Position Overview
A geriatric nursing assistant (GNA) performs similar duties to a certified nursing assistant but specializes in the care of elderly patients.
They typically work in settings such as sanitariums, assisted living facilities, or patients’ homes, providing assistance with daily tasks like grooming, bathing, toileting, and dressing.
GNAs are skilled in personal care, basic nursing, home care, disease knowledge, disease precautions, and communication.
Working under the supervision of a registered nurse or a home health agency, GNAs must be vigilant in monitoring patients’ physical and mental well-being. Requirements for this role typically include a high school diploma and completion of a state-approved nursing training program.
For a more comprehensive overview of the GNA role, feel free to consult the full job description provided.
Sample Job Description for GNA Resume
- Provide personalized care to elderly patients in assisted living facilities or private residences
- Assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Administer medications as per physician’s orders and maintain accurate medication records
- Monitor and record vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, and pulse
- Support patients’ mobility and help with walking, transferring, and repositioning
- Perform wound care and assist with medical procedures under the supervision of registered nurses
- Collaborate with healthcare team members to ensure holistic patient care and well-being
- Maintain clean and safe patient environment, adhering to infection control guidelines
- Document patient observations, interventions, and responses in accordance with established protocols
- Provide emotional support and companionship to patients, fostering a compassionate and empathetic environment
- Respond to emergency situations with preparedness and quick decision-making
- Assist in the planning and implementation of individualized patient care plans
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and caregivers, offering clear and respectful guidance
- Uphold professional standards and ethical practices in all interactions and responsibilities
Additional Modern Elements
- Manage Electronic Health Records (EHR): Efficiently update and maintain digital patient records, ensuring accurate and timely documentation
- Telehealth Coordination: Facilitate virtual appointments and provide necessary technical support for patients and healthcare providers
Detailed Daily Tasks and Anecdotes
Morning Routines: Help patients start their day with personal hygiene assistance, including brushing teeth, washing faces, and changing into fresh clothes.
“Every morning, I help Mrs. Thompson with her bath. She loves sharing stories about her youth, which always makes the task enjoyable.”
Medication Administration: Ensure patients take their prescribed medications on time, carefully documenting each dose.
“One afternoon, Mr. Jenkins nearly forgot his medication. Thanks to our routine, I quickly noticed and reminded him, preventing a potential health issue.”
Vital Signs Monitoring: Regularly check and record vital signs to monitor patients’ health status.
“I once noticed unusual blood pressure readings in a patient, which prompted immediate medical attention and likely prevented a serious condition.”
Mobility Support: Assist patients with walking, transferring from bed to wheelchair, and repositioning to prevent bedsores.
“Helping Mrs. Rodriguez take her daily walk in the garden always uplifts her spirits. Walking outdoors gives her a sense of normalcy and joy.”
Nutrition Assistance: Ensure patients have balanced meals, assist with feeding if necessary, and monitor dietary restrictions.
“Mr. Lewis has a strict diet. Preparing his meals to meet all requirements, while making them appetizing, is a daily challenge I embrace.”
Companionship and Emotional Support: Spend time engaging in conversations or activities that stimulate and comfort elderly patients.
“Playing chess with Mr. Harris is a highlight of my day. It not only helps keep his mind active but also builds a meaningful connection.”
GNA Skills for Resume
- Medication administration
- Vital signs
- Providing wound care
- ADLs assistance
- Patient health status monitoring
- Medical equipment management
- Emergency response and first aid
- Specimens collection for testing
- Knowledge of infection control procedures
- Care plan implementation
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) management
- Telehealth coordination
Top Comments from Our Readers
Here is what some of our readers said about this page:
Alice Johnson:
This GNA job description was incredibly helpful in crafting my resume. Thanks for the detailed breakdown!
Mark Stevens:
As a hiring manager, I find this sample job description very accurate and reflective of what we expect in our facility. Great resource!
Karen Miller:
I used the skills list to update my resume, and I landed an interview within a week. Much appreciated!
James Collins:
The image link is not working for me. Can anyone else see it?
Sandra Lee:
I’d love to see more examples of specific tasks GNAs perform daily, maybe even some anecdotes.
Eduardo Garcia:
Fantastic outline, but it would be great to add some more modern elements, like electronic health records management.
Rachel Evans:
This content was very thorough and gave me a clear understanding of what is expected in the GNA role. Thanks for sharing!