How to become a geriatric nurse

Is becoming a geriatric nurse right for me?

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Overview
What do geriatric nurses do?

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How to become a Geriatric Nurse

To become a geriatric nurse, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Obtain a Nursing Degree: To become a geriatric nurse, you will need to start by earning an Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN) from an accredited nursing program. These nursing programs typically take two to four years to complete and include both classroom and clinical training.
  • Obtain a Nursing License: After completing your nursing degree, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The NCLEX is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge and skills in nursing. You will need to apply for licensure in the state where you wish to practice.
  • Gain Nursing Experience: After obtaining your nursing license, it's recommended that you gain experience working as a nurse in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or long-term care facility. This will help you develop your clinical skills and gain an understanding of the unique needs of older adults.
  • Pursue Continuing Education: Continuing education is essential for nurses to keep up with advancements in the field of nursing. To specialize in geriatric nursing, you can attend workshops, seminars, and training programs in geriatric nursing. Some employers may offer tuition reimbursement or other incentives for continuing education.
  • Obtain a Geriatric Nursing Certification: To demonstrate your proficiency in geriatric nursing, you can obtain certification from organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Gerontological Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC). These certifications typically require you to meet certain education and experience requirements and pass a certification exam.
  • Consider Advanced Degrees: A Master's Degree or a Doctorate in Nursing can provide advanced knowledge and skills in geriatric nursing and open up more job opportunities, such as nursing leadership or research positions. These programs typically require additional coursework and clinical hours beyond a bachelor's degree.

Certifications
The following certifications can help geriatric nurses demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in working with older adults and provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

  • Certified Gerontological Nurse (GN-BC): This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is designed for registered nurses who specialize in geriatric nursing. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have a current RN license and at least two years of experience working in geriatric nursing.
  • Gerontological Nursing Certification (RN-BC): This certification is also offered by the ANCC and is designed for registered nurses who work with older adults in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have a current RN license and at least two years of experience working in gerontological nursing.
  • Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN): This certification is offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) and is designed for nurses who provide end-of-life care to patients and families. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have a current RN license and at least two years of experience working in hospice and palliative care.
  • Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN): This certification is also offered by the HPCC and is designed for nurses who have advanced knowledge and expertise in hospice and palliative care. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have a current RN license, at least two years of experience working in hospice and palliative care, and a graduate degree in nursing or a related field.
  • Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP): This certification is offered by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) and is designed for healthcare professionals who work with individuals with dementia. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have a current license or certification in a healthcare field, at least two years of experience working with dementia patients, and completion of a CDP training program.

Associations
There are several professional associations for geriatric nurses. Membership in these professional associations can provide geriatric nurses with opportunities for professional development, continuing education, networking, and advocacy.

  • Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA): GAPNA is a professional organization for nurses who specialize in gerontological nursing. The organization provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members.
  • National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA): NGNA is a professional organization for nurses who work with older adults in a variety of settings. The organization provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members.
  • American Geriatrics Society (AGS): AGS is a professional organization for healthcare professionals who specialize in geriatrics. The organization provides educational resources, research opportunities, and advocacy for its members.
  • National Association for Geriatric Education (NAGE): NAGE is a professional organization for healthcare professionals who specialize in geriatric education. The organization provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for its members.
  • National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP): NCCDP is a professional organization for healthcare professionals who work with individuals with dementia. The organization provides educational resources, certification programs, and advocacy for its members.