Gerontology Nurse Enjoys Patients’ Perspective, Appreciation for Life
Megan Telfair enjoys her job so much she often works 14-hour shifts instead of the usual 12 hours. She is a registered nurse working in the acute care for elderly (ACE) unit at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
Telfair graduated from the University of Dayton in Ohio with a degree in biology and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing through the accelerated nursing program offered by Saint Louis University. Her education included a clinical rotation in gerontology and a class with a professor who specialized in treating the medical needs of the elderly.
“I always knew I wanted to work in a field that involved the sciences, but nursing was not something I considered until college,” Telfair said. “Geriatric nursing is a good choice if you like spending a lot of time with patients. Older patients have a different perspective on life, a better appreciation. They are great tools to learn from and gain experience. Working with this population is my favorite.”
Telfair’s mother, Lynne, also a nurse at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, is particularly proud of her daughter. Although Lynne never pushed her daughter into nursing, she is delighted with her choice.
“Nursing is something that has to come from within,” she said. “In watching her, I know she’s meant to be a nurse. I want her to develop a good foundation in nursing so she’ll love it as much as I do.”
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Geriatric nursing is not only caring for older people, it’s learning what makes older adults special and what is unique about their health care needs.
As the baby boomer population ages, nursing careers will be affected in two ways. Nurses will be caring for an increasing number of elderly patients, and a large number of nurses, whose average ages are in the mid-40s, will be retiring. Simply put, that adds up to a need for more nurses specializing in geriatrics.
Although the opportunity to work with elderly patients is widely available, it takes a special person to manage the challenges of working in this environment.
“A good personality is helpful because you have to get the patients to open up and talk,” Telfair said. “Sometimes older patients won’t let you know they are confused, so having an outgoing and likeable personality is important.
“A good geriatric nurse must be able to work in a team and focus on all care,” Telfair said.
Geriatric nurses often work with physicians, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and pharmacists to address the needs of older patients.
Another challenge is the common changes associated with aging. Mental stability decreases with age, which makes working with older patients more difficult.
“There are more mental changes in older patients,” Telfair said. “Many patients may be unaware of what is going on, but they won’t let you know right off. Every day is a challenge.”
Telfair’s duties include medicine administration, physical therapy, hygiene and other tasks that may seem simple for most but are more difficult for older patients. The simple tasks that many individuals take for granted, such as eating, walking and using the restroom, often are challenging for the elderly.
Patience is an important quality.
“Every day is different,” Telfair said. “Geriatric nurses must have patience and learn to adapt because you never know what to expect. One thing to expect with older patients is getting to know them personally. Many times, being a good gerontological nurse means being a good listener, using psycho-social skills.
“Older people are jewels,” she said. “They always want to talk and aren’t rushed. They tell stories and have a different perspective on life. I never know what I’m going to find out.”
An enjoyable work schedule is another reason Telfair likes nursing so much. She works three 12-hour shifts per week and enjoys her schedule because there is time off to relax and enjoy other activities.
“Nurses have so many opportunities,” Telfair said. “I am so proud to work here.”
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