Why You Should Consider a Career in Geriatric Nursing
Career News July 8, 2014What Is Geriatric Nursing?
Registered nurses, especially geriatric nurses, are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2012 and 2022, employment opportunities for nurses are predicted to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations. In addition to the plentiful openings for those in geriatric nursing positions, there are many more reasons to choose this area of expertise as a lifelong career.
Opportunities for Growth and Advancement
Geriatric nurses enjoy many opportunities for personal and professional growth and advancement, explains Nurse Journal online. In addition to the emotional and financial rewards of a nursing career, there are many ways in which these nurses can benefit from a meaningful and purposeful position, such as:
•A wide choice of work environments: Geriatric nurses may find employment in hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, physician’s offices, home health agencies, social service agencies, rehabilitation centers, senior citizen centers, retirement communities and insurance companies.
•Flexible work schedules: Geriatric nurses who have children may appreciate the flexibility that allows them time with their children before and after school.
•Opportunities for advancement: Geriatric nurses with experience may move into supervisory or management positions within an organization.
Employee Benefits
Geriatric nurses enjoy many employee perks in their personal and professional lives. These benefits can help them advance in their careers, expand their skill set, and provide their patients with better outcomes. The American Nursing Association explains that continuing education is one way that nurses can advance their careers while expanding their conflict management, interpersonal relations and clinical skills. Additional benefits for geriatric nurses include:
•Continuing education for re-certification and added credentials
•Accelerated programs to gain nurse practitioner or master’s-level nursing degrees
•Tuition reimbursement
Job Security
The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that the demand for registered nurses, including geriatric nurses, is expected to grow by 19 percent between 2012 and 2022. The aging of the American population is the primary reason behind the increased need for nurses. Job opportunities are available in every area of the country and in a diverse array of settings from veteran’s hospitals to skilled nursing facilities.
Geriatric nurses may find that the high demand leads to better-than-expected compensation packages and other benefits such as sign-on bonuses. Employees who hold at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing will enjoy the best prospects for employment. The combination of the retirement of many existing nurses in the workforce as well as the increased demand for geriatric care is expected to lead to plenty of opportunities for advancement.
Working as a geriatric nurse affords many challenges and rewards. With employee appreciation and other benefits, the options for rewards are endless.
