Nursing and Health Care

Geriatrics and Gerontology Nursing

A geriatric nurse is a specialist who will help elderly patients recover from illness or injury by providing practical care and developing patient care plans. They may also help with rehabilitation and conduct check-ups in skilled care facilities or hospice facilities. While many specialists in this field administer medication and assist with pain management, they are also trained to focus on preventative care so that their patients are able to avoid injuries and common medical conditions that develop most commonly later in life.

Gerontological Nursing provides an opportunity to explore the challenges of aging through the lens of transitions. They examine how aging adults respond to transitions such as health challenges, changes in living environments, existential issues, family issues, and dying and death.  While physical health issues are addressed, the major emphasis lies in how older adults understand and process transitions in older years and how nurses can facilitate the process for their patients or clients and family members.  We also examine the challenges faced by emerging sub-populations of aging adults, such as those with developmental disabilities, the incarcerated, the homeless, as well as those with HIV/AIDS.