Nursing Assistant Certification Course

Week 1: Introduction to Nursing Assisting

Duration: 3 hours

I. Course Overview and Expectations (1 hour)
   A. Introduction to the NAC Nursing Assistant Certification Course
      1. Purpose and objectives of the course
      2. Course structure and format (24 weeks, 3 hours per week)
   B. Course Materials and Resources
      1. Required textbooks, workbooks, and online resources
      2. Access to simulation labs and practice equipment
   C. Assessment and Evaluation
      1. Quizzes, written assignments, and practical examinations
      2. Attendance, participation, and clinical rotation requirements
   D. Expectations for Student Conduct
      1. Professionalism, punctuality, and dress code
      2. Academic integrity and code of ethics
   E. Certification and Licensure
      1. Overview of the certification examination process
      2. State or regional requirements for nursing assistant licensure

II. The Role of a Nursing Assistant (1 hour)
   A. Scope of Practice
      1. Tasks and responsibilities of a nursing assistant
         Example: Assisting with activities of daily living, monitoring vital signs, and helping patients with mobility
      2. Limitations and boundaries within the role
   B. Nursing Assistant Competencies
      1. Technical skills, such as taking vital signs and providing personal care
      2. Soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and teamwork
   C. The Importance of Patient-Centered Care
      1. Promoting patient dignity, autonomy, and independence
      2. Developing therapeutic relationships with patients and their families
   D. Career Opportunities and Advancement
      1. Types of healthcare facilities that employ nursing assistants
      2. Continuing education and potential pathways for career growth

III. Healthcare Settings and Interdisciplinary Teams (1 hour)
   A. Overview of Healthcare Settings
      1. Acute care hospitals
         Example: A large regional hospital with an emergency department, intensive care unit, and various specialty wards
      2. Long-term care facilities
         Example: A nursing home that provides 24-hour care for residents with chronic conditions and functional limitations
      3. Rehabilitation centers
         Example: A facility that offers specialized care for patients recovering from surgery, injury, or illness
      4. Home healthcare services
         Example: A nursing assistant visiting a patient's home to provide support with medication management, personal care, and light housekeeping
   B. The Interdisciplinary Healthcare Team
      1. Roles and responsibilities of team members
         Example: Nurses, physicians, physical therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals
      2. Collaborative care and communication
         Example: Attending interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and plan care interventions
   C. The Nursing Assistant's Role within the Team
      1. Reporting patient information and observations to the supervising nurse
      2. Collaborating with other team members to support patient care goals
         Example: Assisting a physical therapist with a patient's mobility exercises during a therapy session