Gerontology nurse also known as geriatric nurse or gerontological nurse,specialize in holistic care of elderly population
The nurse plays a critical role in ensuring access of health care services and promotion of healthy aging to the aged.This gives the nurse the forefront of understanding the specific roles in order to provide holistic care.
Below are the different roles of a geriatric nurse.
NURSE ADVOCATE
The nurse plays a crucial role in ensuring the aged are treated with dignity,respect and their voices heard in decision making of health care services.Every elderly needs an geriatric nurse advocate to allow their interests and rights collaborated in the care.The responsibilities include:
- Promoting Patient Autonomy: Nurse advocates empower older adults to make informed decisions about their healthcare. They ensure that patients have access to information, support, and resources to exercise their right to autonomy.
- Ensuring Informed Consent: Nurse advocates explain medical procedures, treatments, and potential risks in a way that older patients can understand. They facilitate the informed consent process, ensuring that patients have the information needed to make decisions about their care.
- Respecting Dignity and Privacy: Advocates uphold the dignity and privacy of older adults by ensuring that they are treated with respect, that their personal information is kept confidential, and that they have the opportunity to maintain their personal hygiene and appearance.
- Supporting Transitions in Care: Nurse advocates assist older patients during transitions in care settings, such as hospital to home, and advocate for continuity of care and appropriate follow-up.
- Promoting Cultural Sensitivity: Advocates consider the cultural and individual needs of older patients and tailor care plans accordingly, respecting diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
- Advocating for Geriatric-Specific Care: Nurse advocates promote the importance of geriatric-specific care, emphasizing the unique needs of older adults and advocating for specialized services when necessary.
NURSE EDUCATOR
Advocates provide education to older adults and their families about their rights, available healthcare resources, and preventive measures to maintain health and well-being.
This therefore enhancing knowledge,skills and the overall wellbeing of the aged.The responsibilities include:
- Developing Educational Programs: Create educational programs and materials tailored to the unique needs of older adults. These programs may cover topics such as health promotion, disease prevention, medication management, and chronic disease self-management.
- Promoting Health Literacy: Focus on improving health literacy among older adults by providing clear and understandable information about their health conditions, treatment options, and self-care techniques.
- Empowering Self-Management: Encourage older adults to take an active role in managing their health. Provide guidance on setting health-related goals and developing action plans to achieve them.
- Promoting Preventive Care: Educate older adults about the importance of preventive care, including vaccinations, screenings, and regular check-ups, to maintain their health and prevent complications.
- Medication Education: Teach older adults about their medications, including proper dosages, administration techniques, and potential side effects. Emphasize the importance of medication adherence.
- Support for Caregivers: Educate family caregivers on how to provide safe and effective care for their elderly loved ones, addressing topics like wound care, mobility assistance, and emotional support.
NURSE RESEARCHER
The specific role of a nurse researcher is to promote evidenced based care through gaps identification in healthcare to improving the quality of care, promoting healthy aging, and addressing the unique healthcare needs of the elderly population.
Stay updated on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in elderly care to inform future research priorities.
Develop research studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, qualitative research, and other research methodologies, to investigate issues related to elderly care.
Nurse researchers assess the current state of knowledge in elderly care to identify gaps in research. They determine where further investigation is needed to improve care for older adults.
NURSE CONSULTANT
A geriatric nurse consultant is an experienced and highly skilled nurse who provides specialized expertise, guidance, and support to improve the quality of care and services for older adults in various healthcare settings. The responsibilities include:
- Assessment and Care Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of elderly patients to determine their physical, psychological, social, and environmental needs. Develop individualized care plans based on these assessments, focusing on promoting the well-being and quality of life of older adults.
- Clinical Expertise: Offer expert clinical knowledge in the management of complex health conditions commonly seen in the elderly, such as chronic diseases, cognitive impairments, and polypharmacy (multiple medications).
- Medication Management: Review and optimize medication regimens to ensure appropriate use, minimize potential side effects, and prevent drug interactions.
- Policy and Program Development: Contribute to the development of policies, programs, and guidelines related to elderly care, advocating for policies that promote quality care and support for older adults.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists, to ensure comprehensive and holistic care for older adults.
NURSE MANAGER
The leadership role held by a geriatric nurse to oversee other staffs provide care to the elderly.The responsibilities include:
- Leadership and Administration:
- Provide strong leadership to the nursing team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and standards of care that meet regulatory requirements and promote the well-being of elderly residents.
- Staffing and Scheduling:
- Recruit, hire, and retain nursing staff, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and other healthcare professionals.
- Develop and manage staffing schedules to ensure appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios and adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Quality Assurance and Improvement:
- Monitor the quality of care provided to elderly residents, ensuring it aligns with best practices and regulatory standards.
- Conduct regular assessments, audits, and performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Patient Care Coordination:
- Oversee the coordination of care for elderly residents, including comprehensive assessments, individualized care planning, and ongoing evaluation of care plans.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers, therapists, social workers, and other professionals to address the complex healthcare needs of older adults.
- Budget Management:
- Develop and manage budgets for the nursing department, allocating resources efficiently and controlling costs while maintaining high-quality care.
- Safety and Infection Control:
- Implement and enforce safety protocols and infection control measures to prevent accidents and healthcare-associated infections among elderly residents.
- Address safety concerns promptly and provide staff with relevant training.
- Staff Development and Education:
- Provide ongoing education and professional development opportunities for nursing staff, particularly in gerontology and elderly care.
- Encourage staff to pursue certifications and training relevant to caring for older adults.
