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Resident care assistant vs geriatric nursing assistant

The differences between resident care assistants and geriatric nursing assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-3 months to become both a resident care assistant and a geriatric nursing assistant. Additionally, a geriatric nursing assistant has an average salary of $34,595, which is higher than the $30,930 average annual salary of a resident care assistant.

The top three skills for a resident care assistant include resident care, customer service and patients. The most important skills for a geriatric nursing assistant are patients, rehabilitation, and vital signs.

Resident care assistant vs geriatric nursing assistant overview

Resident Care AssistantGeriatric Nursing Assistant
Yearly salary$30,930$34,595
Hourly rate$14.87$16.63
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs199,892137,681
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 28%Bachelor's Degree, 23%
Average age4242
Years of experience33

What does a resident care assistant do?

Resident care assistants work with a group to care for residents with Alzheimer's disease, administer treatments, and chart their conditions. They manage intermediate care patients with EKG monitoring and epidural infusions. They assist residents with various forms of dementia to live while providing for their well-being. The assistants may also facilitate activities and games to engage residents with dementia. They assist residents in the dementia care unit with including dressing, showers, and bed baths. This position may require traits like integrity, compassion, and physical stamina.

What does a geriatric nursing assistant do?

A geriatric nursing assistant is responsible for assisting elderly patients with their daily activities in a health care institution or private household setting. Geriatric nursing assistants monitor the patients' conditions, maintain an organized record of medical charts, administer medications, and update the attending physician for any health concerns. They also guide the patients with their doctor appointments, process medical documents, and coordinate with medical staff for medical procedures and payments. A geriatric nursing assistant must have excellent communication and organizational skills to ensure high-quality care services for the patients and help them improve their lifestyle.

Resident care assistant vs geriatric nursing assistant salary

Resident care assistants and geriatric nursing assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Resident Care AssistantGeriatric Nursing Assistant
Average salary$30,930$34,595
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $39,000Between $25,000 And $46,000
Highest paying CityChelsea, MANew York, NY
Highest paying stateWashingtonHawaii
Best paying companyBrigham and Women's HospitalCareerstaff Unlimited - A Genesis Healthcare Company
Best paying industryGovernmentHealth Care

Differences between resident care assistant and geriatric nursing assistant education

There are a few differences between a resident care assistant and a geriatric nursing assistant in terms of educational background:

Resident Care AssistantGeriatric Nursing Assistant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 28%Bachelor's Degree, 23%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common college--

Resident care assistant vs geriatric nursing assistant demographics

Here are the differences between resident care assistants' and geriatric nursing assistants' demographics:

Resident Care AssistantGeriatric Nursing Assistant
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 12.4% Female, 87.6%Male, 13.4% Female, 86.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.8% Asian, 6.6% White, 66.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 20.3% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 9.2% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between resident care assistant and geriatric nursing assistant duties and responsibilities

Resident care assistant example responsibilities.

  • Conduct and facilitate PCA lead group activities as scheduled
  • Perform patient care, to include ADL's and assistance with ambulation and activities in an Alzheimer's unit.
  • Provide care and assistance with ADL's to the residents of the memory care and rehab units.
  • Work with a team to care for 48 residents with Alzheimer's disease, chart conditions, administer treatments
  • Assist client with: elastic support hose, condom catheter, indwelling catheter, emptying collection bag, hygiene.
  • Maintain distribution and tracking of telemetry packs for entire hospital.
  • Show more

Geriatric nursing assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage memory unity within facility.
  • Commend for teamwork and compassion towards the residents.
  • Transport patients to the ICU or emergency department.
  • Maintain CPR certificate while practicing in a healthcare facility.
  • Complete other tasks such as feeding and assisting with activities of daily living (ADL).
  • Perform ADL's such as feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene.
  • Show more

Resident care assistant vs geriatric nursing assistant skills

Common resident care assistant skills
  • Resident Care, 18%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Home Health, 8%
  • Compassion, 6%
  • Assist Residents, 5%
Common geriatric nursing assistant skills
  • Patients, 26%
  • Rehabilitation, 12%
  • Vital Signs, 11%
  • Home Health, 10%
  • CPR, 10%
  • Medical Equipment, 4%

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