I received a very nice article from Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of geriatrics. I am posting it below. Kelly invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com
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Geriatric nursing focuses specifically on aging and elderly patients who require a variety of different types of care. In the United States, the aging population continues to get larger each and every year and geriatric nurses are needed all over the country to fill positions at various facilities.
Currently, there is a shortage of nurses in the US, which is being filled by people from various foreign countries, including India and the Philippines. Nurses in the United States on average make great money, on average around $57,000 per year, according to the bureau of labor statistics, and geriatric nurses can expect to receive similar wages.
As of 2006, nursing facilities employed less than 10% of all nurse in the US, with nearly 60% working in hospitals, but this trend is expected to shift dramatically over the next decade, with nursing facilities for eldercare expected to take up to as much as 20% of the nurse for extended care.
Many long-term health care facilities are looking to employ geriatric nurse that are willing to adapt to the various demands of the aging population. Dementia, cancer complications, and cardiovascular illnesses are just a few ailments geriatric nurses can expect to deal with on a daily basis.
Caring for our aging population is something that is on the minds of many as our parents and grandparents continue to age. There will be many positions available in the coming years for those interested in a career in geriatric nursing.
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This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of geriatrics. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com
