Unit 1: Lesson 1: Essentials of Communication

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define the responsibilities of the nurse's aide
• Define the elements of the communication process
• Explain the barriers to effective communication

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 16 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 1: Lesson 2: Communication within the Health Care Team

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• List the essentials for effective team communication
• Define the elements of therapeutic communication and techniques
• Identify therapeutic techniques and strategies for effective communication

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 31 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 1: Lesson 3: Dealing with Communication Challenges

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain techniques to deal with clients with varied physical impairments
• Describe methods to respond to clients with mental health and behavior issues
• Define the stress response and preferred healthy responses 
• Define stress triggers and methods to deal with client and family stress triggers
• Describe preferred methods to deal with conflict

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 1 hour and 11 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 1: Lesson 4: Human Needs and Developmental Stages

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs with application to client/family care
• Explain Erikson's stages of development with application to client/family care
• Discuss the spiritual needs of clients 
• Describe supportive methods to assist in meeting clients/family spiritual needs

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 42 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 1: Lesson 5: Documentation and Reporting

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the difference between reporting and documentation
• List the essentials of professional documentation
• Explain the relationship between MDS and documentation
• List the essentials of professional reporting including subjective and objective information
• Explain military time and its use

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 27 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 2: Lesson 1: Ethical and Legal Responsibilities of the Nurse's Aide

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Provide examples of unethical behaviors that a nurse's aide should avoid
• Define vulnerable populations
• Describe the governing agencies and legislation involved in enforcing guidelines for health care
• Identify the resident's rights in long-term care settings
• Describe elder abuse and its symptoms
• Explain the purpose and components of the survey process

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 48 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 2: Lesson 2: Members of the Health Care Process

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define holistic care
• List the members of the healthcare team and their roles 
• List the members of the non-health care team and their roles

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 21 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 2: Lesson 3: Scope of Practice

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define the scope of practice
• List the 9 nurse's aide tasks allowed by states
• Explain the 4 S’s of nurse's aide care

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 20 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 2: Lesson 4: Health Care Settings

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the rationale for various health care settings
• Describe the varied health care settings 
• Describe the preparation involved in seeking employment in a health care setting

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 29 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 3: Lesson 1: Nurse’s Aide Role in Safe Client Care

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the nurse’s aide role in responding to varied medical emergencies 
• Describe the nurse's aide role in fire emergencies 
• Describe the nurse’s aide role in preventing and responding to client falls 

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 38 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 3: Lesson 2: Client Environment

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the SPICES tool
• Describe the process of the nurse's aide in assisting a client to transition to a new environment
• Explain the principles of body mechanics and safe equipment use 
• List the infection control guidelines for making an unoccupied and occupied bed 

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 45 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 4: Lesson 1: How Infections Occur in the Human Body

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define infection
• Outline the chain of infection
• Define and describe the following infections:

1. Methicillin resistant staph aureus (MRSA)
2. Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE)
3. Clostridium Difficile (C DIFF)

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 26 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 4: Lesson 2: How the Body Prevents Infection

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the physical defenses against infection
• Describe the chemical defenses against infection 

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 23 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 4: Lesson 3: Precautions to Prevent Spread of Infection

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define Standard Precautions
• Describe hand hygiene, protocols, and methods
• Include safety precautions and common errors
• Describe disinfection and sterilization 
• Describe the types of transmission precautions, including signage

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 46 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 4: Lesson 4: Personal Protection

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the types of personal protective equipment
• Describe respirators and PAPRs
• Outline resident and family considerations during isolation precautions

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 36 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 4: Lesson 5: Blood-borne Pathogens

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define blood-borne pathogens and how they occur
• Outline the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 20 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 4: Lesson 6: Signs and Symptoms of Infection 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the signs and symptoms of infection 
• List the expected and unexpected assessment findings
• Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in identifying and reporting assessment findings

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 24 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 5: Lesson 1: Person-Centered Care

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the Activities of Daily Living 
• Define person-centered care
• Describe the purpose of routine steps
• Define the elements of SKWIPE
• Define the elements of CLOWD

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 30 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 5: Lesson 2: Skills for Providing Skin Care

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the components of skin
• Define impaired skin integrity and the conditions that affect it
• Explain the skin changes and the skin care of older clients 
• Describe the four types of baths and their considerations
• Describe the assessments to report to the nurse

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 32 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 5: Lesson 3: Assisting with Intake and Excretion

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Outline the elements of toileting assistance
• Outline the methods of assisting clients who are incontinent of urine and stool
• Explain the procedure for bowel and bladder training 
• Explain the cause, risk, and symptoms of urinary infections and their complications
• Describe the observation and documentation of intake and output
• Describe the process for collecting urine and stool samples

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 52 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 6: Lesson 1: Nutrition and Fluid Needs

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Briefly describe the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system
• Describe the nutrition interventions needed for clients with age changes of the senses 
• Describe macronutrients and how to choose food to meet their requirements 
• Explain the body’s fluid needs and how it is maintained through diet consumption
• Discuss the incidence and symptoms and prevention of dehydration
• Explain the cultural and religious significance of nutrition
• Outline the various types of modified diets
• Describe the modifications for liquid and texture diets

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 49 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 6: Lesson 2: Pain

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define pain and the factors that influence it
• Explain the difference between acute and chronic pain
• Describe the difference between objective and subjective pain
• Explain the pain aid scale

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 28 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 6: Lesson 3: Comfort Measures

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the types of comfort measures and their application 
• Describe the core principles of pain management 
• Describe the fast facts for the different types of pain
• List the common side effects of pain medications 

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 35 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 6: Lesson 4: End-of-Life Care

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the role of hospice care at the end of life
• Define advance directives and Do Not Resuscitate orders
• Describe the signs of impending death
• Outline end-of-life care
• Describe what is involved in post-mortem care

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 37 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 6: Lesson 5: Stages of Grief

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the stages of grief
• Explain how the nurse's aide may assist in the grieving process

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 26 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 7: Lesson 1: Documenting and Reporting Data

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe why timely and accurate documentation is important
• Identify the nurse's aide’s responsibilities for documentation

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 20 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 7: Lesson 2: Recognizing Signs of Client Discomfort

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe subjective and objective signs of pain and discomfort in clients
• Identify the role of the nurse's aide in documenting signs of pain

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 17 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 7: Lesson 3: Obtaining Vital Signs

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the process of measuring temperature, respirations, pulse, and blood pressure in clients of various ages
• Identify differences between normal and abnormal vital signs
• Describe the role of the nurse's aide in the documentation and reporting of abnormal vital signs

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 48 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 7: Lesson 4: Measuring Weight and Height

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the process of measuring height and weight
• Identify differences between normal and abnormal height and weight
• Describe the role of the nurse's aide in the documentation and reporting of abnormal height and weight

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 20 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Optional Learning Resources

Unit 7: Lesson 5: Measuring Intake and Output

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the process of measuring intake and output
• Identify differences between normal and abnormal intake and output
• Describe the role of the nurse's aide in the documentation and reporting of abnormal intake and output

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 19 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 8: Lesson 1: Moving and Positioning Clients

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the procedure for placing clients in various positions
• Explain how correct body mechanics are employed by the nurse’s aide when positioning clients

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 37 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 8: Lesson 2: Promoting Joint Mobility

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe appropriate interventions to maintain client joint mobility
• Explain how to adapt ADLs according to the needs of the client

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 19 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 8: Lesson 3: Assisting a Client to Transfer

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe how the nurse’s aide safely transfers clients to a sitting position
• Identify various devices that can be used to assist in transferring clients
• Describe the importance of correct body mechanics when transferring clients.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 37 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 8: Lesson 4: Assisting a Client to Ambulate

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe how the nurse’s aide safely ambulates clients
• Identify devices used to assist the client in ambulation
• Describe actions taken by the nurse’s aide when a client starts to fall while standing or ambulating

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 22 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 8: Lesson 5: Applying Prosthetics and Orthotics

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the differences between prosthetic and orthotic devices
• Explain the nurse aide’s role when applying prosthetic and orthotic devices

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 36 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 9: Lesson 1: Rehabilitation Process

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Define rehabilitation
• List client comorbidities that impact the rehabilitation process

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 21 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 9: Lesson 2: The Rehabilitation Team

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of each member of the rehabilitation team
• Outline how various therapies help to promote ongoing rehabilitation of the client

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 22 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 9: Lesson 3: Complications of Immobility

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the role of the nurse's aide in the recognition and prevention of complications due to immobility
• Describe signs and symptoms that should be reported to the nurse
• Explain the use of devices used to assist in the rehabilitation process

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 38 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 9: Lesson 4: Rehabilitation vs Restorative Care

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Outline the differences between rehabilitation and restorative care
• Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in the rehabilitation and restorative care process

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 21 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 9: Lesson 5: Promoting Independence During ADLs

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain strategies used by a nurse’s aide to promote client independence during ADLs
• Identify personal assistive devices that promote client independence during ADLs

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 35 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 9: Lesson 6: Fall Prevention

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify clients who are at risk of falling
• Describe environmental factors that contribute to falls
• Explain the role of the nurse’s aide in fall prevention

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 20 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 10: Lesson 1: History of Care for Individuals With Mental Health Disorders and Developmental Disorders

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Outline the history of the care of clients with mental health and developmental disorders.

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 22 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 10: Lesson 2: Caring for Clients With Developmental Disorders

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in the care of clients with developmental disorders

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 35 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 10: Lesson 3: Caring for Clients With Mental Health or Substance Use Disorders

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify different types of mental health and substance use 
• Describe how to effectively communicate with individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders
• Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in the care of individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 43 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 10: Lesson 4: Caring for Clients With Dementia

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify the different stages of dementia
• Describe how to effectively communicate with individuals at various stages of dementia
• Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in the care of individuals at various stages of dementia

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 51 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 10: Lesson 5: Promoting Nutritional Intake

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify strategies to improve the nutritional intake of clients
• Describe changes in nutritional intake that should be reported to the nurse
• Describe the role of the nurse's aide in the documentation of nutritional intake

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 20 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 10: Lesson 6: Caregiver Role Strain

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe how care of the individual with long-term physical or mental health problems impacts the family
• Outline how to communicate effectively with families experiencing caregiver strain

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 35 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities

Unit 11: Lesson 1: Cardiovascular System

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Explain the function of the cardiovascular system
• Describe care interventions for clients experiencing cardiovascular problems
• Identify specific cardiovascular signs and symptoms that are reported to the nurse

Approximate time required for the readings for this lesson (at 144 words/minute): 28 minutes.

Required Learning Resources and Activities