A Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) provides specialized, direct care for elderly patients, ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of older adults, particularly those in long-term care settings. Individuals in this profession work under the supervision of licensed nurses and are responsible for assisting with the fundamental daily needs of residents. The GNA designation signifies that the assistant possesses both the basic skills of a nursing aide and specialized knowledge focused on the unique challenges and requirements of geriatric care.
Defining the Geriatric Nursing Assistant Role
The Geriatric Nursing Assistant designation is primarily a regulatory classification specific to the state of Maryland. In Maryland, the GNA credential signifies a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who has met the additional requirements necessary to work with geriatric patients in licensed comprehensive care facilities, such as nursing homes.
This distinction is overseen by the Maryland Board of Nursing, which maintains a registry of all certified nursing assistants. The GNA status is a specialization added to the base CNA certification, ensuring a higher standard of training and competency for those providing care in long-term care environments.
Core Daily Responsibilities of a GNA
Personal Care Assistance
GNAs assist residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which are the routine tasks people perform every day. This assistance includes providing complete or partial care for bathing, dressing, and grooming to maintain personal hygiene and comfort. GNAs also help with feeding residents who may have difficulty eating or swallowing, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and hydration.
Patient Monitoring and Documentation
A primary function of the GNA involves the observation and accurate reporting of a resident’s physical and mental status. This includes diligently taking and recording vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, and respiration, multiple times throughout a shift. The assistant is also responsible for immediately reporting any sudden changes in a resident’s behavior, mood, or overall condition to the supervising nurse.
Mobility and Transfer Support
GNAs provide support to help residents maintain or regain mobility. This involves safely assisting residents with walking and helping them to use mobility aids, such as canes or walkers. A frequent duty is the safe transfer of residents between surfaces, such as moving a patient from a bed to a wheelchair or commode, often requiring the use of specialized lifting equipment.
How the GNA Designation Differs from a CNA
The fundamental difference between a Geriatric Nursing Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant is the regulatory requirement for specialized geriatric training, which is almost exclusively enforced in Maryland. Outside of this state, the duties and scope of practice for a CNA are functionally identical to a GNA, encompassing all aspects of patient personal care.
In Maryland, a person must first complete the standard training and certification to become a CNA, which is the basic credential for all nursing assistants. To attain GNA status, the individual must then pass a separate, state-approved Geriatric Nursing Assistant competency examination. This additional testing is what qualifies the aide to work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care homes.
The Required Steps to Become a Certified GNA
The pathway to becoming a certified GNA begins with the completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program. These programs typically integrate both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice in a healthcare setting. Upon successful completion of the training, the candidate must apply for and receive their initial Certified Nursing Assistant certification from the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Following the CNA certification, the candidate must pass the Geriatric Nursing Assistant Examination, a specialized competency test administered by an approved testing service. This examination includes both a written or oral knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation to demonstrate proficiency in various patient care tasks. Candidates must pass both components to qualify for the GNA status.
The final steps involve a mandatory criminal history records check and subsequent registration with the state’s nursing assistant registry. Once the candidate successfully passes the GNA exam, the status is automatically conferred and noted on their CNA certification record maintained by the state board.
Career Settings and Job Outlook
GNAs are highly sought after across a variety of healthcare settings that cater to the elderly population. The largest employers are typically long-term care facilities, including skilled nursing homes, where the GNA certification is a prerequisite for employment. Other common work environments include hospitals, particularly those with geriatric or rehabilitation units, and assisted living facilities.
The need for Geriatric Nursing Assistants is projected to grow significantly, driven by the rapidly expanding population of older adults requiring complex, continuous care. This demographic shift ensures a robust job market for certified professionals in the region where the designation is used. While salaries vary based on setting and experience, the hourly wage for GNAs in the common employment areas typically falls within a competitive range for direct patient care roles.