Top 10 Questions for Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) Interview

1. What are the key responsibilities of a Geriatric Nursing Assistant?

• Providing personal care to elderly residents, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Assisting with medical care, such as monitoring vital signs and administering medication
• Providing companionship and emotional support to residents
• Maintaining a clean and safe environment for residents
• Communicating with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care

2. How do you handle challenging behaviours in elderly residents?

Understanding the Underlying Cause

• Observe and assess the resident’s behaviour to identify any underlying physical, emotional, or cognitive factors contributing to it
• Consult with healthcare professionals to rule out any medical conditions that may be influencing the behaviour

Communication and De-escalation

• Approach the resident calmly and respectfully, using a soothing voice and body language
• Listen attentively to the resident’s concerns and try to understand their perspective
• Validate the resident’s feelings and avoid dismissing or belittling them
• Set clear boundaries and expectations while remaining compassionate and supportive

Team Collaboration

• Consult with other staff members, such as nurses or social workers, to develop a care plan tailored to the resident’s specific needs
• Involve family members or guardians in the care plan to provide additional support and understanding

3. How do you maintain the dignity and privacy of elderly residents?

• Treat residents with respect and consideration, valuing their opinions and choices
• Provide care in a private and comfortable setting, allowing residents to maintain their dignity
• Knock on doors before entering and ask for permission to provide care
• Respect residents’ personal space and belongings
• Maintain confidentiality and avoid discussing residents’ personal information with others

4. How do you handle medication administration for elderly residents?

• Verify the resident’s identity using two identifiers, such as name and date of birth
• Check the medication order against the resident’s chart to ensure accuracy
• Identify the medication and calculate the correct dosage
• Administer the medication according to the prescribed route and time
• Document the medication administration promptly and accurately in the resident’s chart

5. How do you promote independence and self-care among elderly residents?

• Encourage residents to participate in activities of daily living to the extent possible
• Provide support and assistance as needed, while gradually reducing help as residents gain confidence and ability
• Use assistive devices or adaptive equipment to enhance residents’ mobility and independence
• Respect residents’ decisions and choices, even if they differ from your own

6. How do you support elderly residents with cognitive impairment?

• Use clear and simple language, avoiding jargon or technical terms
• Repeat instructions or information as needed, and provide visual cues or reminders
• Break down tasks into smaller steps and provide guidance throughout the process
• Respect residents’ limitations and avoid overwhelming them with information or choices
• Create a calm and supportive environment that reduces confusion and anxiety

7. How do you handle end-of-life care for elderly residents?

• Provide physical comfort and support to residents, such as pain management and symptom control
• Respect residents’ wishes and preferences regarding end-of-life care
• Support residents and their families emotionally and spiritually during this difficult time
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care

8. How do you stay up-to-date with advancements in geriatric care?

• Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to learn about new research and best practices
• Read journals and articles related to geriatric care
• Network with other professionals in the field to share knowledge and experiences
• Seek opportunities for mentorship and continuing education

9. What is your understanding of the ethical guidelines for geriatric care?

• Autonomy: Respecting residents’ rights to make decisions about their care
• Beneficence: Providing care that is in the best interests of residents
• Non-maleficence: Avoiding causing harm to residents
• Justice: Ensuring equitable access to care for all residents

10. What motivates you to work as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant?

• Passion for working with elderly people and making a difference in their lives
• Desire to provide compassionate and high-quality care to those in need
• Understanding of the importance of maintaining dignity and independence in older adults
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in geriatric care

Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs) play a crucial role in providing care and support to elderly patients in long-term care facilities and home settings. Their day-to-day duties encompass a wide range of tasks that directly impact the well-being and quality of life for the patients they serve.

1. Providing Personal Care

GNAs assist patients with basic personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. They ensure patients are clean, comfortable, and well-groomed to promote their dignity and self-esteem.

• Assisting with bathing, showering, and dressing
• Providing toileting assistance and maintaining continence
• Grooming and oral hygiene care

2. Monitoring and Reporting

GNAs monitor patients’ health conditions, observing and recording vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. They also monitor for any changes in behavior or physical appearance and report any concerns to nurses or other healthcare professionals.

• Taking and recording vital signs
• Monitoring patients for changes in behavior, mood, or physical condition
• Reporting any concerns or observations to supervisors

3. Assisting with Mobility

GNAs assist patients with mobility, helping them move around safely and comfortably. They provide support with ambulation, transfers, and positioning. This role is crucial for maintaining patients’ independence and preventing falls and other accidents.

• Assisting with ambulation using wheelchairs, walkers, or canes
• Performing transfers between bed, chair, and toilet
• Positioning patients for comfort and safety

4. Medication Management

Under the supervision of a nurse, GNAs may assist with medication administration, ensuring patients receive the correct medications at the right time and dosage. They also monitor for any adverse reactions or side effects.

• Assisting with medication administration as directed by a nurse
• Monitoring patients for any adverse reactions or side effects
• Ensuring medication is stored and handled safely

Preparing for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant interview requires understanding the role’s responsibilities and demonstrating your skills and experience. Here are some tips to help you ace your interview:

1. Research the Facility and the Role

Take the time to research the long-term care facility or home healthcare agency you’re applying to. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and the specific services they offer. This shows the interviewer that you’re genuinely interested in the position and have taken the initiative to learn about the organization.

• Visit the facility’s website and social media pages.
• Read any available materials about the facility and its services.
• Contact the facility and ask for more information about the GNA role.

2. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Emphasize your relevant skills and experience in geriatric care. If you have previous experience as a GNA, be sure to highlight your accomplishments and the specific tasks you were responsible for. If you don’t have direct experience, focus on transferable skills such as compassion, empathy, and a willingness to learn.

• Provide specific examples of how you have provided care and support to elderly individuals.
• Describe your experience with monitoring and reporting on patients’ health conditions.
• Share examples of how you have assisted patients with mobility, medication management, and other personal care tasks.

3. Demonstrate Your Passion for Geriatric Care

Geriatric care requires a deep level of compassion and dedication. During the interview, express your passion for working with elderly individuals and your desire to make a positive impact on their lives. Share any personal experiences or observations that have inspired you to pursue a career in geriatric care.

• Explain your understanding of the challenges and rewards of working with elderly patients.
• Describe your approach to providing care that respects the dignity and individuality of each patient.
• Share any volunteer experiences or community involvement related to geriatric care.

4. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

Familiarize yourself with common interview questions for Geriatric Nursing Assistants. These may include questions about your experience, skills, motivations, and how you handle specific situations. Practice answering these questions thoughtfully and concisely.

• “Tell me about your experience in providing care to elderly individuals.”
• “How do you handle situations where a patient is resistant or uncooperative?”
• “What are your strengths and weaknesses as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant?”
• “Why are you interested in working in geriatric care?”
• “How do you stay up-to-date on best practices in geriatric care?”

5. Dress Professionally and Arrive on Time

First impressions matter. Dress professionally for your interview and arrive on time. This shows respect for the interviewer and the organization.

• Wear clean, pressed clothing that is appropriate for a healthcare setting.
• Arrive at the interview location 10-15 minutes early to allow for any unexpected delays.
• Bring a copy of your resume and any other relevant materials.