Nursing Assistant (CR)

The Olympic College Nursing Assistant Program prepares students to assist in the delivery of high-quality nursing care under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse in acute, long-term care, and home settings. Learning experiences include classroom study, skills lab practice, and demonstrating safe direct care skills for clients from diverse backgrounds in a supervised clinical setting.

Pending satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible for the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program exam in the State of Washington and to apply for Nursing Assistant Certification through the Department of Health. An Olympic College Certificate of Recognition is awarded upon completion of the Nursing Assistant Program requirements.

Successful students complete and exceed the required classroom and clinical hours required for Nursing Assistant Certification by Washington State Law (WAC 246-841-490). A minimum grade of 2.0 (75%) or above must be earned in each Nursing Assistant course for program progression. Students are encouraged to complete all courses in one quarter. All Nursing Assistant Program courses must be completed within one calendar year to receive a Department of Social and Health Services/Department of Health Certificate of Completion from the Olympic College Nursing Assistant Program and to be eligible for the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program exam in the State of Washington.

The Nursing Assistant curriculum is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.

Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
P.O. Box 47864
Olympia, WA 98504-7877
360.236.4700 Fax: 360.236.4738
Email address: nursing@doh.wa.gov
www.doh.wa.gov

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate behavior that reflects an understanding of the professional, legal, and ethical standards for the role of a nursing assistant.
2. Identify and meet the basic, mental health, and psychosocial needs of clients based upon awareness of basic physiologic, pathophysiologic, developmental, age-specific, and cognitive processes.
3. Perform, under the direction and supervision of a licensed nurse, basic technical, personal care, and restorative nursing skills to facilitate an optimal level of functioning for a diverse client population.
4. Deliver care for a diverse client population in a way that maintains and respects client or resident rights and promotes independence.
5. Implement infection control, safety, and emergency care procedures to meet the health and safety needs of a diverse client population.
6. Apply effective communication and interpersonal skills as a member of a multidisciplinary team, practicing within the scope and limitations of the nursing assistant role.

Program Outcomes:

1. Assist in the care of individuals as delegated by and under the direction of a licensed (registered) nurse or licensed practical nurse (RCW 18.88A.030).
2. Use caring, responsive oral and written communication in interaction with diverse clients and health care team members.
3. Demonstrate ethical decision-making in caring for clients, and in the work environment, as demonstrated by promoting client rights and independence, and by abiding by laws, code of ethics, and program policies and agreements.
4. Effectively meet the mental health and psychosocial needs of clients with mental illness or cognitive impairment through application of therapeutic principles and behaviors.
5. Use principles of asepsis and infection control to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
6. Participate effectively as a valuable member of the health care team while practicing within the scope and limitations of nursing assistant functions.