NURS 108 Nursing Assistant Lab

2 credits

The Nursing Assistant Skills Lab course is designed to provide hands-on training in essential nursing assistant skills that are critical for delivering high-quality patient care. Students will engage in practical exercises focusing on key competencies such as patient identification, infection control, vital signs measurement, and various aspects of personal care including bathing, toileting, and feeding. The course emphasizes safe techniques for ambulation, transfers, positioning, and range of motion exercises, ensuring students understand the importance of comfort and dignity in patient interactions. Additionally, students will learn proper documentation practices to maintain accurate and effective communication within the healthcare team. This skills lab complements theoretical knowledge, enabling students to apply their skills in a practice lab setting.

Prerequisites: Completion of ABED 40 or AHSE 56 (or placement into MATH 87 orAHSE 66 or higher) and ENGL 93 (or placement into ENGL 99 or higher)

Corequisites: NURS 107 and NURS 109

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Perform Patient Identification: Accurately identify patients using established protocols to ensure safety and prevent errors in care
Implement Infection Control Practices: Demonstrate effective infection control measures, including hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to minimize the risk of infection
Measure Vital Signs: Accurately measure and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure) and understand their significance in patient assessment
Facilitate Safe Ambulation and Transfers: Execute proper techniques for assisting patients with ambulation and transferring them safely between different surfaces, such as beds and chairs
Assist with Toileting and Personal Care: Provide respectful and efficient assistance with toileting, oral care, bathing, peri care, foot care, and dressing, ensuring patient comfort and privacy
Perform Range of Motion Exercises: Demonstrate active and passive range of motion exercises to promote mobility and prevent complications related to immobility
Position Patients Effectively: Apply correct positioning techniques to enhance patient comfort and prevent pressure injuries
Support Nutritional Needs: Assist patients with feeding, recognizing individual dietary needs and preferences, while promoting independence whenever possible
Document Patient Care Accurately: Complete documentation of patient care activities in a clear and concise manner, adhering to legal and ethical standards
Apply Critical Thinking in Skills Application: Analyze scenarios to adapt techniques and approaches based on individual patient needs and responses

Total Hours: 40 Guided Practice (Lab or Clinical) Hours: 40