Nursing Assistant

Award Type: Certificate

Overview and Award Outcomes

Overview

This award introduces students to some of the most important concepts used in caring for our elderly population in a variety of heath care settings. The award includes the theory for these concepts, as well as the training to perform the necessary care giving skills. The skills are demonstrated in a supervised laboratory setting. Upon successful completion of this certificate the student is eligible to take the Minnesota Competency Evaluation for Nursing Assistants.

Award Outcomes

  • Define personal qualifications of being a Nursing Assistant
  • Compare person centered vs. task-oriented delivery of care
  • Identify general characteristics of the aging process
  • Identify cultural variations in communication
  • Describe techniques to improve communication with elders suffering from cognitive impairments
  • Describe principles of infection control and standard precautions
  • Demonstrate personal care skills
  • Describe the physical and psychological effects of immobility on the aging population
  • Differentiate between rehabilitation and restorative therapy
  • Identify the signs and symptoms of fluid imbalance
  • Define factors that affect the nutritional needs of the elderly
  • Define factors that affect the elimination needs of the elderly
  • Define the stages and characteristics of dementia
  • Compare positive and negative coping strategies when managing stress
  • Explain the 5 stages of grieving process
  • Describe the Nursing Assistant�s role in the providing end of life care
  • Identify various cultural beliefs related to death and dying