Nursing Assistant: Basic Patient Care

• Nursing education for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) covers a range of essential topics
• The curriculum aims to equip CNAs with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to provide basic patient care
• It enables them to contribute effectively to the healthcare team, and ensure patient well-being under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed practical nurses

Basic Patient Care

• CNAs provide direct assistance to patients with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• ADLs include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and ambulation
• Training emphasizes proper techniques for assisting patients with these activities
• The goal is to promote comfort, hygiene, and independence while respecting patient dignity
• CNAs also learn how to assist with range-of-motion exercises
• The exercises help maintain joint flexibility and prevent complications from immobility
• Safe transfer techniques are taught for moving patients between beds, wheelchairs, and other locations
• This ensures patient safety and prevents injury to both the patient and the CNA

Infection Control

• Infection control is a critical component of CNA education
• CNAs learn about the chain of infection, including infectious agents, reservoirs, portals of entry and exit, modes of transmission, and susceptible hosts
• The aim is to break the chain of infection and prevent the spread of microorganisms in healthcare settings
• Standard precautions are emphasized, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper disposal of contaminated materials
• Hand hygiene techniques, such as hand washing with soap and water and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, are taught and reinforced
• CNAs are trained to select and use PPE correctly, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection
• Proper handling and disposal of sharps, such as needles and syringes, are covered to prevent needlestick injuries and transmission of bloodborne pathogens
• Isolation precautions are taught for patients with known or suspected infections
• Transmission-based precautions such as contact, droplet, and airborne precautions are included

Vital Signs Monitoring

• CNAs are trained to measure and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure
• The training includes techniques for using various types of thermometers to measure body temperature accurately
• Proper methods for assessing pulse rate by palpating peripheral pulses such as the radial or brachial artery are taught
• CNAs learn how to count respiratory rate by observing chest movements and how to assess the quality of respirations
• Blood pressure measurement using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope is covered
• CNAs are taught how to recognize abnormal vital signs and report them promptly to the nursing staff
• Accurate documentation of vital signs is emphasized

Communication Skills

• Effective communication skills are essential for CNAs to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members
• Training includes verbal and nonverbal communication techniques to establish rapport and build trust with patients
• Active listening skills, such as paying attention, maintaining eye contact, and providing verbal and nonverbal feedback are emphasized
• CNAs learn how to communicate effectively with patients who have sensory impairments, cognitive deficits, or language barriers
• Appropriate methods for documenting patient information, including observations, care provided, and patient responses are included
• CNAs are taught to respect patient confidentiality

Patient Safety Protocols

• Patient safety protocols are integral to CNA education
• CNAs are educated about fall prevention strategies
• These include maintaining a safe environment, using assistive devices, and supervising patients at risk for falls
• Proper body mechanics are taught to prevent injuries to themselves and patients when lifting, moving, or transferring patients
• CNAs learn about emergency procedures, including how to respond to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, or seizures
• Knowledge of basic first aid and CPR techniques is often included in training programs
• CNAs are taught how to recognize and report signs of abuse or neglect and how to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients