Baby Boomers Call for More Geriatric Nurses
In 2006, the oldest of the Baby Boomers, the largest generation in history, began to turn 60 years old, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With the Baby Boomer generation reaching retirement age and slowing down, the demand for geriatric nurses is not. Geriatrics is the specialized care of adults who are age 65 and older. Geriatric nurses assess mental and physical skills, and assist doctors with medical conditions that the elderly commonly experience, such as pressure injuries, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, genitourinary issues, diabetes, and stroke.
Geriatric nurses assist in patient education on health specific issues, as well as how to cope with the mental and physical changes older adults tend to experience. They help their patients to understand health issues related to aging, inform them about disease prevention, and recommend medication adjustments. These specialized nurses not only communicate with their patients, but with the patients' families who are responsible for their care. They explain health issues to families, offer training on the proper care for their loved one, and help connect them to resources if they need assistance.
Geriatric nurses must be prepared to deal with emotionally stressful situations, since their patients are more likely to deal with financial problems, mental health issues, and death. Since the field of geriatrics involves complicated situations, it is the nurses' responsibility to provide emotional support, along with basic nursing services. Geriatric nurses must not only be empathetic, but also extremely attentive and watch closely for serious medical conditions that can quickly occur. They work in institutional settings, such as retirement homes, residential care facilities, and hospitals. Another popular option they have is to work in home nursing, either as live-in providers, visiting nurses, or as part of a team of caregivers.
The demand for geriatric nurses is increasing not only because of the baby boomer generation, but because of the fact that with a nursing shortage, the specialized area geriatrics is suffering more than others. The lack of geriatric nurses only means more job opportunities and career mobility for those who pursue it. If you are interested in geriatric nursing, you must hold a current license as a registered nurse, practice full time for two years, and have completed at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice, as well as 30 hours of continuing education in the area of gerontological nursing within the past three years. You must then pass the national licensing exam to receive your Gerontological Nursing Certification and be board certified.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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