Nursing Assistant Certification Course

Week 9: Basic Nursing Skills I

Duration: 3 hours

I. Bed Making and Linen Changes (1 hour)
   A. Types of Beds in Healthcare Settings
      1. Closed bed, open bed, and surgical bed
         Example: A closed bed is prepared for patients who are not currently occupying the bed, while an open bed is prepared for patients who are in a chair or out of the room for a short period.
   B. Proper Techniques for Bed Making and Linen Changes
      1. Ensuring patient comfort and safety
         Example: When changing linens, nursing assistants should ensure that the bed is free of wrinkles and debris, which can cause discomfort or skin irritation for the patient.
      2. Infection control and linen handling
         Example: Nursing assistants should wear gloves when handling soiled linens, fold them inward to prevent contamination, and place them in designated laundry receptacles.

II. Bathing and Personal Care (1 hour)
   A. Bathing Techniques and Patient Comfort
      1. Types of baths: Bed bath, sponge bath, and shower or tub bath
         Example: A bed bath is given to patients who are unable to leave their bed and involves using a basin of water, washcloths, and towels to clean the patient's body.
      2. Ensuring patient privacy, dignity, and safety during bathing
         Example: Nursing assistants should provide privacy by closing curtains or doors, use draping techniques to cover the patient's body, and use a gentle touch to prevent skin damage.
   B. Personal Care and Hygiene
      1. Oral care, hair care, nail care, and shaving
         Example: For oral care, nursing assistants should moisten a toothbrush or oral swab, gently brush or swab the patient's teeth, and suction any excess fluid as needed.
      2. Promoting patient independence and involvement in personal care
         Example: Encouraging patients to participate in their personal care, as they are able, can help maintain their sense of autonomy and promote overall well-being.

III. Assisting with Mobility and Transfers (1 hour)
   A. Principles of Body Mechanics and Safe Patient Handling
      1. Proper body alignment, lifting techniques, and use of leg muscles
         Example: When lifting or moving a patient, nursing assistants should maintain a wide base of support, bend at the knees, and use their leg muscles to minimize strain on the back.
      2. Working as a team and utilizing assistive devices
         Example: Nursing assistants should collaborate with colleagues when transferring patients and use assistive devices, such as gait belts or mechanical lifts, to prevent injury.
   B. Assisting with Mobility and Transfers
      1. Ambulation, turning and positioning, and transferring to a chair or wheelchair
         Example: To assist a patient with ambulation, nursing assistants should stand on the patient's weaker side, support their weight with a gait belt, and encourage the patient to walk at a comfortable pace.
      2. Monitoring patients for signs of fatigue, pain, or distress during mobility tasks
         Example: During mobility tasks, nursing assistants should closely observe patients for any signs of difficulty, such as increased breathing rate or facial grimacing, and adjust their assistance accordingly.

Upon completing Week 9, students will have developed fundamental nursing skills related to bed making, personal care, and patient mobility. These essential skills will enable them to provide compassionate and efficient care to patients in various healthcare settings.