Focus areas:
Promoting healthy aging: They help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life through preventative care, health education, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Managing chronic conditions: They play a crucial role in managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, which are common in older adults.
Providing end-of-life care: They offer compassionate and holistic care to patients nearing the end of their lives, focusing on comfort and dignity.
Collaboration: They work closely with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, therapists, and social workers, to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
Where they work:
Geriatric nurses can be found in various healthcare settings, including:
Hospitals: Providing care for older adults admitted for acute illnesses or injuries.
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities: Providing ongoing care for residents with chronic conditions and disabilities.
Hospices: Providing palliative care and comfort to individuals with terminal illnesses.
Home healthcare: Providing care in the patient's home, which can be beneficial for maintaining independence.
Community health centers: Providing preventative care and health education to older adults in the community.
Key skills:
Communication: Effectively communicating with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
Assessment: Accurately assessing patients' physical, mental, and emotional needs.
Problem-solving: Developing and implementing effective care plans to address patients' needs.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Working effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care.
Empathy and compassion: Providing sensitive and respectful care to older adults, recognizing their unique needs and experiences.