Caring for older adults requires specialized knowledge, patience, and compassion. Geriatric nursing assistants (GNAs) play a vital role in supporting this vulnerable population.
While registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) oversee medical care, GNAs provide much of the hands-on support that allows older adults to maintain dignity, comfort, and safety. For nurses interested in expanding their knowledge of the healthcare team, understanding the role of the GNA can improve collaboration and patient outcomes.
What does a geriatric nursing assistant do?
A GNA is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who has received specialized training and certification in geriatric care. Their primary focus is on supporting the daily living needs of older adults in settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.
GNAs bridge the gap between patients and licensed nurses by assisting with personal care, mobility, and communication. They often form close relationships with patients, becoming familiar with their routines, preferences, and needs.
Daily duties of a geriatric nursing assistant
The responsibilities of a GNA are diverse, hands-on, and critical for ensuring quality of life for older patients. Typical duties include:
- Personal care: Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and hygiene.
- Mobility support: Assist with transfers, ambulation, and the use of mobility devices.
- Nutrition assistance: Serve meals, feed patients who need help, and monitor food intake.
- Vital signs and monitoring: Measure blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and weight, and report changes to nurses.
- Patient safety: Prevent falls, reduce the risk of pressure injuries, and maintain a clean environment.
- Companionship: Provide emotional support and social interaction to reduce feelings of isolation.
Because GNAs spend more time with residents than many other team members, they’re often the first to notice subtle changes in condition, making their observations vital to early intervention.
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Clinical environments where GNAs work
GNAs work across a variety of healthcare environments where older adults require daily care and support. Common settings include:
- Long-term care facilities and nursing homes: The most common workplaces for GNAs, where they provide ongoing care to residents with chronic illnesses or mobility limitations.
- Assisted living communities: Supporting residents who may be more independent but still need help with personal care, medication reminders, and mobility.
- Hospitals: Assisting geriatric patients during hospital stays, particularly in medical-surgical units, orthopedic floors, and geriatric-focused departments.
- Rehabilitation centers: Helping patients regain independence after surgery, injury, or illness, especially when older adults require extended therapy and recovery support.
- Home healthcare: Providing care in private residences, allowing older adults to remain at home while receiving assistance with daily living activities.
- Hospice and palliative care settings: Supporting patients and their families during end-of-life care, ensuring comfort and dignity.
The environment often shapes a GNA’s daily duties, which can range from long-term companionship and routine care in nursing homes to more acute, recovery-focused care in hospitals and rehab centers.
Training requirements for geriatric nursing assistants
To become a GNA, individuals must first complete a state-approved CNA program, which typically includes:
- Classroom instruction in basic nursing skills, infection control, anatomy, and physiology.
- Supervised clinical training in long-term care facilities or hospitals.
After becoming a CNA, those pursuing a GNA designation complete additional geriatric-focused coursework, which may cover topics like dementia care, palliative care, communication strategies, and age-related health conditions.
Certifications needed for geriatric nursing assistants
In most states, GNAs must:
- Pass the CNA exam. A written and skills-based test that demonstrates competency in nursing assistant duties.
- Obtain GNA certification. After additional training, candidates must pass a state exam specific to geriatric care.
- Maintain certification. GNAs must complete continuing education and work a minimum number of hours in healthcare each renewal period, as determined by state regulations.
The specific requirements vary by state, so nurses and nursing assistants should check their state board of nursing or department of health for details.
How does a geriatric nursing assistant differ from an RN?
While GNAs and RNs are both essential members of the healthcare team, their scope of practice and responsibilities differ significantly:
- Education and training: GNAs complete shorter certificate programs, while RNs typically hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- Scope of practice: GNAs focus on direct personal care and basic clinical tasks, while RNs perform assessments, administer medications, develop care plans, and make clinical judgments.
- Supervision: GNAs work under the supervision of RNs or LPNs, who delegate tasks and ensure safe practice.
- Decision-making authority: RNs are licensed to independently evaluate patient conditions and coordinate care, while GNAs report changes and support the nursing plan of care.
Despite these differences, GNAs are often the “eyes and ears” of the nursing team, providing invaluable insights from their frequent and close patient interactions.
