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.

Clinical hours’ credit may be awarded to the Nursing Assistant student through two pathways:  

1. Performing the competencies of a nursing assistant in an approved care facility under the direct supervision of an approved program instructor or   

2. Performing the competencies of a nursing assistant in an approved care facility under the supervision of a licensed nurse as an employed Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) in accordance with WAC 246-841-470 (6)(c). Verification of an active NAR credential and employment status meeting the qualified standards of WAC 246-841-490 and permission of the Nursing Assistant Program Director are prerequisites for participation in the Employed NAR pathway.   

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.