Nurse Assisting

Freshman Program

This course introduces the student to basic infection control, health and safety practices that will be used initially in the shop, and then later in the clinical setting. It provides an overview of the health care system as well as detailed instruction explaining the role and scope of practice of the Certified Nursing Assistant within the system. A brief overview of home care and the role of the Home Health Aide are also provided. The concepts of patient’s needs, rights, and cultural diversity are addressed. Documentation is introduced during the freshman year. Portfolio binders will be created and maintained throughout the course. Students will learn entry level, hands on skills (competencies) and the basic theory related to them. In addition, they will learn communication and employability skills. Basic Medical Terminology is also an integral piece of the instruction freshman year. Medical terminology and abbreviations are introduced throughout the curriculum. Students will complete an online Babysitting Certification course.

Successful completion of freshman year is required in order for students to continue on to the Junior Nurse/Health Assisting course. This course meets the Department of Public Health’s beginning requirements for eligibility to take the state CNA exam.

The Freshman Nurse/Health Assisting program provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of healthcare. Key areas of focus include:

• Infection Control: Understanding and practicing proper infection control techniques, including hand hygiene, glove use, and aseptic technique.
• Patient Safety: Learning about patient safety measures, such as fall prevention and the use of assistive devices.
• Basic Patient Care: Performing basic patient care tasks, including bathing, grooming, and positioning.
• Communication Skills: Developing effective communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Medical Terminology: Learning medical terminology to understand and communicate effectively in healthcare settings.
• Documentation: Understanding the importance of accurate and timely documentation.
• Ethical Considerations: Understanding the ethical principles that guide healthcare practice.
• Home Health Care: Learning about the role of a Home Health Aide and the specific skills required for home care.

By the end of the freshman year, students will have a strong foundation in healthcare and be prepared to advance to more complex skills in their sophomore year. They will also be prepared to sit for the state CNA exam, if eligible.

Sophomore Program

Sophomore Nurse/Health Assisting course begins with a general review of the competencies (skills), theory, and documentation introduced during the freshman year, and then discusses those topics in further detail using a body system approach. More complex competencies are taught, which also incorporate the concepts of infection control, and patient and nursing assistant safety. The importance of critical thinking and observation skills are stressed.

Communication and employability skills are reinforced throughout the course. Focus is placed on guiding the students toward independent thinking and team work. Portfolio binders will be maintained throughout the course.
Basic Medical Terminology is also covered in the shop setting for one related period each day. Principles of Business for the sophomore curriculum covers the use of Microsoft Office applications and an entrepreneurial project. Additionally, students will complete Career Safe, an OSHA online career and safety training program. Additionally, students will complete OSHA 10, an online career and safety training program.

Successful completion of sophomore year is required in order for students to continue on to the Junior Nurse/Health Assisting course. This course meets the Department of Public Health’s beginning requirements for eligibility to take the state CNA exam.

The Sophomore Nurse/Health Assisting program builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in the freshman year. Key areas of focus include:

Clinical Skills:

• Vital Signs: Measuring blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respirations.
• Personal Care: Assisting with bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Feeding: Assisting with feeding and hydration.
• Ambulation and Transfer Techniques: Assisting patients with walking, transferring, and positioning.
• Specimen Collection: Collecting urine, stool, and other specimens.

Communication and Documentation:

• Effective Communication: Interacting with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Documentation: Accurately documenting patient care activities in medical records.

Safety and Infection Control:

• Infection Control: Practicing proper infection control techniques, including hand hygiene, glove use, and aseptic technique.
• Patient Safety: Implementing safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Body Mechanics: Using proper body mechanics to prevent injury to oneself and patients.

By the end of the sophomore year, students will be well-prepared to sit for the state Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam and enter the workforce. They will have the skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.

Sophomore Related Class 2

Principles of Business

“Principles of Business” is a sophomore level course, which centers around principles, policies and procedures related to being an entrepreneur. Two tracks run simultaneously during this course. The first, focuses on the use of computers, understanding application, hardware, software and responsible use of technology. The course also concentrates on intermediate word processing and spreadsheet applications using Microsoft Word and Excel. Students will process business correspondence, mail merges, memos, tables, and newsletters, as well as basic Microsoft Excel functions. Through the text, “The Teen Entrepreneur”, students study the principles of entrepreneurship, small business, and start-up procedures. At the same time they choose a business of their own and prepare all necessary documents to obtain funding, research the market, gain customers, and operate the business. Students will be challenged to use creativity, entrepreneurial writing, and decision-making skills that will yield a professional business plan and marketing materials. The business plan can then be used as a guide to help operate and manage the chosen business.

This sophomore-level course equips students with a strong foundation in business principles and entrepreneurship. Key areas of focus include:

Business Fundamentals:

• Entrepreneurship: Understanding the core concepts of entrepreneurship, including identifying opportunities, developing business plans, and managing risks.
• Business Operations: Learning about the fundamental aspects of running a business, such as marketing, finance, and human resources.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Understanding legal and ethical issues in business, including contracts, intellectual property, and workplace regulations.

Technology Skills:

• Computer Proficiency: Mastering essential computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
• Digital Literacy: Developing digital literacy skills to navigate the digital landscape and utilize online tools effectively.

Practical Application:

• Business Plan Development: Creating comprehensive business plans that outline business goals, strategies, and financial projections.
• Market Research: Conducting market research to identify target markets, analyze industry trends, and assess competition.
• Financial Management: Understanding financial statements, budgeting, and cash flow management.
• Marketing and Sales: Developing effective marketing strategies and sales techniques.

By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to pursue entrepreneurial ventures or careers in business and management. They will have the skills and knowledge to start and run successful businesses, make informed business decisions, and adapt to changing market conditions.

Junior Program

Upon successful completion of this year’s coursework and clinical hours, the student is eligible to take the Massachusetts Certified Nursing Test to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

The Junior Nurse/Health Assisting program builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in the previous years. Key areas of focus include:

Advanced Clinical Skills:

• Wound Care: Providing basic wound care, including dressing changes and wound irrigation.
• Medication Administration: Assisting with medication administration under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Tracheostomy Care: Providing tracheostomy care, including suctioning and cleaning.
• Catheter Care: Providing catheter care, including insertion, maintenance, and removal.

Dementia Care:

• Understanding the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Implementing strategies to communicate effectively with individuals with dementia.
• Providing appropriate care and support to individuals with dementia.

Home Health Care:

• Understanding the principles of home healthcare.
• Providing basic home health services, such as personal care, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.

By the end of the junior year, students will be well-prepared to sit for the state Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam and enter the workforce. They will have the skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings.

Junior Related 2

Nutrition

Significant nutrition for individual, patient, resident and the family is identified and related to real life situations. Cultural consideration and cultural competence is important as the diversity of patient, client and resident needs change and expand. Information will be provided and through multiple learning exercises, the student will use critical thinking skills to determine outcomes. Students will also examine medical conditions which require the use of diet modification, medication and lifestyle changes. Students will determine the best options for individuals based on the medical diagnosis (es).

This course focuses on the importance of nutrition in maintaining overall health and well-being, with a specific emphasis on the needs of diverse patient populations. Key topics include:

• Basic Nutrition: Understanding the essential nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals) and their roles in the body.
• Dietary Guidelines: Adhering to recommended dietary guidelines and food labels.
• Special Diets: Developing and implementing specialized diets for patients with specific medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
• Cultural and Religious Dietary Considerations: Respecting and accommodating diverse cultural and religious dietary practices.
• Food Safety and Sanitation: Practicing safe food handling and storage techniques to prevent foodborne illness.
• Menu Planning: Creating balanced and nutritious meal plans for individuals and groups.
• Nutrient Analysis: Using nutrition analysis software to assess the nutritional content of meals.
• Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition: Understanding the principles of tube feeding and intravenous nutrition.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on activities, students will develop the skills to:

• Assess individual nutritional needs.
• Develop and implement appropriate nutrition plans.
• Educate patients and families about healthy eating habits.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions.

By mastering these skills, students will be well-prepared to provide quality nutrition care to a diverse range of patients.

Senior Program

Senior year in the Nurse/Health Assisting program is designed to provide students with real-world, hands-on experience in a healthcare setting through Cooperative Education.

Cooperative Education Placement

• Eligibility: Students who have successfully completed the program’s coursework and passed the state CNA certification exam are eligible for cooperative education placements.
• Placement Settings: Students are placed in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, or other healthcare settings.
• Responsibilities: Under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, students will perform a variety of tasks, including:
  • Providing direct patient care
  • Assisting with activities of daily living
  • Administering medications (under supervision)
  • Documenting patient care
  • Communicating effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members

Cooperative education placements provide students with invaluable opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. These experiences will help them develop the confidence and competence needed to succeed as healthcare professionals.

Senior Related 2

Growth & Development / Pharmacology – Elective

This course provides a comprehensive overview of human growth and development across the lifespan. Key topics include:

Normal Growth and Development:

• Physical Development: Motor skills, sensory development, and puberty.
• Cognitive Development: Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Social-Emotional Development: Erikson’s psychosocial theory, attachment, and relationships.
• Language Development: Language acquisition, communication skills, and literacy.

Atypical Development:

• Developmental Delays and Disabilities: Identifying signs of developmental delays and disabilities.
• Common Childhood Disorders: Understanding conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities.
• Aging and Age-Related Changes: Physical, cognitive, and social-emotional changes associated with aging.
• Chronic Illnesses: The impact of chronic illnesses on development and aging.

Cultural and Environmental Influences:

• Cultural Diversity: Understanding cultural differences and their impact on development.
• Socioeconomic Factors: The influence of socioeconomic factors on health and development.
• Environmental Factors: The impact of environmental factors, such as pollution and toxins, on health and development.

Health and Wellness:

• Healthy Lifestyles: Promoting healthy behaviors, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
• Preventive Health: Understanding the importance of preventive health measures, such as vaccinations and screenings.
• Mental Health: Recognizing signs of mental health disorders and seeking help when needed.

By the end of the course, students will have a deep understanding of human growth and development, and be able to apply this knowledge to various healthcare settings.

Certifications

• OSHA 10 Healthcare
• American Red Cross CPR/First Aid
• American Heart Association HeartSaver
• Alzheimer’s Care Provider
• Home Health Aid (HHA)
• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
• Dementia Certification
• Babysitting Certification

Post-Secondary Education

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): CNAs can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing, which typically takes two years to complete. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses (RNs). This pathway offers broader career opportunities and higher earning potential compared to being a CNA.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): CNAs can also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, which usually takes four years to complete. A BSN provides a more comprehensive education in nursing, leadership, and critical thinking skills. BSN-prepared nurses often have more opportunities for advancement, specialization, and leadership roles within healthcare settings.

RN-to-BSN Programs: For CNAs who are already licensed as registered nurses (RNs) through an ADN program, an RN-to-BSN program offers a convenient pathway to earn a BSN degree. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and are designed for working nurses.