Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course introduces the knowledge and concepts of basic needs and basic nursing skills in the long-term care setting. Skills are taught in a nursing laboratory setting utilizing demonstration of skills and guided practice. Students will develop the competency to provide safe and quality care to residents in the long-term care setting. The student must successfully complete the theory/lab portion of the course to participate in the clinical component. The course meets the Federal OBRA law and Minnesota Department of Health requirements for educating the Nursing Assistant. Upon completion of this class, the student will be eligible to complete the Minnesota Nursing Assistant State Competency Exam for the state NA Registry. This course is a prerequisite for the Surgical Technology program, Practical Nursing, Associate Degree Nursing programs and the Hospital Nursing Assistant course.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

May, 2023

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Introduction to Healthcare and the Nursing Assistant Role and Responsibilities
2. Basic Human Needs and the Aging Process
3. Communication in Healthcare
4. Ensuring and Maintaining a Safe and Clean Environment
5. Vital Signs and Measures
6. Personal Cares
7. Activity and Exercise
8. Food and Fluids Needs
9. Elimination Needs
10. Caring for Residents with Special Needs
11. Orientation to the Work Environment

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Describe the Nursing Assistant’s role and responsibilities.
2. Describe the Resident Bill of Rights.
3. Identify the Vulnerable Adult Law.
4. Describe basic needs.
5. Describe stages of growth and development in adulthood.
6. Describe communication techniques.
7. Describe communication with the hearing, vision and speech impaired.
8. Describe confidentiality.
9. Explain observations.
10. Describe importance of documentation.
11. Describe infections control.
12. Describe standard precautions.
13. Describe communicable disease care.
14. Demonstrate infection control procedures.
15. Describe the death/dying process
16. Describe hospice and end of life care.
17. Explain Advanced Directives,
18. Describe aging changes of the elderly.
19. Describe safety of the resident.
20. Make an unoccupied bed.
21. Make an occupied bed.
22. Describe situations requiring emergency measures.
23. Demonstrate correct body mechanics.
24. Demonstrate clearing an obstructed airway.
25. Demonstrate positioning and transfer techniques.
26. Demonstrate personal care skills.
27. Describe nutrition and fluid principles.
28. Describe therapeutic diets.
29. Describe intake and output measurement.
30. Measure height and weight,
31. Discuss elimination needs.
32. Demonstrate assisting with elimination needs.
33. Describe pressure sores.
34. Describe mental health and social service needs.
35. Discuss care of special resident populations.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Objective and short answer tests.
• Written assignments
• Skill performance and evaluations

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Personal and Professional Accountability

Students will take responsibility as active learners for achieving their educational and personal goals.

Special Information (if any)

Required: A state background check with fingerprinting, current tuberculin test or negative chest x-ray, designate health form and vaccinations as required by the clinical sites. Students are required to wear the designated uniform for the lab and clinical experiences. Students must complete the theory and lab satisfactorily to be eligible to attend clinical. This course utilizes a curriculum approved by the Minnesota Department of Health and 100 % attendance is required.