Program Overview

The Nurse Assistant Program is designed to provide individuals with the necessary training and skills to pursue entry-level positions as nurse assistants, also known as nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants (CNAs). This program offers comprehensive instruction in fundamental nursing principles, patient care techniques, and ethical standards to prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare settings.

Key Program Components

1. Introduction to Nursing Assisting: Explore the role and responsibilities of nurse assistants in healthcare environments. Gain an understanding of the importance of patient-centered care, communication skills, and professionalism in nursing assisting practice.

2. Basic Anatomy and Physiology: Develop a foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology relevant to nursing assisting. Learn about body systems, common health conditions, and the effects of illness and injury on the human body.

3. Patient Care Skills and Techniques: Acquire hands-on skills in providing basic patient care under the supervision of experienced instructors. Learn to assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and feeding.

4. Vital Signs Measurement and Monitoring: Learn to measure and monitor vital signs accurately, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Understand the significance of vital signs in assessing patient health status and reporting abnormalities to the nursing team.

5. Infection Control and Safety Practices: Gain knowledge of infection control principles and safety practices to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Learn proper hand hygiene techniques, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental sanitation protocols.

6. Assistance with Mobility and Transfers: Develop skills in assisting patients with mobility and transfers to promote comfort and safety. Learn proper body mechanics, use of assistive devices, and techniques for safely transferring patients from beds to chairs or wheelchairs.

7. Nutrition and Hydration Support: Understand the importance of nutrition and hydration in patient care. Learn to assist patients with meal preparation, feeding, and fluid intake monitoring according to dietary preferences and restrictions.

8. Ethical and Legal Considerations: Explore ethical and legal issues relevant to nursing assisting practice. Learn about patient rights, confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries in healthcare settings.

9. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills essential for interacting with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team. Learn to communicate clearly, listen actively, and provide empathetic support to patients in diverse situations.

10. Clinical Practicum Experience: Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in supervised clinical practicum experiences. Gain hands-on experience providing direct patient care, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and applying nursing assisting principles in real-world clinical settings.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Home Health Aide
• Nursing Home Assistant
• Pediatric Nursing Assistant
• Geriatric Nursing Assistant
• Psychiatric Nursing Assistant

Skills you will gain

• Basic Life Support
• Infection Control
• Medical Terminology
• Medication Administration
• Patient Safety
• Personal Care
• Patient Care
• Communication Skills
• Vital Signs Measurement
• Medical Record Keeping