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Pathways: Certified Nursing Assistant Plus

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Mt. Hood Community College, Gresham Campus

Nursing assistants give personal care to patients in nursing homes and hospitals. They work under the direction of nurses and doctors. When they come to work, nursing assistants check with the supervising nurse for instructions about each patient. They often read chart notes at the beginning of their shift to get updates on patients. They greet patients and see how they are doing. Nursing assistants answer call bells and help patients with bedpans or other needs. When family members are visiting, nursing assistants may talk to them while cleaning or working in the room.

Nursing assistants prepare food trays and deliver meals. They keep records of the amount of food eaten and liquid output. They help patients with eating, dressing, bathing, and walking. Nursing assistants clean rooms and change beds. When patients must stay in bed, nursing assistants give them bed baths and change the bed linens afterward. They help patients clean their teeth and wash and brush their hair. They help patients turn over in bed. They give lotion or alcohol rubs to help keep skin healthy and provide comfort.

Nursing assistants set up and monitor equipment. They record vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration. They move patients in wheelchairs or beds to examining or operating rooms. Nursing assistants sterilize equipment and supplies. They prepare and stock dressings and treatment trays.

Nursing assistants watch patients for change in mental alertness or emotions. When they see changes, they notify the supervising nurse. Most nursing assistants try to encourage patients who feel sad or lonely. Nursing assistants relieve fear and discomfort by bringing good cheer and kindness to patients. When leaving work, nursing assistants give patient information to the supervisor or the nursing assistant who is coming on duty.

Source: Oregon Career Information System, http://oregoncis.uoregon.edu/

Program Description: This is an Oregon State Board approved course, designed to prepare students for the nursing assistant role in health care settings. Emphasis is on the personal qualities, knowledge, and skills needed by the nursing assistant to give quality basic nursing care under supervision of nurses. The course includes 75 hours of theory and lab practice as well as 80 hours of practicum at an assigned facility, beginning week 5 of this 10-week course. During this clinical practicum, students practice nursing skills and procedures under the supervision of the instructors. This course continues for ten weeks.

Class Times: The class meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The clinical practicum at a nursing facility begins week 5 of the term, day shift, either Wednesday, Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sunday 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Number of Students in Program: 20 students are admitted each, fall, winter, and spring terms. 10 students are admitted each summer term. Three seats are reserved each term for students participating in Career Pathways. Career Pathways students have unemployment benefits, are clients at a workforce development center like WorkSource Portland Metro East or Steps to Success, or are recent graduates of an alternative high school or GED program.

Features

• Training is offered in partnership with the Allied Health Division.
• Instructors are registered nurses.
• Entry-level wage is $9.00 to $11.00 per hour.

Costs of the Training

Spring Term 2007

Course#/	Course Title	Credits	Tuition, Student and Technology Fees	Class Fee	Cost
NAX10	Basic Training Nursing Assistants	7	504.00	185.00	657.50
Application fee				25.00	25.00
					682.50

Textbooks

MOSBY'S TEXTBOOK FOR NURSING ASSISTANTS	51.15
NAX10 SKILLS MANUAL	6.60
Textbook Total	57.75

Other Costs During Training:

Supplies and Uniform: 70.00

State License Exam Fee: 106.00

Costs Before Training Begins:

CPR Class: 50.00

Criminal Background Check Fee 30.00

Immunizations (varies): 100.00

Total Estimated Cost: 1046.25

Note: The figures above are based on the 2007 MHCC fee structure. They are approximations and subject to change without notice.

Prerequisites

• High School Diploma or GED
• Mt. Hood Community College Placement Test scores placing student into RD115
• Immunizations and TB test
• Criminal Background Check
• CPR Certification from Red Cross or American Heart Association
• Must be able to speak, read, and write in English

Credentials: Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to take the State Certification Exam for the Nursing Assistant License.