Geriatric care enables practical nurses (PNs) to make a real difference in the lives of older adults. As the senior population grows, so does the need for compassionate professionals. Geriatric care combines clinical skills and empathy to support patients’ dignity, comfort, and independence.
Prism Career Institute’s Practical Nursing Program, offered at our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania campus provides students with the hands-on training needed to excel in this role. Here, we discuss why caring for older adults as a PN is more than a specialty – it’s a calling.
What Is the Role of a Geriatric Practical Nurse?
Geriatric care extends far beyond clinical tasks like administering medications or monitoring vital signs. At its core, it means building connections and enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Older adults often face loneliness, loss of independence, and complex emotional challenges alongside their physical struggles. As a practical nurse in this field, you not only deliver daily care and support tailored to seniors’ needs, but you also become a key person in the patient’s life.
You also maintain a safe environment, ensure comfort, collaborate with families and healthcare teams to personalize care plans, and educate patients and loved ones to keep them informed and empowered. This blend of skill and compassion makes geriatric nursing one of the most impactful careers in healthcare.
Why Is the Geriatric Nursing Field on the Rise?
Nationally, the employment of practical nurses is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is largely due to the rising need for elderly care. With the population reaching a record 61.2 million individuals aged 65 or older as of 2024, according to Census Bureau data, the demand for practical nurses who can provide compassionate, skilled, geriatric care continues to grow.
This expanding field offers PN career opportunities in nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home care settings, allowing nurses to choose a work environment that aligns with their goals. Entering geriatric nursing represents a meaningful role in a sector that truly needs dedicated medical professionals. With proper training, PNs can make a lasting impact while enjoying long-term job security.
Geriatric practical nursing is popular due to the genuine, lasting bonds PNs form with elderly patients, creating relationships built on trust and compassion. Perhaps the greatest reward to geriatric care for PNs is the opportunity to see their efforts make a real difference, whether through improved comfort, restored independence, or simply a reassuring presence. Along the way, nurses experience gratitude and hear life stories that enrich their own perspective, finding deep fulfillment in supporting elders through their unique journeys.
What Skills Are Required in Geriatric Nursing?
Excelling in geriatric care requires a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal strengths. PNs in this field need to demonstrate the following core skills:
- Communication and active listening: Clear communication and attentive listening help ensure patient-centered care and build trust with seniors and their families.
- Empathy and patience: Understanding the emotional and physical challenges of aging requires compassion and the ability to remain patient in every interaction.
- Resilience and emotional strength: Geriatric nursing can involve difficult moments, so resilience is key to maintaining professionalism and providing consistent support.
- Clinical judgment and adaptability: Health conditions can change quickly, making strong decision-making and flexibility essential for safe, effective care.
- Time management and prioritization: Balancing multiple needs while maintaining quality care demands excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Growing with the Industry: How to Break into the World of Geriatric Care
An aging population is transforming healthcare, putting geriatric care at the forefront. PNs interested in exploring this field benefit from accredited training and licensure, preparing them to provide adequate care. Prism Career Institute’s Practical Nurse Program opens the door for students seeking to establish a long-term career in geriatric care.
Our accredited program is designed to prepare you for the state licensure examination for PNs (NCLEX-PN), a critical step toward entering this growing profession. The program covers essential topics, including clinical and personal care duties, which are critical to caring for elderly patients. Keeping with our commitment to supporting students every step of their educational journey, we offer career services that help graduates transition confidently into the workforce and explore advancement opportunities.
Ready to Make a Difference? Start Your Geriatric Nursing Journey with Prism Career Institute
Prism Career Institute is dedicated to preparing future PNs for success in the growing field of geriatric care. Our hands-on Practical Nurse Program builds confidence and clinical skills through practical training, including supervised clinical practice, so students gain real-world experience before entering the workforce. To make career education more obtainable, we offer convenient day and evening classes for working professionals, as well as financial aid for eligible students.
Learn more about why Prism Career Institute is the right choice for your education, or apply now to enroll in our Practical Nursing Program near you in Philadelphia, PA.