- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Geriatric nurse
Geriatric nurse
A geriatric nurse assists doctors in taking care of the mental and physical health of older patients who are at greater risk of injuries and diseases.
- X (Twitter)
Copy link
Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
What is the role of a geriatric nurse?
You’ll help your patients enjoy a better quality of life by helping them stay mobile and independent.
What you’ll do as a geriatric nurse
Collaboration
You’ll be the liaison between patients, family and care providers.
Education
You’ll teach patients and their families about their health condition and the best ways to manage it.
Treatment
You’ll perform check-ups, administer medication, and help with pain management and rehabilitation.
Where you’ll work as a geriatric nurse
Geriatric nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Outpatient care centers
- Patients’ homes
- Retirement centers
How to become a geriatric nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Work as a Registered Nurse for at least 2 years, including 2,000 hours in geriatric nursing and 30 hours of continued education.
Get your Certification in Geriatric Nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
You’re ready to work as a geriatric nurse!
Geriatric nurse career resources
Become a member of a geriatric nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
American Geriatrics Society
American Geriatrics Society
Related nursing specialties
Gerontological nurse practitioner
A gerontological nurse practitioner is a multi-disciplined primary healthcare provider who helps patients manage the physical, mental, and social effects of aging.
Home health nurse
A home health nurse cares for patients in their homes, helping them with tasks that they can’t do themselves due to injury or disease, and providing relief to family members who may be primary caregivers.