University of Hawai’i
Kapi’olani Community College
2/1/05
Memorandum
To:Chancellor John Morton
From:Nursing Department
Subject:Modification to the Nurse Aide Training Certificate of Competence
Specific Action Requested
Modifying program prerequisites (Special Requirements for Admission). Updating program for accreditation review. Modifying program description. Modifying program competencies.
Modifying program prerequisites (Special Admission Requirements for Nurse Aide Training) (p. 233, 372) from:
The Nurse Aide Training program is offered once each semester, pending adequate enrollment. Priority in filling this program is given to qualified residents of the State of Hawai’i. Applications are selected on a first-qualified first-selected basis by placement scores. Notification of acceptance is sent by mail. One session of Home Health Aide (NURS 9) and Nurse Assistant (NURS 16) may be taught at the Wai’anae Health Academy near the Wai’anae Mall. Acceptance for the session is on a first-qualified, first-selected basis, including submission of a Wai’anae Health Academy application. Phone 696-3155 for more information about this session. All students in the Nurse Aide Training program must have one rescuer CPR certification prior to the start of the class, and must fulfill health requirements.
to:
The Certificate of Competence in Nurse Aide Training includes a 240 hour course, NURS 16. Applicants are selected on a first-qualified first-selected basis. A minimum reading level of 9th grade (a Compass test score of 61 or other test equivalent or completion of ENG 21 or higher with a “C” or higher) is required for admission to the program. Applicants must not be on probation at Kapi’olani Community College. Priority in filling this program is given to qualified residents of the State of Hawai’i.
In addition, changing Certificate of Competence comments (printed below course listing p. 233, 372)) from:
The issuance of a Certificate of Competence requires that the student’s work has been evaluated and determined to be satisfactory. In a credit course sequence the student must earn a G.P.R. of 2.0 for all courses required in the certificate.
Please note: In order to receive the Certificate of Competence Nurse Aide Training, a grade of “C” or higher is required in each course.
to:
The issuance of a Certificate of Competence requires that the student’s work has been evaluated and determined to be satisfactory. In order to receive the Certificate of Competence in Nurse Aide Training, a grade of “C” or higher is required in NURS 16.
Modifying program description (p. 233, 372) from:
Nurse Aide Training for long term care, acute care, home care and clinics. Eligibility for OBRA Nurse Aide Certification Examination.
to:
Nurse Aide Training is a one course (NURS 16), 240 hour Certificate of Competence that prepares entry level nurse aides to function in acute, subacute, long term care and home health settings. Students will learn to provide basic personal care, communicate with patients and staff, perform simple nursing procedures, and provide basic emotional support to the ill, the elderly and disabled. Graduates are eligible to take the State of Hawai’i Nurse Assistant Competency Evaluation Exam.
Modifying program competencies (p. 233, 372) from:
- Function in the role of the Nurse Aide as a member of the health care team. under the supervision of the LPN, RN or MD.
- Perform basic nursing and patient care skills safely.
- Perform selected therapeutic nursing care safely.
- Implement effective communication skills.
to:
- Function in the role of the Nurse Aide as a member of the health care team. under the supervision of the LPN, RN or MD in the acute, subacute, long term care and home settings.
- Demonstrate adherence to resident rights the legal and ethical responsibilities of the nurse aide.
- Perform basic nursing and selected therapeutic patient care skills safely, and with respect for cultural differences.
- Implement effective communication skills.
- Identify common disorders, their symptoms and related nursing care.
Recommended Effective Date
Spring 2006
Specific Issue(s)
There are three issues:
- Prerequisites need to be clarified.
- The program description needs to be more informative.
- Course competencies are being modified to reflect additional content required by new federal guidelines for nurse aide training programs.
Background and Consequences
NURS 16 is first and oldest course the Kapi’olani Community College Nursing Department offers. It is the only nurse aide training course on Oahu that includes both hospital and nursing home clinical experiences. Its graduates are very respected in the community. Although the curriculum is current and valid, its being modified and updated for several reasons.
Course and program prerequisites are being properly placed and clarified. The minimum reading level, previously listed as a prerequisite for NURS 16 has been added and First Aid and CPR have been removed from the “Special Admission Requirements” for the Long Term Care Nurse Aide program.
Currently, nurse aide courses are not regularly scheduled at the Waianae Health Academy so that reference has been removed. Finally, reference to a G.P.A. of 2.0 for “a credit course sequence” was removed since this is a one course certificate.
Content and competency changes are in response to new federal requirements being implemented by two designated state agencies. The Department of Human Services approves nurse aide training programs for long term care and the Department of Health sets the standards for nurse aides working in long term care. Graduates of programs that are not approved will not be able to work in long term care facilities which receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. This includes all hospitals and all but a few private nursing homes in the state. The Department of Health is hoping to make this change as of December 2005. Kapi’olani Community College’s nurse aide courses are currently not approved but can be pending modification of the curriculum.
If this modification is not approved, the Nurse Aide Training program will not be approved by the state and its graduates graduations will not be able to find employment in Medicare/Medicaid funded health care facilities.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the changes to the Nurse Aide Training Certificate of Competence be approved.
NURS 16 ARM.doc