Despite having different titles, the sorts of subjects CNAs and HCAs study are fairly standard across the globe. Here is an idea of the topics you will study in your course:
Example from the USA. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/services/training/Documents/cnatrainingpacket.pdf">
Licensing and Certification Program
Module I: INTRODUCTION
Module II: Patients' Rights
Module III: Interpersonal Skills
Module IV: Prevention Management of
Catastrophe and Unusual Occurrence
Module V: Body Mechanics
Module VI: Medical and Surgical Asepsis
Module VII: Weights and Measures
Module VIII: Patient Care Skills
Module IX: Patient Care Procedures
Module X: Vital Signs
Module XI: Nutrition
Module XII: Emergency Procedures
Module XIII Long-Term Care Patient
Module XIV: Rehabilitative Nursing
Module XV: Observation and Charting
Module XVI: Death and Dying
An example of HCA training from the RCN website at http://www.rcnhca.org.uk/flash.html called ‘First Steps for Health Care Assistants’ . This is an interactive online course available for self study and has to be one of the best courses I have seen for HCAs. It covers every topic needed for HCAs to work within their scope of practice.
Topics covered are:
Why Communication is important
Communication Methods – non-verbal, verbal, listening, questioning, written communication
Infection Control – chain of infection, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment
Record Keeping – legal issues, principles of record keeping, reporting incidents or accidents
Confidentiality and Consent
Workplace safety and security – safety of others, risk assessment, workplace security
Personal and people development – performance appraisal, personal development planning, learning and development opportunities, lifelong learning,reflection
Quality – principles of nursing practice
Teamwork – valuing your role and others, setting team objectives, team meetings
Accountability and delegation
Care plans and protocols
Equality, diversity and rights – person-centred care, end-of-life care, continence, dementia
Clinical Skills – basic observations (T P R, blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar testing, peak flow testing , urine testing, oxygen
Promoting health – health promotion approaches, stages of change model
The Canadian situation is summarised on 'Continuing Care AssistantProgram' at http://www.healthassociation.ns.ca/
The Health sector
Personal and professional development
Communication and documentation
Environmental safety, personal health and well being
Body mechanics
Household management
Growth and development
Body structure, functions and health related issues
Personal care
Nutrition and meal preparation
Mental Health and social issues
Medication Awareness
