<< Patient care assistant training
Final course design
The Christ Hospital and Health Network (TCHHN) patient care assistant (PCA) training spans 4 days.
Day 1
Course content
Delivery method
Learner activity
Time
Introduction to PCA Role and Course Purpose
TCHHN and Healthcare Team
Instructor led
Didactic
30 min
Role, Responsibilities, and Accountability
Instructor led
Didactic
20 min
Professionalism, Dress Code, Cell Phone Policy, Social Media policy
Instructor led
Didactic
40 min
Communication, SBAR, HIPAA, Patient Rights, Interpreter Services, Patient Identification
Instructor led
Didactic
35 min
Medical Terminology
Instructor led/flash cards
Didactic/active visual and auditory learning
25 min
Infection Control
Handwashing/Hand Rub
Isolation Precautions
Instructor led
Didactic
30 min
Simulation Donning/Doffing
Simulation
Simulation
15 min
Lunch
30 min
Vital Signs and Basic Physiology
Instructor led
Didactic
30 min
Respiratory System and Basic Support—Supplemental Oxygen, Devices/Cannula, Incentive Spirometry
Instructor led/ demonstration
Didactic/visual and tactile learning
20 min
Nutrition—Overview, Intake, Carb Counting, % Intake, Diets, Aspiration Risk, Tube Feed, TPN, NG Tubes
Instructor led/meal ticket/carb counting demo
Didactic/case Study
35 min
Break
10 min
Accu-Chek/Fingerstick
Instructor led
Didactic
30 min
Elimination Systems and Devices—Foley, Bed Pan, Bedside Commode, Bladder Scanner, Output, External Catheters, Drainage Systems and Ostomy
Instructor led/demo
Didactic
Visual and tactile learning
30 min
Specimen Collection—Urine, Stool, Sputum
Instructor led
Demonstration
Didactic
Visual and tactile learning
15 min
Circulatory System and Basic Support—SCDs (Sequential Compression Device), Hot/Cold Therapy
Instructor led
Demonstration
Simulation
Didactic
Visual and tactile learning
Simulation
20 min
Fall Prevention and Safe Patient Environment
Instructor led
Didactic
35 min
Day 2
Course content
Delivery method
Learner activity
Time
Handwashing
Simulation
Simulation
30 min
Vital Signs Practice and Return Demonstrations—Temperature, Pulse, Respirations, Oxygen Saturation, Blood Pressure
Simulation
Simulation
60 min
Oxygen Flowmeter
Instructor led
Didactic
10 min
Accu-Chek Return Demo—Control Test
Simulation
Simulation
20 min
Specimen Collection Bottles/Tubes
Simulation
Collection
Labeling
Simulation
15 min
Orientation to Patient Room—Call Light, Bed Alarm, Emergency Bathroom Cord, Code Blue Button
Instructor led
Simulation
Didactic
Simulation
20 min
Code Blue
Postmortem Care
Instructor led
Simulation
Didactic
Simulation
30 min
Introduction and Basic Positioning
Instructor led
Didactic
10 min
Skin Integrity
Instructor led
Didactic
15 min
Lunch
30 min
Safe Patient Handling Policy and Equipment—Gait Belts, Maxi Move, Sara Stedy
Instructor led
Simulation
Video
Didactic
Visual learning
30 min
Patient Transfers and Positioning—Transfers to Chair, Assists to Restroom, Assists with Ambulation
Simulation
Simulation
35 min
Restraints
Simulation
Simulation
20 min
Oral Care—Brush, Denture Care
Simulation
Simulation
20 min
Break
10 min
Bathing Instruction and Simulation—Including Perineal Care Male/Female and Catheter Care
Simulation
Simulation
50 min
Making a Bed—Occupied/Unoccupied
Simulation
Simulation
15 min
Prioritization
Instructor led
Didactic
15 min
Welcome Session—Access
Instructor led
Didactic
40 min
Day 3
Course content
Delivery method
Learner activity
Time
Skills Refresh
Simulation
Simulation
60 min
Clinical Rotation on Unit
Unit preceptor led
Hands-on practice
6 hrs
Debrief Session
Instructor Led
Didactic
60 min
Day 4
Course content
Delivery method
Learner activity
Time
Review for Written Test
Instructor led
Game
Gamification
45 min
Written Test
Testing on paper
Summative evaluation
Skills Test
Testing in simulation with instructor 1:1
Summative evaluation
Completed after written test
E-learning/BLS
Computer lab
Remainder of day
BLS = Basic life support, HIPAA = Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, NG = nasogastric, SBAR = situation, background, assessment, recommendation, TPN = total parenteral nutrition