Gerontological nursing

As individuals age, their bodies undergo many changes and may require medical care to treat various conditions associated with the aging process such as vision loss, heart problems, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Gerontological nursing, formerly known as geriatric nursing, is a field of health care in which nurses specialize in the care of elderly individuals (people over the age of sixty-five) and recognize their unique needs. These nurses also work with the families of aging individuals to ensure that patients receive adequate care. Gerontological nursing continues to expand in the United States because of the growing population of aged individuals. Gerontological nurses work in a variety of settings including hospitals and medical centers, assisted living facilities such as nursing homes, and private homes.

Overview

Gerontological nurses are trained in general nursing duties, but they also have specialized training in caring for older patients who are more likely to suffer from multiple ailments. These nurses spend time with both aging individuals and their families or care workers. They interact with patients, families, staff at hospitals and care facilities, therapists, social workers, pharmacists, and others. They can advise families on long-term care options and connect them with the services they may need. Because the elderly population typically takes multiple medications, gerontological nurses need to be aware of possible drug interactions, be able to monitor patients for any issues, and work with physicians to adjust medications as needed.

All nurses must be able to handle the busy and demanding industry of caring for people. Elderly individuals require more care than younger patients do and may need assistance with simple self-care tasks. This requires physical strength to help a person stand up, walk, dress, bathe, and perform other activities. Many gerontological nurses are versed in insurance plans and premiums to help patients understand their coverage and work with their insurance companies.

Gerontological nurses must prepare themselves for the emotional toll that caring for aging individuals takes not only on them but also on families and other caretakers. Many elderly patients are near the end of their lives; some are in pain or feel frustrated, sad, or angry, while others are content or happy. Therefore, gerontological nurses should be caring, patient, empathetic, sensitive, compassionate, and understanding. These personality traits are necessary to help them deal with patients' varying moods. Gerontological nurses also must be prepared to discuss sensitive issues, such as end-of-life options and rights, with both patients and their families. They should be aware that sometimes people are not prepared to discuss these issues or may not agree with what a nurse has to say. In addition, gerontological nurses have to be able to deal with patients' deaths.

Gerontological nurses can work in numerous settings, such as doctors' offices, medical centers and hospitals, and nursing homes. They may serve as aids in private homes to care directly for elderly individuals or to teach families how to care for their elderly relatives. Some may work as liaisons or advocates for patients or their families, especially those who need help understanding medical jargon and treatment plans. These nurses may help patients and families make health decisions and can calm fears regarding certain procedures and treatments.

Various degrees and certifications are required for a career in gerontological nursing. Degrees include an associate of science in nursing (ASN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and a master of science in nursing (MSN). Other educational paths include licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) programs. Individuals may pursue clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or nurse practitioner (NP) programs. Several certifications exist, but they require the attainment of certain degrees, such as a BSN; completion of programs, such as an RN program; specific hours of practice and continuing education; and years of experience in the general nursing/gerontological nursing fields.

Topic Today

As of the twenty-first century, the baby boomer generation makes up a substantial part of the US population. Members of this generation, born between 1946 and 1964, were the result of a surge in births following World War II (1939–45). This generation greatly influenced the country's economy; however, as its members have begun to age and require more care, they have put a strain on the health care industry. In addition, medical advances and technology have helped people to live longer—but not necessarily healthier—lives, which is also straining health care.

The longer individuals live, the greater the chances are that they will need assistance with day-to-day living activities, such as bathing, toileting, eating, getting out of bed, dressing, managing medications, handling finances, driving, and shopping. Elderly people are more likely to acquire certain chronic physical and mental illnesses or other cognitive conditions associated with old age. Some of these medical conditions include vision or hearing loss/changes, arthritis, sleep changes/disorders, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. While some of these conditions may be managed by the patient and require only minimal care, others require around-the-clock care. Older people also tend to take multiple medications to treat their ailments and depend on medical services more than younger patients do.

Trends and Issues

According to the 2010 US Census, the number of people over the age of one hundred increased by 68.5 percent since 1980, while the general population increased by only 36.3 percent. In addition, the World Health Organization has estimated that the world’s population over the age of sixty will increase from 11 percent to 22 percent by 2050. The growing elderly population has increased the demand for health care professionals trained in gerontology. This job field will continue to rise in the future because aging individuals will continue to require special care to treat their unique needs. However, although the need for gerontology nurses is growing, there continues to be a nursing shortage in the US, with only 1 percent of registered nurses and 3 percent of advanced practice registered nurses certified in gerontology in 2016. This shortage is exacerbated by a high turnover rate for gerontology nurses.

The growing aging population also will have an impact on families, whose members may be forced to take on caretaker roles. In 2010s, a growing number of elderly patients were choosing to age in their homes instead of moving to retirement or assisted living facilities. In these cases, gerontological nurses are trained to work with family members on how to best care for elderly loved ones. This also creates the need for gerontology nurses to be able to adapt to different settings. Trends in gerontology nursing have also been changing toward positive aging and chronic disease management, which includes helping patients be active in their own care and creating personalized proactive care plans.

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