Travel Nurse RN - Geriatrics / Skilled Nursing Facility - $2,314 per week in Fairbanks, AK

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Geriatrics is responsible for providing specialized nursing care to elderly patients in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. The RN in this role focuses on promoting the health, comfort, and quality of life of elderly patients, addressing their unique medical needs, managing chronic conditions, and supporting family members in navigating the aging process. The RN will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care plans tailored to the specific needs of geriatric patients.

• Patient Assessment and Care Planning:

  • Conduct thorough assessments of elderly patients to evaluate their physical, mental, and emotional health needs.
  • Develop and implement individualized care plans that address the unique challenges of aging, including chronic conditions, mobility limitations, cognitive decline, and sensory impairments.
  • Regularly reassess patients’ conditions, adjusting care plans as needed to reflect changes in their health status.

• Chronic Disease Management:

  • Manage common chronic conditions in the elderly, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, and dementia.
  • Educate patients and their families about managing these conditions through medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
  • Coordinate care with other specialists such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and physical therapists to provide holistic care.

• Medication Administration and Management:

  • Administer prescribed medications to elderly patients, carefully monitoring for any side effects or drug interactions.
  • Educate patients and families about the importance of medication compliance, proper use, and potential side effects.
  • Ensure accurate medication documentation, tracking dosage, frequency, and any adjustments to prescriptions.

• Geriatric-Specific Care:

  • Provide support for age-related conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and sensory impairments (e.g., vision and hearing loss).
  • Promote fall prevention by assessing risk factors and implementing safety measures, such as assistive devices, proper lighting, and monitoring mobility.
  • Assist with daily activities such as feeding, dressing, bathing, and mobility, while promoting independence and dignity.

• Pain Management:

  • Assess and manage chronic pain, common in elderly patients due to conditions like osteoarthritis, neuropathy, and cancer.
  • Develop and implement pain management plans that balance comfort with functional capacity, utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
  • Monitor patients closely for signs of undertreated pain, side effects of pain medications, and any changes in condition.

• Cognitive and Emotional Support:

  • Provide care and support for elderly patients experiencing cognitive decline, including assistance with memory, decision-making, and daily tasks.
  • Offer emotional and psychological support to patients and their families, particularly in cases of dementia, depression, or end-of-life concerns.
  • Create a supportive environment that promotes mental stimulation, social engagement, and well-being.

• Collaboration with Healthcare Team:

  • Work closely with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and social workers to provide comprehensive care.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary care rounds, ensuring all healthcare team members are aligned in delivering the best possible care for the elderly patient.
  • Advocate for patients’ needs, ensuring they have access to necessary services, such as home health, rehabilitation, or hospice care.

• Patient and Family Education:

  • Educate patients and their families about aging-related health concerns, treatments, and preventive measures.
  • Offer guidance on managing daily care, recognizing changes in health, and making necessary adjustments to the home environment for safety.
  • Provide information on advanced care planning, end-of-life decisions, and resources for caregivers and family members.

• Documentation and Recordkeeping:

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of patient assessments, care plans, treatments, and responses to care.
  • Document any changes in the patient’s condition, interventions, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.
  • Keep detailed records of communication with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

• Advocacy and Ethical Decision-Making:

  • Act as an advocate for elderly patients, particularly in complex situations such as end-of-life care, advanced directives, and quality of life decisions.
  • Work with families to help them navigate sensitive issues related to care, living arrangements, or the decision to pursue aggressive treatments.
  • Ensure that the elderly patient’s wishes, dignity, and preferences are respected in all decisions related to their care.

• Quality Improvement and Continuing Education:

  • Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving patient care and safety in geriatric settings.
  • Stay current on best practices in geriatric nursing and aging-related health conditions through professional development, workshops, and research.
  • Engage in ongoing education related to geriatric care, including pharmacology, chronic disease management, and emerging treatments.