Specialty Requirements
- Degree
- Associate's Degree in Nursing
- Some hospitals may hire you under the condition that you will get your BSN within a designated amount of time.
- Certifications
Characteristics
- Empathetic
- Compassionate
- Effective communicator/active listener
- Prioritization
- Detail-Oriented
- Critical Thinker
A Day in the Life
- Generally, three, 12 hour shifts; however, some facilities may vary.
- Facilities
- Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities
- Patient Population
- Facilities generally set the age range for Geriatric units. Generally, the age for geriatric patients is 60 years old and above; however, at some facilities the age is 50 years old and above.
- Job Responsibilities
- Assessments (physical, mental, spiritual), vital signs, medication administration, observing for any elderly abuse, pain management, fall prevention, discussing sleep cycles, patient and family education, assist with grooming/bathing/feeding/walking, etc.
- Common Medications
- Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen, Simvastatin, Lisinopril, Levothyroxine, Amlodipine Besylate, Omeprazole, Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, Metformin
- Common Diagnoses
- Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Arrhythmias, Arthritis, COPD, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, dementia, bed sores, etc.
- Clinical Skills
- IV insertions, foley catheters, drawing labs, wound care, assisting with supplemental oxygen setup, etc.
Knowledge Expansion