Health Care Aide Challenge

Course Outline

(12 week program)

This course will be of particular interest to immigrant nurses or those currently working as Health Care Aides without formal certification. Key topics will be covered to help prepare students for the final exam.

Individuality of the Person
This module introduces students to the concept of individuality of all persons, their experiences, rights interests and needs.

Role of the Worker
Students will be introduced to the role and scope of practice of workers providing support to consumers/clients and families in individual homes and long-term care facilities.

Interpersonal Skills
Students will learn the importance of communication and interpersonal skills essential to establishing and maintaining effective relationships with consumers/clients.

Assisting a Person with Mobility
Students will learn good body mechanics in many aspects of the work to be performed to ensure safety and comfort for themselves and the consumer/client.

Abuse
This module introduces students to the concepts of family violence and abuse, including its possible signs, as well as appropriate actions to be taken (including legal requirements) if abuse is suspected.

Providing Optimal Support/Care Planning
The support/care plan or service contract is the framework within which the worker provides support/care to the consumer/client. Students will learn about implementing parts of the plan and communicating information accurately and without judgment.

Cognitive Impairment & Mental Health Issues
An introduction of common psychiatric conditions (affective disorders & schizophrenia), substance abuse and cognitive impairment.

Assisting a Person to Manage Ongoing Conditions
Basic concepts of assistance as well as the general effects on the person of common disabilities, ongoing conditions and disease.

Assisting a Person with Medications
The ability to assist a client with medication may be essential in supporting the client's independence, or in supporting a family caregiver.

Safety
Deals with aspects of safety as they relate to both the consumer/client and the worker.

Household Management & Meal Preparation
Students will learn to assist the consumer/client with their nutritional needs, household activities and household management.

Assisting a Person with Personal Hygiene
Teaches skill and sensitivity to provide appropriate assistance to another person regarding their personal hygiene.

Assisting the Family
Assists students to understand the characteristics of today's families in terms of structure, functions, roles, lifestyles and relationships.

Assisting a Person Who is Dying
(Palliative Care)
The concept of dying as a part of life and the possible impact of life-threatening illness on the person and their family.

Clinical Placement
Both supervised and precepted placements.