A geriatric nursing assistant (GNA) performs the regular duties of a certified nursing assistant, the only difference being that they work with elderly patients. Popular employers of GNAs include facilities that cater to elderly patients such as sanitariums, assisted living facilities and patients’ homes. They assist elderly patient with handling daily tasks such as grooming, bathing, toileting and dressing.
GNAs are qualified nursing assistants who work under the supervision of a registered nurse. In the event that a GNA is stationed in a patient’s house, she will be supervised by a home health agency. GNAs need to possess many skills which include the following:
• Personal care and basic nursing skills
• Home care skills
• Knowledge of diseases that affect the elderly
• Ability to enforce disease precautions
• Good communication skills
Since GNAs are required to look after their wards on a constant basis to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it is important for them to be cautious and be on the lookout for warning signs regarding patients’ conditions and mental and physical wellbeing.
To successfully attain the position of a GNA, one has to have a high school diploma at the very least and be trained through a nursing training program which is approved by the state one intends to work in.
Sample Job Description for GNA Resume
• Deliver quality and safe healthcare services to elderly patients in assisted facilities or their homes
• Assist elderly patients in bathing, grooming, toileting and dressing activities
• Administer prescribed medication including oral medicines and infusions
• Prepare patients for treatments and surgeries
• Apply dressings, supervise exercise regimens and supply and empty bedpans
• Assist patients with mobility and encourage them to walk independently when possible
• Transport patients from their rooms to activity areas or doctors’ offices by pushing wheelchairs or providing physical assistance
• Reposition and turn patients on a constant basis to ward of possibilities of bedsores
• Observe patients’ conditions on a constant basis and report and record any significant changes in condition
• Provide patients with emotional support by listening to them and providing appropriate responses
• Measure and record patients’ vitals such as temperature, blood sugar, blood pressure and pulse
• Prepare or assist in preparing appropriate food items for elderly patients by ensuring that they conform to doctors’ orders
• Set up and operate equipment such as oxygen pumps, irrigation bottles and x-ray machines
• Education patients’ families by providing them information on how they can look after elderly patients in a home setting
• Create, maintain and update patient records on a regular basis
• Perform emergency services such as First Aid and CPR
Powered by WPeMatico