Elderly care is becoming increasingly important as the global population ages. In the United States alone, the number of individuals aged 65 and older is projected to reach over 83 million by 2050, nearly doubling from 2012.
Today, approximately 70% of 65-year-olds will require long-term care at some point, highlighting the critical need for qualified nursing professionals in this field.
The costs associated with elderly care are substantial, with nursing home care averaging $108,408 annually for a private room.
Given these trends and the growing demand for senior care services, it is integral to understand the qualifications necessary for nurses to provide effective and compassionate care for the elderly.
Understanding the NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a critical step for nursing graduates aiming to become licensed registered nurses in the United States.
This exam, developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice. The NCLEX-RN employs a Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) format, which adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the test-taker’s ability.
The exam encompasses various content areas, including safe and effective care environments, health promotion and maintenance, and psychosocial and physiological integrity (Simple Nursing) (NCLEX).
Finding Study Resources Online
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the NCLEX-RN is to utilize online study resources. These resources can help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam format and identify areas that need improvement.
- Practice Tests: Websites like Medical Hero offer well rounded NCLEX practice tests that simulate the actual exam environment. These tests help you understand the types of questions that will be asked and provide detailed explanations for each answer, allowing you to learn from your mistakes and improve your knowledge.
- Study Guides and Test Banks: Nurseslabs provides a vast collection of practice questions and test banks that cover a wide range of nursing topics. This resource is particularly useful for reinforcing your knowledge and building confidence before the exam. The platform offers both practice and challenge exams to help you assess your readiness under simulated exam conditions.
- Online Courses and Tutorials: Platforms like Mometrix offer NCLEX-RN prep courses that include lessons, practice questions, video tutorials, and flashcards. These courses are designed to provide a thorough review of all exam content areas and include strategies for effective test-taking.
The Importance of a Nursing Degree
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a foundational degree for those aspiring to become registered nurses (RNs) and advance in the healthcare field.
This degree program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed to provide high-quality patient care. BSN programs typically cover a broad range of topics, including human anatomy, biology, chemistry, clinical reasoning, ethics, and patient management, preparing graduates for various clinical and non-clinical roles in healthcare settings.
Obtaining a BSN not only opens doors to diverse career opportunities but also enhances job security and earning potential, as many employers prefer or even require this level of education for more advanced nursing positions.
Finding Study Resources Online
When pursuing a nursing degree, having access to reliable and detailed study resources is vital for success. Here are some top online resources to help you excel in your BSN program:
- Coursera: Coursera offers a range of nursing courses, including foundational topics and specialized areas such as leadership and critical care. These courses often feature interactive elements like video lectures, quizzes, and peer discussions to enhance learning.
- org: Provides detailed guides on various nursing degrees, including comparisons of programs, accreditation information, and advice on financing your education. It also includes resources for preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is necessary for becoming a licensed RN.
- Chamberlain University: Their BSN online option combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. This program includes virtual simulations, live skills practice, and personalized learning plans to support students in mastering nursing competencies. It is an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility without compromising on the quality of education.
Geriatric Nursing Certification
Geriatric nursing certification is the first step for nurses who wish to specialize in caring for the elderly population.
This certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in gerontological nursing, ensuring that nurses can provide high-quality care to older adults.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC), which validates a nurse’s expertise in this specialty.
To be eligible, candidates must have a current RN license, two years of full-time experience as an RN, and at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in geriatric nursing within the last three years, along with 30 hours of continuing education in geriatric nursing.
Finding Study Resources Online
Preparing for the Gero Nurse certification exam requires accessing high-quality study resources. Here are some recommended online resources:
- ANA Enterprise: The American Nurses Association (ANA) offers a review course for the Gerontological Nursing Certification. This course includes interactive online modules that cover all aspects of the certification exam content outline, making it a valuable resource for exam preparation.
- Gero Nurse Prep: This online course, developed by the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the AHCA/NCAL, provides a self-paced learning environment with a 96% pass rate for the certification exam. It includes 10 modules that cover the necessary knowledge and skills, practice questions, and an exam simulator to help build confidence.
- Nurse Builders: They offer a detailed review course tailored to the Gerontological Nursing Certification exam. This course includes up-to-date information on gerontologic nursing practice, exam content reviews, and test-taking strategies. Participants can access study cards and practice questions to enhance their preparation.
Endnote
As the demand for elderly care continues to rise, nurses with specialized geriatric qualifications are more critical than ever.
Pursuing advanced certifications and utilizing online study resources can significantly enhance a nurse’s ability to provide high-quality care.
Staying updated with the latest best practices and continuing education opportunities is necessary for maintaining proficiency in this rapidly evolving field.
