Geriatric nursing assistants (more commonly known as GNAs) are crucial members of healthcare teams in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and other settings where the focus is caring for the elderly. Under the supervision of an RN or an LPN, GNAs are responsible for the physical and emotional wellbeing of elderly patients, which includes helping them with daily living activities and checking their vital signs.
There are more than 1.4 million people working as nursing assistants in this country. As the population ages, more will be needed. Working as a GNA can be a demanding job, but it is often rewarding as well. GNAs are tasked with providing the personal attention and support that older patients need. If you want to make a real difference to the everyday lives of seniors, finding work as a GNA might be the right path for you. You can find current GNA jobs in all settings by taking a look at Credenza’s job board. You can also check out related roles such as home health aide jobs and memory care jobs.
GNA Education and Skills
Much like those working to become certified nursing assistants, anyone training to become a GNA will begin with earning a high school diploma or completing a GED. The next step for both certified nursing assistants and geriatric nursing assistants is to complete a nurse assistant training program that is approved by the state nursing board. These programs are available from community colleges, hospitals, and online. In order to become a GNA, however, you must take and pass the GNA exam. The exam will test for skills in areas like infection control, patient safety practices, and proficiency in answering healthcare questions.
In addition to the specific skills tested on the GNA exam, all employers will look for softer skills that will best help your care for patients and their emotional and physical wellbeing. Most employers would like their GNAs to be team players, possess time management skills, have good attention to detail, be compassionate and caring, and be able to communicate clearly with patients, other caregivers, and the patient’s family.
To boost your knowledge, consider becoming a certified dementia practitioner (CDP), obtaining a certification such as hospice aide certification, or taking a course with the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).
GNA Resume and Cover Letter
Even if you are an experienced nursing professional, you’ll want to make sure your GNA resume and cover letter are both up to date and display your skills and experience to their best advantage. Take a look at the job description for the position you are most interested in; it can provide ideas on what to focus on most. For instance, if the job ad mentions that the employer is looking for someone with experience working with Alzheimer’s patients, highlight your previous work in memory care facilities.
Interviewing for a GNA Job
Just like in other professions, interviews for GNA jobs can make people a little nervous. But taking some time to review typical interview questions for a nursing assistant can help you calm yourself and get prepared. Remember to research the company, listen carefully to the questions asked, and just be your true self to land that new geriatric nursing assistant job.
Salary and Benefits for GNA Jobs
The average nursing assistant salary is $42,700 per year, or $20.53 per hour. However, your salary can be affected by factors such as your years of experience, certifications, facility, and location. These areas pay some of the highest salaries to nursing assistants:
In addition to salary, don’t forget to investigate what benefits and perks may be available to you. Many full-time employers will offer a wide range including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement accounts, bonuses, discount programs, paid time off, and even free company merch.
Ways of Working
There are a lot of ways to work as a GNA. In addition to working full time or part time, you can work on a per diem basis, allowing you more freedom to pick up shifts or change facilities as you choose.
Find the Latest GNA Jobs Today
Check out all the positions available on Credenza. Want even more options? Find out how Credenza can match you with the best nursing jobs in your desired specialty area.
