Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of an aging population, the focus on Registered Nurses specializing in Geriatrics has never been more crucial.

Healthcare evolves, and with each progression, the demand for skilled professionals who can adapt, grow, and safeguard our aging population amplifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Registered Nurse in Geriatrics?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply intrigued by the specifics of geriatric nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Registered Nurse – Geriatrics job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Duties and Responsibilities

Registered Nurses specializing in Geriatrics work closely with elderly patients, their families, and a team of healthcare professionals to manage and administer medical treatment and therapy.

They are also responsible for providing physical and emotional support to patients and their families.

The following are some duties and responsibilities of a Geriatric Registered Nurse:

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans for elderly patients
• Administer medications, manage intravenous lines, observe and monitor patient’s conditions
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals regarding patient’s health status
• Manage and operate medical equipment used in geriatric care
• Coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals for creating and evaluating customized care plans
• Provide assistance with hygiene, mobility, and daily living activities
• Educate patients and their families about managing illnesses or injuries, and provide advice on post-hospital care
• Document patient’s symptoms and medical history for reference
• Respond to emergencies and provide necessary immediate care
• Adhere to protocols, procedures, and safety policies in the healthcare environment

 

Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse to provide quality care to our geriatric patients.

This involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans in consultation with healthcare professionals and physicians.

Registered Nurse responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medication and treatments, record patient health progress and ensuring the comfort of our elderly patients.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the health issues faced by the elderly, possesses excellent interpersonal skills, and is committed to improving the lives of our patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans
• Monitor and record patient’s condition and document provided care services
• Administer medications, treatments and therapies as prescribed
• Collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to share expertise and knowledge
• Provide emotional support and education to patients and their families
• Manage patient recovery and ensure a safe environment
• Respond to any emergencies or critical incidents
• Maintain accurate patient medical records
• Adhere to health and safety protocols and procedures
• Participate in professional development activities to maintain current knowledge in nursing and healthcare

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a registered nurse
• Experience in geriatric care is preferred
• Excellent knowledge of emergency care
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures
• Understanding of confidentiality obligations and nursing best practices
• Excellent knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures
• BS or diploma in nursing
• Current state licensure as a registered nurse and BLS certification is required

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Registered Nurse – Geriatrics
• Work Environment: This position requires working in a healthcare setting. The role involves direct patient care and contact.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $96,500 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Do?

Registered Nurses specializing in Geriatrics typically work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare.

They may also provide consultation services for clinics and outpatient care centers.

Their main role involves providing care for elderly patients, also known as geriatric patients.

They assess these patients’ health conditions and needs, develop care plans, and maintain patient medical records.

These nurses administer medications, perform routine checks, and monitor vital signs.

They also offer emotional support to patients and their families, helping them understand the challenges and changes associated with aging.

Registered Geriatric Nurses often collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to manage illnesses and health conditions related to aging, such as dementia, arthritis, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

They play a crucial role in health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation for elderly patients.

This might involve guiding patients and their families on healthy lifestyles, chronic disease management, and the use of prescribed treatments and medications.

In addition, they may have to conduct screenings and health education programs, administer immunizations, and provide wound care or post-operative care.

Importantly, these nurses are also trained to recognize and respond to emergency medical situations.

They are often the first point of contact for a geriatric patient in distress, providing immediate care and coordinating further treatment.

 

Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Qualifications and Skills

Registered Nurses specializing in Geriatrics must possess a variety of skills and qualifications to provide exceptional care for the elderly population, including:

• Advanced knowledge of geriatric diseases and treatments to provide high-quality care to elderly patients
• Empathy and compassion to care for elderly patients, who may be dealing with distressing conditions or loss of independence
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey medical information to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals
• Patience and understanding when dealing with patients who may have cognitive impairments or difficulties in communication
• Physical stamina to assist in moving patients and to stand or walk for long periods of time
• Strong observational skills to monitor the health of patients and notice any changes in their condition
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to respond to emergencies or unexpected patient incidents
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple patients, often with complex and diverse health conditions
• Ability to work well in teams with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, other nurses, and therapists.

 

Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Experience Requirements

Registered nurses specializing in geriatrics typically begin their education with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN).

This coursework provides a foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge needed for initial entry into the nursing profession.

Upon completion of their degree, aspiring geriatric nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to gain licensure.

This examination verifies their competency to practice safely and effectively as entry-level nurses.

Entry-level geriatric nurses may start working in general nursing roles or in geriatric wards of hospitals, retirement homes, or nursing homes, gaining hands-on experience caring for elderly patients.

Typically, 1 to 2 years of experience in these areas is required for more specialized geriatric nursing positions.

For further specialization, nurses can choose to complete a geriatric nursing certification program.

These programs, which may require additional clinical experience hours in geriatric nursing, provide more in-depth knowledge about elderly care.

Registered nurses with more than 3 years of experience in geriatric nursing often develop their skills in patient care management, geriatric assessments, and leadership roles.

They may be ready for positions such as Geriatric Care Manager or Geriatric Nurse Practitioner.

Those with more than 5 years of experience have usually amassed extensive knowledge in geriatric care and may have leadership experience.

They may be prepared for roles such as Geriatric Nursing Director or other administrative roles in healthcare settings specializing in elderly care.

 

Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Education and Training Requirements

To become a Registered Nurse specializing in Geriatrics, individuals usually need to start with a diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing.

All of these programs prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is a necessary step to become a licensed Registered Nurse.

Following initial training and licensure, Registered Nurses wishing to specialize in geriatrics may pursue additional certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

These certifications usually require at least a few years of experience working as a Registered Nurse, and passing an additional examination.

A Registered Nurse in Geriatrics needs to have a strong understanding of the healthcare needs of elderly patients.

This includes knowledge of chronic diseases, medication management, mental health issues, and other age-related health concerns.

Although not required, some Registered Nurses in Geriatrics may choose to pursue a master’s degree in nursing or a related field to deepen their knowledge and expertise.

Continuing education is important for Registered Nurses in Geriatrics, as medical knowledge and best practices evolve over time.

Many employers, as well as certification bodies, require a certain number of continuing education hours each year.

Finally, excellent communication and people skills are crucial for Registered Nurses in Geriatrics, as they often need to explain complex medical information to patients and their families, and provide emotional support.

 

Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Salary Expectations

A Registered Nurse specializing in Geriatrics earns an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary depending on factors such as level of experience, location, and the healthcare institution they work for.

 

Registered Nurse – Geriatrics Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Registered Nurse in Geriatrics need?

Registered Nurses specializing in geriatrics require a unique skill set that includes excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with older adults and their families.

They must possess a deep understanding of the physiological, psychological, and social impacts of aging, and be able to identify and manage the health conditions typically associated with aging.

Patience, empathy, and resilience are also vital to this role, as is an ability to work in a team and make critical decisions under pressure.

 

Do Geriatric Nurses need a specific degree or certification?

Geriatric Nurses must have a registered nursing degree, which could be a diploma, associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).

After becoming a Registered Nurse, they can opt to specialize in geriatric nursing by obtaining the Gerontological Nursing Certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

This certification requires at least two years of RN experience, including 2,000 hours of clinical practice in gerontological nursing.

 

What should you look for in a Geriatric Nurse’s resume?

A Geriatric Nurse’s resume should include a nursing degree, a valid RN license, and ideally, a Gerontological Nursing Certification.

In addition, look for experience in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, or working with older adults in a hospital setting.

Any additional qualifications in hospice care, palliative care, or dementia care may also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Geriatric Nurse?

A good Geriatric Nurse is compassionate, patient, and has a genuine passion for working with the elderly.

They should be able to empathize with their patients, understand their needs, and communicate effectively with both the patients and their families.

They should also be physically resilient as the job may require lifting or moving patients.

Furthermore, they must have excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to provide the best care and make quick decisions in emergencies.

 

Is it challenging to hire Registered Nurses specializing in Geriatrics?

Hiring Geriatric Nurses can be a challenge due to the specialized skills and emotional resilience needed for this field.

The aging population is growing, resulting in increased demand for geriatric care.

Therefore, healthcare facilities must offer competitive salaries, continuing education opportunities, and a supportive work environment to attract and retain these specialized professionals.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the curtain on the rewarding and essential role of a Registered Nurse in Geriatrics.

And guess what?

It’s not just about administering medication.

It’s about shaping the future of elderly care, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive Registered Nurse – Geriatrics job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your tool for creating accurate job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a part of a bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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