Nurse Assistant Program

Nurse Assistant

160 clock hours / 6 Weeks / 12 Weeks (SOC: 31-2011 | CIP: 51.3902)

The Nurse Assistant program is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to perform basic nursing duties and provide quality care in acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities. Training includes taking vital signs, assisting with range of motion exercises, performing patient care procedures, and applying CPR and First Aid. Students will also develop communication skills, promote patient safety, and demonstrate professionalism in the workplace.

The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical training. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the State of California Nurse Assistant certification examination.

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with work ethics, legal responsibilities, and scope of practice as defined by the California Department of Public Health (Title 22)

2. Demonstrate effective communication skills, including proper recording and reporting, while adhering to legal and ethical standards

3. Apply safety and infection control practices in accordance with nursing assistant standards of practice

4. Demonstrate competence in patient care, including:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Personal care procedures
• Vital signs
• Nutrition
• Body mechanics
• Exercise and activity
• Emergency procedures
• Care for clients with special needs
• End-of-life care
• Rehabilitation
• Abuse prevention

5. Follow the policies and procedures of clinical sites

6. Demonstrate compliance with established standards of practice for nursing assistants

7. Demonstrate proficiency in all skills required for certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant

Satisfactory academic progress is defined as meeting acceptable standards as defined by predetermined objectives of the institution and of the program. These objectives are directly correlated to the performance standards set by Prestige Career College.

In order to graduate, Prestige Career College requires that all students complete 100% of all classroom and practical instruction. Students completing these requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Enrollment Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Valid Social Security card (matching first and last name)
• Valid CA Photo ID (Driver’s License, CA ID Card, Passport, or Green Card)
• Submit the completed Live Scan form
• Proof of good health: A report that includes a physical examination and PPD TB test or chest X-ray (CXR) clearance signed by a healthcare provider confirming good health and no risk to students, patients, or visitors and a current flu shot
• A valid BLS/CPR card. This may be completed during the CNA course.
• A clean criminal record

Attendance Requirements

To be successful in the online program, students must actively participate and be engaged in class and class activities. Students are required to attend class and participate just as if they were in a face-to-face course. Attendance is taken at the beginning of the class, after the lunch break, and toward the end of the class. A 100% completion of all theory and clinical hours is required to graduate.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete all classes with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 70% (2.0) or C and comply with our attendance policy
• Meet all applicable classroom and skill proficiency standards
• Meet all financial obligations to the school

Hardware and Software Requirements

You must have a desktop computer or laptop with Windows 10, a webcam, microphone, and speakers. Using tablets or telephones is discouraged as these do not support all of the instructional materials.

Weekday Day Schedule

• Length: 27 days over six weeks
• Theory: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday-Friday)
• Clinical: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Monday-Friday)

Part-Time Evening (PM) Schedule

• Length: 36 days over 12 weeks
• Theory: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Tuesday and Thursday); 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Saturday—Week One only)
• Clinical: 7:00 AM-3:30 PM (Saturday and Sunday)

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION

(Lecture/Lab: 2 Hours | Clinical: None) | Prerequisite(s): None

This module introduces students to the California Code of Regulations, Division 5, Title 22, which governs healthcare facilities. Students will also learn the roles and responsibilities of the Nurse Assistant, including certification requirements, professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality.

MODULE 2: PATIENTS' RIGHTS

(Lecture/Lab: 3 Hours | Clinical: 1 Hour) | Prerequisite(s): Module 1

This module introduces students to patient and resident rights. Students will learn that each patient or resident is an individual with personal, family, psychosocial, and spiritual needs that must be respected and supported in a long-term care setting. Emphasis is placed on providing care that protects these rights while promoting dignity, respect, and quality of life. Students will also learn how patient and resident rights are protected by federal and state regulations.

MODULE 3: INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

(Lecture/Lab: 2 Hours | Clinical: None) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 2

This module introduces the concepts and skills needed for Nurse Assistants to communicate effectively and interact with patients or residents, their families and visitors, and other members of the healthcare team.

MODULE 4: PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CATASTROPHE AND UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES

(Lecture/Lab: 1 Hour | Clinical: 1 Hour) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 3

This module introduces students to the concepts and procedures related to patient and resident safety, including environmental and emergency situations. The role of the Nurse Assistant in maintaining a safe environment is emphasized.

MODULE 5: BODY MECHANICS

(Lecture/Lab: 2 Hours | Clinical: 4 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 4

This module provides students with an understanding of proper body mechanics for safely performing tasks related to the role of the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Students will learn the principles of positioning and transporting patients or residents and apply these techniques when providing care.

MODULE 6: MEDICAL AND SURGICAL ASEPSIS; INFECTION CONTROL

(Lecture/Lab: 2 Hours | Clinical: 8 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 5

This module introduces asepsis and infection control. Students will learn procedures and precautions used to protect patients or residents, healthcare workers, and others from infections. Topics include standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, and biohazardous waste management.

MODULE 7: WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

(Lecture/Lab: 1 Hour | Clinical: 1 Hour) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 6

This module introduces measurement systems for weight, length, and volume used by nursing assistants in the clinical setting.

MODULE 8: PATIENT CARE SKILLS

(Lecture/Lab: 14 Hours | Clinical: 40 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 7

This module teaches students the skills needed to support or assist patients or residents with personal hygiene, activities of daily living, and elimination. Personal hygiene is generally performed independently; however, the Nurse Assistant provides assistance only when patients or residents are unable to perform these tasks on their own.

Additional topics include the use of prosthetic devices, bowel and bladder retraining, and measuring and recording patient or resident height and weight.

MODULE 9: PATIENT CARE PROCEDURES

(Lecture/Lab: 7 Hours | Clinical: 20 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 8

This module provides learning experiences that prepare the Nurse Assistant to safely perform procedures that support the patient or resident in meeting physical care needs they are unable to perform independently.

MODULE 10: VITAL SIGNS

(Lecture/Lab: 3 Hours | Clinical: 6 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 9

This module prepares students to understand how, when, and why vital signs are taken, as well as how to report and document these procedures. Students will learn the correct technique for measuring temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. They will also learn to recognize and report normal and abnormal findings.

MODULE 11: NUTRITION

(Lecture/Lab: 2 Hours | Clinical: 6 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 10

This module examines the body's need for food and the effects of nutrition on health. Students will study basic food groups, nutrients, and common therapeutic diets, as well as methods for assisting patients or residents in meeting their nutritional and hydration needs.

MODULE 12: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

(Lecture/Lab: 2 Hours | Clinical: 1 Hour) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 11

This module introduces students to emergency procedures, signs and symptoms of distress, and the role of the Nurse Assistant in long-term care (LTC) during emergency situations requiring immediate and temporary intervention.

MODULE 13: LONG-TERM CARE PATIENT

(Lecture/Lab: 5 Hours | Clinical: 4 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 12

This module introduces students to the basic structure of the human body and the effects of aging on body structure and function. Common physical and psychological conditions found in elderly patients are also discussed, along with approaches to care. In addition, the module covers community resources available to support the psychological, recreational, and social needs of elderly patients.

MODULE 14: REHABILITATIVE NURSING

(Lecture/Lab: 2 Hours | Clinical: 4 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 13

This module covers restorative care. Each individual is entitled to achieve their highest possible level of functioning. The Nurse Assistant assists patients or residents in developing and maintaining maximum independence through rehabilitative and restorative care techniques.

MODULE 15: OBSERVATION AND CHARTING

(Lecture/Lab: 4 Hours | Clinical: 4 Hours) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 14

This module prepares students to understand how, when, and why to use objective and subjective observation skills. Students will learn to report and record observations on appropriate documentation using correct medical terminology and abbreviations.

MODULE 16: DEATH AND DYING

(Lecture/Lab: 2 Hours | Clinical: None) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 15

This module introduces students to the stages of the grieving process and the physical signs of approaching death. Death is presented as a normal stage of life. Students will learn to recognize the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients or residents during this time in order to understand coping mechanisms and provide appropriate support to patients, residents, and their families.

MODULE 17: PATIENT/RESIDENT ABUSE

(Lecture/Lab: 6 Hours | Clinical: None) | Prerequisite(s): Modules 1 - 16

This module introduces students to patient and resident abuse. The module focuses on the Nurse Assistant's role in preventing, recognizing, and reporting instances of abuse.