Top 12 Geriatric Nursing Assistant Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the rapidly evolving healthcare sector, geriatric nursing assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of elderly patients. Highlighting the top skills specific to this demanding role on your resume can significantly enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your commitment to providing compassionate, effective care.
Geriatric Nursing Assistant Skills
- Patient Care
- CPR Certified
- Vital Signs
- EMR (Electronic Medical Records)
- Wound Dressing
- Dementia Care
- Mobility Assistance
- Hygiene Assistance
- Medication Administration
- HIPAA Compliance
- ADL Support (Activities of Daily Living)
- Palliative Care
1. Patient Care
Patient care, in the context of a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, refers to the comprehensive support and assistance provided to elderly patients, including daily living activities, personal hygiene, mobility aid, medication management, and emotional support, to enhance their quality of life and ensure their well-being.
Why It's Important
Patient care is crucial for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant because it ensures the physical, emotional, and social well-being of elderly patients, enhancing their quality of life and promoting dignity, safety, and comfort in their vulnerable stage of life.
How to Improve Patient Care Skills
Improving patient care, especially in the context of a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, involves a focused approach on the physical, emotional, and social needs of elderly patients. Here are concise strategies:
Person-Centered Care: Treat each patient as an individual with unique needs and preferences. The National Institute on Aging offers insights on person-centered care principles.
Effective Communication: Enhance your communication skills to better understand and respond to the needs of elderly patients. The Institute for Healthcare Communication highlights the impact of effective communication on healthcare outcomes.
Continual Education: Stay updated with the latest geriatric care techniques and guidelines through continual education. The American Geriatrics Society provides resources and education for healthcare professionals.
Safety Measures: Implement safety measures to prevent falls and other injuries, critical in elderly care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers resources on preventing elderly falls.
Empathy and Compassion: Practice empathy and compassion, recognizing the emotional and psychological needs of the elderly. Resources like The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare can offer guidance on enhancing compassionate care.
By focusing on these strategies, a Geriatric Nursing Assistant can significantly improve the quality of care provided to elderly patients, enhancing their overall well-being and satisfaction.
How to Display Patient Care Skills on Your Resume
2. CPR Certified
CPR Certification for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant means they have been trained and tested in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation techniques specifically adapted for elderly care, ensuring they can provide life-saving measures in cardiac emergencies.
Why It's Important
CPR certification is crucial for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant as it equips them with the necessary skills to quickly and effectively respond to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving the lives of elderly patients who are at a higher risk of cardiac events.
How to Improve CPR Certified Skills
To improve CPR certification skills as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, consider the following steps:
Refresh Your Knowledge Regularly: Stay updated with the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines or Red Cross updates for CPR to ensure you're following current best practices.
Practice Frequently: Hands-on practice is crucial. Enroll in practical CPR training sessions specifically designed for healthcare professionals.
Use Online Resources: Leverage free online resources and CPR tutorials to reinforce your skills and knowledge.
Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops or seminars focused on geriatric care CPR techniques, as the approach may differ slightly for the elderly.
Simulation Training: Engage in simulation-based training programs to practice CPR in varied geriatric scenarios, enhancing your readiness for real-life situations.
By continually updating your skills and knowledge, practicing regularly, and utilizing both online and in-person resources, you can maintain high proficiency in CPR as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant.
How to Display CPR Certified Skills on Your Resume
3. Vital Signs
Vital signs are key indicators of a patient's physiological status, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure, essential for assessing the health and well-being of geriatric patients.
Why It's Important
Vital signs are crucial for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant because they provide the earliest indications of a patient's health status and response to treatment, enabling timely interventions for the elderly, who are often at higher risk of rapid health deterioration.
How to Improve Vital Signs Skills
Improving vital signs in the geriatric population involves targeted interventions to address common age-related changes and health conditions. Here are concise strategies for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant:
Blood Pressure: Encourage a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and medication adherence. Monitor for orthostatic hypotension. American Heart Association
Heart Rate: Promote regular physical activity and stress-reduction techniques. Ensure proper hydration and adherence to heart medications. Mayo Clinic
Respiration Rate: Encourage deep breathing exercises and quitting smoking. Pneumonia vaccines and yearly flu shots can prevent respiratory infections. Cleveland Clinic
Temperature: Maintain a comfortable living environment. Encourage appropriate clothing for the weather and adequate hydration. WebMD
Pain Management: Use pain assessment tools suitable for older adults. Implement non-pharmacological methods like heat/cold therapy, and ensure timely administration of prescribed pain medication. American Geriatrics Society
Each intervention should be tailored to the individual's health status, preferences, and physician's guidance. Regular monitoring and communication with healthcare providers are crucial for adjusting care plans as needed.
How to Display Vital Signs Skills on Your Resume
4. EMR (Electronic Medical Records)
EMR (Electronic Medical Records) is a digital version of a patient's paper chart, containing their medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results, used in the healthcare setting to support patient care, specifically assisting Geriatric Nursing Assistants in managing the health information of elderly patients efficiently.
Why It's Important
EMR (Electronic Medical Records) is important for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant because it ensures accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive patient information is readily accessible, enabling personalized, efficient, and safer care for elderly patients.
How to Improve EMR (Electronic Medical Records) Skills
Improving Electronic Medical Records (EMR) for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant involves focusing on accuracy, accessibility, and patient-centered updates:
Enhance Accuracy: Regularly update patient records to reflect current diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans. Utilize EMR training programs to ensure proficiency in entering and updating information correctly.
Improve Accessibility: Work with IT to implement secure mobile access to EMRs, enabling real-time updates and consultations from anywhere in the healthcare facility.
Focus on Patient-Centered Care: Incorporate tools within the EMR system that allow for easy tracking of patient preferences, life histories, and specific geriatric needs. Patient portals can enhance communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Regular Feedback and Updates: Participate in feedback sessions with the EMR software providers and suggest customizations that cater specifically to geriatric care, ensuring the system evolves to meet the changing needs of the patient population.
Compliance and Security Training: Stay informed about HIPAA compliance and cybersecurity best practices to protect patient information, attending regular training sessions.
By focusing on these areas, a Geriatric Nursing Assistant can significantly contribute to the enhancement of EMR systems, ultimately improving patient care and operational efficiency.
How to Display EMR (Electronic Medical Records) Skills on Your Resume
5. Wound Dressing
Wound dressing involves cleaning, protecting, and providing the appropriate environment for a wound to heal, using sterile materials such as gauze, bandages, or specialized products to cover and care for various types of wounds. For a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, it's crucial to monitor for infection, manage chronic wounds effectively, and adapt care to the specific needs of elderly patients.
Why It's Important
Wound dressing is crucial for protecting the wound from infection, promoting a moist healing environment, and speeding up the healing process, especially important in geriatric patients due to their slower healing rates and increased infection risks.
How to Improve Wound Dressing Skills
Improving wound dressing for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant involves focusing on gentle techniques, appropriate material selection, and infection prevention. Here are concise steps:
Assessment: Evaluate the wound carefully, considering factors like size, depth, and signs of infection. Wound Assessment Guidelines.
Selection of Dressing Material: Choose a dressing that maintains a moist environment, supports healing, and is suitable for the wound type and skin sensitivity of elderly patients. Dressing Selection Chart.
Gentle Cleansing: Gently clean the wound with a suitable solution to minimize pain and avoid further skin damage. Wound Cleansing Techniques.
Apply Dressing Gently: Handle the skin and wound with care, especially when applying or removing dressings to avoid causing pain or damage. Applying Dressings.
Monitor and Documentation: Regularly monitor the wound for signs of healing or complications and document any changes. Effective documentation helps in evaluating the healing process. Wound Monitoring Tips.
Infection Prevention: Maintain strict hygiene practices and use sterile equipment to prevent infection. Infection Control Guidelines.
Patient Comfort and Education: Ensure the patient's comfort during dressing changes and educate them and their caregivers about the importance of wound care. Patient Education Resources.
Seek Feedback and Adjust Care: Be open to feedback from your patients about their comfort and pain levels during dressing changes, and adjust your methods as necessary. Continuous learning and adapting are key. Nursing Feedback.
By incorporating these practices, a Geriatric Nursing Assistant can improve wound dressing techniques, promoting healing and enhancing patient comfort.
How to Display Wound Dressing Skills on Your Resume
6. Dementia Care
Dementia care involves providing specialized support and assistance to individuals with dementia, focusing on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms, ensuring safety, and supporting cognitive and emotional well-being. For a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, it entails personalized care strategies, effective communication, and adapting to the evolving needs of those with dementia.
Why It's Important
Dementia care is crucial for ensuring the safety, well-being, and dignity of individuals with dementia. It involves tailored support and interventions that address the unique needs of these patients, helping to manage symptoms, prevent distress, and enhance their quality of life. For a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, it's vital to provide compassionate, person-centered care, focusing on promoting independence, cognitive engagement, and emotional support, while also assisting with daily living activities and creating a supportive, understanding environment for those affected by dementia.
How to Improve Dementia Care Skills
Improving dementia care as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant involves adopting person-centered approaches, enhancing communication skills, and ensuring a safe, comfortable environment. Here are key strategies:
Person-Centered Care: Treat each resident as an individual with unique needs and preferences. Alzheimer's Society provides detailed guidance on understanding and supporting people with dementia.
Effective Communication: Use clear, simple language and non-verbal cues. The National Institute on Aging offers tips on communicating with people with Alzheimer's disease.
Safe Environment: Modify the environment to reduce risks and enhance comfort. The Alzheimer's Association has resources on ensuring safety in caregiving.
Engagement and Activity: Involve residents in activities suited to their abilities and interests. Dementia Care Central suggests activities to engage people with dementia.
Education and Support: Continuously educate yourself on dementia care and seek support from professional networks. The Dementia Society of America offers educational resources and support for caregivers.
By integrating these strategies, Geriatric Nursing Assistants can significantly improve the quality of care for residents with dementia.
How to Display Dementia Care Skills on Your Resume
7. Mobility Assistance
Mobility assistance refers to the support and aid provided to elderly patients to help them move safely and independently, including helping them walk, transfer from bed to chair, and navigate their environment. This is crucial in preventing falls, maintaining physical health, and promoting autonomy.
Why It's Important
Mobility assistance is crucial for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant as it ensures the safety, independence, and overall well-being of elderly patients, aiding in their daily activities and reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
How to Improve Mobility Assistance Skills
Improving mobility assistance for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant involves a combination of techniques focused on safety, encouragement, and the use of appropriate aids. Here are concise steps to enhance mobility assistance:
Assess Needs: Evaluate the patient's mobility level to tailor assistance National Institute on Aging.
Use Proper Equipment: Employ mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs. Ensure they are the correct size and suit the patient's needs. For equipment choice, refer to the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Safety Measures: Implement safety modifications in the environment, such as grab bars and anti-slip mats, to prevent falls. CDC’s guidelines on fall prevention can be useful.
Encourage Independence: Motivate patients to perform tasks within their capability, gradually increasing their mobility range. Guidance on promoting independence can be found through The American Geriatrics Society.
Regular Exercise: Encourage regular, gentle exercises tailored to their ability, improving strength and balance. The National Institute on Aging offers specific exercises for the elderly.
Education: Educate both the patient and their family about the importance of mobility and how to assist in a safe manner. Resources and training materials are available at The Joint Commission.
Professional Development: Continually update your skills and knowledge on mobility assistance through courses and certifications available at The American Nurses Association.
By integrating these strategies, a Geriatric Nursing Assistant can significantly improve the mobility and overall quality of life for elderly patients.
How to Display Mobility Assistance Skills on Your Resume
8. Hygiene Assistance
Hygiene Assistance, in the context of a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, refers to the support and help provided to elderly patients in performing daily personal care tasks. This includes bathing, grooming, oral care, and dressing, ensuring the seniors maintain cleanliness and dignity.
Why It's Important
Hygiene assistance is crucial for geriatric nursing assistants as it helps maintain the health, dignity, and comfort of elderly patients by preventing infections, promoting skin integrity, and enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
How to Improve Hygiene Assistance Skills
Improving hygiene assistance, especially for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, involves adopting best practices and continuously updating skills to ensure the dignity and comfort of elderly patients. Here are concise steps for enhancing hygiene assistance:
Personalize Care: Understand individual needs and preferences of each patient. Tailored care plans ensure respect and comfort. CDC Guidelines for Personal Care offer insights on maintaining personal hygiene.
Regular Training: Stay updated with the latest techniques and recommendations in elderly care hygiene practices. The American Geriatrics Society provides resources and training options.
Use of Assistive Devices: Incorporate tools designed for elderly care to make hygiene tasks easier and safer. Assistive Devices for Hygiene can offer practical solutions.
Infection Control: Adhere to strict infection control measures to prevent illnesses. The CDC's Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings provides comprehensive guidelines.
Empathy and Communication: Communicate effectively and with empathy. Understanding and addressing the concerns of the elderly can improve their cooperation and comfort levels during hygiene assistance. Effective Communication with the Elderly by the National Institute on Aging offers valuable advice.
By focusing on personalized care, continuous education, utilizing appropriate assistive technologies, maintaining stringent infection control measures, and fostering empathetic communication, Geriatric Nursing Assistants can significantly improve the quality of hygiene assistance they provide.
How to Display Hygiene Assistance Skills on Your Resume
9. Medication Administration
Medication Administration, in the context of a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, refers to the process of accurately and safely giving medications to elderly patients as prescribed by a healthcare provider, ensuring the right patient, medication, dose, time, and route while monitoring for and documenting effects and side effects.
Why It's Important
Medication administration is crucial for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant to ensure the correct medications are given at the right doses and times to manage health conditions, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for elderly patients, while also minimizing the risk of medication errors and adverse effects.
How to Improve Medication Administration Skills
To improve medication administration as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, focus on the following key strategies:
Education and Training: Regularly update your knowledge and skills on medication management through certified courses or workshops. CDC’s Medication Safety Program offers resources and guidelines.
Medication Reconciliation: Ensure accurate medication lists by comparing the resident's medication orders with the medications they are actually taking. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement provides a comprehensive guide on implementing medication reconciliation.
Use of Technology: Leverage technology like electronic medication administration records (eMAR) to reduce errors and improve efficiency. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) discusses the benefits and implementation strategies of eMAR systems.
Communication Skills: Enhance communication with healthcare providers, patients, and their families for clearer understanding and adherence to medication regimens. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers tools for improving communication.
Adherence to the Five Rights: Always practice the "Five Rights" of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. The National Council on Patient Information and Education provides resources on medication use safety.
By focusing on these strategies, you can significantly improve medication administration and enhance the care provided to geriatric patients.
How to Display Medication Administration Skills on Your Resume
10. HIPAA Compliance
HIPAA compliance for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant involves adhering to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations to protect the privacy and security of patients' health information. This includes ensuring that personal health information is shared only with authorized individuals and maintaining confidentiality during care.
Why It's Important
HIPAA compliance is crucial for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant as it ensures the protection of sensitive patient health information, maintains patient trust, and prevents legal and financial penalties for violating privacy and security standards.
How to Improve HIPAA Compliance Skills
Improving HIPAA Compliance for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant involves several key steps:
Regular Training: Ensure continuous education and training on HIPAA rules and updates. HHS provides resources and training materials.
Understand PHI: Clearly understand what constitutes Protected Health Information (PHI) and the importance of its privacy and security. CDC’s HIPAA Information can offer insights.
Implement Secure Practices: Use secure methods to communicate PHI, such as encrypted emails. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides guidelines on encryption and cybersecurity.
Maintain Privacy in Conversations: Be mindful of surroundings when discussing patient information to avoid unauthorized disclosures. This HIPAA Journal article discusses best practices.
Report Incidents: Immediately report any suspected or actual breaches of PHI in accordance with your facility’s policies. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) oversees complaints and breaches.
Keep Documentation: Maintain accurate records of HIPAA training, acknowledgments, and any breaches or steps taken to improve compliance. Review HHS’s guidance for more on documentation requirements.
By adhering to these steps, a Geriatric Nursing Assistant can greatly improve HIPAA compliance, ensuring the privacy and security of patient information.
How to Display HIPAA Compliance Skills on Your Resume
11. ADL Support (Activities of Daily Living)
ADL Support refers to assistance provided to individuals, especially the elderly, in performing daily activities essential for personal care and independent living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. For a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, it involves hands-on help and supervision to ensure these tasks are done safely and effectively, enhancing the quality of life for elderly patients.
Why It's Important
ADL support is crucial for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant as it helps maintain the dignity, independence, and quality of life of elderly patients by assisting them with daily tasks they can no longer manage on their own, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. This support is vital for the physical and emotional well-being of the elderly, ensuring their safety and promoting their overall health.
How to Improve ADL Support (Activities of Daily Living) Skills
To improve Activities of Daily Living (ADL) support as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, consider the following concise strategies:
Personalize Care Plans: Tailor care plans to each individual's needs and preferences. This can maximize their independence and participation in ADLs. The National Institute on Aging provides resources on understanding the aging process and individual needs.
Use Assistive Devices: Introduce and educate on the use of assistive devices (e.g., grab bars, dressing aids) to promote independence. The Arthritis Foundation offers insights into various assistive devices.
Educate on Safe Techniques: Train on safe lifting and transferring techniques to prevent injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines on ergonomics in healthcare.
Promote Physical Activity: Encourage regular, gentle exercise tailored to their ability level to maintain or improve mobility and function. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidelines on physical activity for older adults.
Encourage Social Interaction: Facilitate social activities and interactions to enhance mental health and motivation for ADL participation. The National Institute on Aging highlights the importance of social activities for older adults.
Continuous Education: Stay informed on the latest best practices and innovations in geriatric care through continuous education. Professional bodies such as the American Geriatrics Society provide resources and updates on geriatric care.
Implementing these strategies requires ongoing assessment and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of older adults, ensuring they receive the support necessary to maintain their independence and quality of life in ADLs.
How to Display ADL Support (Activities of Daily Living) Skills on Your Resume
12. Palliative Care
Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care for people with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family. For a Geriatric Nursing Assistant, it involves assisting with the care and comfort of elderly patients in their final stages of life, ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.
Why It's Important
Palliative care is important because it improves the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses and their families by addressing physical symptoms, emotional stress, and spiritual concerns, ensuring comfort and support throughout the care journey, particularly vital in geriatric care.
How to Improve Palliative Care Skills
Improving palliative care, especially from the perspective of a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA), involves a multifaceted approach focusing on enhancing patient comfort, providing emotional support, and ensuring effective communication. Here are concise strategies:
Education and Training: GNAs should pursue specialized training in palliative care to better understand the physical and emotional needs of patients. The Center to Advance Palliative Care offers resources and training modules.
Effective Communication: Learn communication techniques to better support patients and their families, addressing their concerns and wishes. The National Institute on Aging provides guidelines on communicating with older patients.
Symptom Management: Acquire skills in recognizing and managing common symptoms in palliative care, such as pain, to improve patient comfort. The American Geriatrics Society offers resources on managing chronic pain in older adults.
Emotional and Spiritual Support: Understand the importance of emotional and spiritual care in palliative settings and integrate this into your care practices. Resources at the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association can guide GNAs in providing holistic care.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with the interdisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, to ensure comprehensive care planning and implementation. The Interdisciplinary Association for Palliative Care promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in palliative care.
Self-Care: Palliative care can be emotionally taxing for caregivers. GNAs should also prioritize their own well-being to prevent burnout and maintain compassionate care. The American Nurses Association provides self-care strategies for healthcare professionals.
By focusing on these areas, Geriatric Nursing Assistants can significantly improve the quality of palliative care provided to patients, ensuring a more comfortable and dignified experience during their final stages of life.
How to Display Palliative Care Skills on Your Resume
