
Accurately document all patient assessments, interventions, care plan updates, and patient responses in the electronic medical record (EMR) system in a timely and compliant manner.
Serve as a dedicated patient advocate, ensuring their rights are respected and their needs are met, and communicating effectively with family members and caregivers.
Educate patients and their families on disease processes, treatment plans, medication management, and self-care techniques to promote independence and well-being.
Respond to and expertly manage acute medical emergencies, demonstrating critical thinking and calm, decisive action under pressure.
Coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, therapists (physical, occupational, speech), social workers, and dietitians to ensure a holistic approach.
Supervise and delegate tasks to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), providing clear guidance and ensuring the highest quality of care is maintained.
Actively participate in facility-wide quality improvement initiatives and risk management programs to enhance patient safety and clinical outcomes.
Conduct thorough fall risk assessments and implement preventative measures and protocols to reduce the incidence of falls among the elderly population.
Provide compassionate end-of-life and palliative care, focusing on comfort, dignity, and symptom management for patients and offering emotional support to their families.
Assess and manage cognitive changes, including dementia and delirium, using validated screening tools and implementing appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
Monitor patients' nutritional and hydration status, collaborating with the dietary team to address any identified deficits, swallowing difficulties, or special dietary needs.
Facilitate smooth and safe transitions of care, such as hospital admissions or discharges, ensuring all necessary information is communicated to the receiving facility or home care agency.
Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment for all patients, strictly adhering to all infection control policies and procedures.
Stay current with the latest best practices in geriatric nursing through continuing education, professional development, and participation in professional organizations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of pain management strategies on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the care plan in collaboration with the provider to ensure optimal patient comfort.
Assist with mobility and activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed, while consistently promoting patient independence and preserving functional ability.

Secondary Functions

Mentor and provide clinical guidance to new nursing staff, LPNs, and CNAs.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, care plan conferences, and facility-wide committee work (e.g., Quality Assurance, Infection Control).
Lead patient and family education sessions on topics relevant to geriatric health, wellness, and disease prevention.
Assist in the development and review of nursing policies and procedures to ensure they align with current best practices in geriatric care.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Advanced Care Planning and Coordination
Chronic Disease Management (e.g., Diabetes, CHF, COPD)
Medication Administration and Polypharmacy Management
Advanced Wound Care and Skin Integrity Assessment
Proficiency in Electronic Medical Record (EMR/EHR) Systems
Pain and Symptom Management
Palliative and End-of-Life Care Principles
IV Therapy and Phlebotomy Skills
Knowledge of Dementia and Delirium Care Strategies

Soft Skills

Compassion and Empathy
Exceptional Patience and Composure
Strong Verbal and Written Communication
Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Teamwork and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Patient and Family Advocacy
Time Management and Prioritization
Adaptability and Resilience

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Must hold a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Gerontological Nursing Certification (RN-BC) is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Nursing
Gerontology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2+ years of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse.

Preferred:

Direct experience in a long-term care, skilled nursing, sub-acute, assisted living, or memory care setting is strongly preferred. Experience in a charge nurse or supervisory role is a plus.