Program Length: 4-6 Weeks
Nursing Assistants are on the front lines of the country s healthcare system, providing direct patient care in every setting – from hospitals to nursing homes. The training to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is relatively short and allows students an opportunity to start their careers in a matter of weeks.
The ideal CNA candidate is compassionate and empathetic, with a genuine interest in helping others. In many cases, the CNA provides the day-to-day, hands-on, patient care – assisting with routine daily activities, such as walking, eating, bathing, and using the restroom. CNAs improve the overall quality of life of those suffering from chronic conditions, old age, and injuries.
Note: If you fail either the Florida clinical skills or written CNA state exam at least three (3) times, you must complete a full 120 hour Board approved CNA training program (which is not this course) and retake both parts of the exam. This course only prepares students who want to challenge the nursing assistant examination in the State of Florida to get certified and to be more competitive in the workplace market.
The nursing assistant refresher course will provide the knowledge and skills required to perform basic nursing care. You will be introduced to the basics of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology as it relates to each body system. The objective is to prepare the students to fulfill the role of the Nursing Assistant, to be eligible to provide a safe and effective basic nursing care, and to be eligible to challenge the nursing assistant examination in the State of Florida to get certified and to be more competitive in the workplace market. Some of the job duties with respect to clinical knowledge and skills are as follows.
- Answer patient call signals, signal lights, bells, or intercom systems to determine patients’ needs.
- Turn or reposition bedridden patients.
- Provide physical support to assist patients to perform daily living activities, such as getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, standing, walking, or exercising.
- Review patients’ dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.
- Measure and record food and liquid intake or urinary and fecal output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate, as directed by medical or nursing staff.
- Gather information from caregivers, nurses, or physicians about patient condition, treatment plans, or appropriate activities.
- Observe or examine patients to detect symptoms that may require medical attention, such as bruises, open wounds, or blood in urine.
- Document or otherwise report observations of patient behavior, complaints, or physical symptoms to nurses.
- Remind patients to take medications or nutritional supplements.
After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
- Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
- Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
- Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
- Recognize and practice infection control procedures
- Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications healthcare.
- Demonstrate employability skills.
- Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
- Apply basic math and science skills.
- Use verbal and written communications specific to nursing assisting.
- Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to nursing assisting.
- Perform physical comfort and safety functions specific to nursing assisting.
- Provide personal patient care.
- Perform patient care procedures.
- Apply principles of nutrition.
- Provide care for geriatric patients.
- Apply the principles of infection control specific to nursing assisting.
- Provide biological, psychological and social support.
- Perform supervised organizational functions, following the patient plan of care.
- Assist with restorative (rehabilitative) activities.
- Perform skills related to the hospital setting (optional).
- In Florida:
- Workers on average earn $32,250.
- 10% of workers earn $26,880 or less.
- 10% of workers earn $39,760 or more.
- In the United States:
- Workers on average earn $35,760.
- 10% of workers earn $28,030 or less.
- 10% of workers earn $45,940 or more.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-1131.00?st=FL
To be eligible for admission, a prospective student must meet the following requirements:
- Be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language;
- Be a minimum of 18 years of age;
- Provide the minimum down payment fee of $350 to hold your sit;
- Provide the application fee of $150;
- Mornings – Monday & Tuesday: 9 AM – 12 PM (4 weeks)
- Evenings – Monday & Tuesday: 6 PM – 9 PM (4 weeks)
- Weekend – Saturday – 10AM – 3PM (5 weeks)
January 6 | May 20 | September 9 |
February 3 | June 17 | October 7 |
March 3 | July 15 | November 4 |
March 31 | August 12 | December 2 |