Statewide Noncredit Certificate Course

The purpose of this course is to provide the long-term care nurse aide trainee with a basic level of knowledge and skills needed to care for an elderly resident/client as set forth by the profession of nursing and regulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Upon successful completion of the course, students are prepared to take the PA State Certification Exam for nurse aides. You must be 16 to take this exam.  However many facilities may require employees to be age 18 and have a high school diploma or GED.

The nurse aide training program is a 120-hour intense training opportunity for those who wish to become certified nurse aides.  The program can take 17 to 29 evenings but could complete the course in as little as 3 1/2 weeks depending on the class chosen.  The cost of the program is $698. (Books included.) Curricular content includes but is not exclusive to: nursing theory, infection control, vital signs, personal hygiene, nutrition, resident rights, restorative care, psychosocial, sub acute, and death and dying. The trainee benefits from the convenience of on-site training at numerous locations throughout Pennsylvania.  The instructors are State certified, professional and committed to high quality education and training. HACC's nurse aide program is accredited by the PA Department of Education.

Mandatory attendance the first 24 program hours of the class.  Students must complete the total of 120 hours to receive a “Certificate of Completion.”  In the event time is missed for an emergency, the student will be assigned to an additional class session to make-up any missed time. No one will be allowed more than two (2) days of make-up time.

Prior to the first class date, students must (at your own expense):

• have a physical exam
• complete a 2-step PPD
• satisfactorily complete a PA State Police criminal history record check  ( FBI check must also be done if not a PA resident for the past two consecutive years)
• purchase all white uniforms or scrubs, shoes and socks, a watch with a second hand, notebook, a pen and pencil and a highlighter

On the first day of class:

• Bring two forms of identification - one must be a photo ID with signature  (drivers license, passport, government issued ID), the second needs only your signature (ie. credit card)
• Bring the forms from the physical exam, background check and PPD

About the Career
A nurse aide (NA) (sometimes called direct care worker) is a very caring person who sees the purpose in his/her life being to help give patients/residents the care and assistance they need to be comfortable, safe, and in the best state of wellness they can be. These aides always work under the supervision of a licensed nurse. They can work in hospitals or nursing homes.

Some of the basic tasks they perform are:
• Measuring and recording vital signs (Temperature, Pulse, Respirations and Blood Pressure)
• Bathing (Bed baths, Tub baths, Whirlpool baths, and Showers)
• Dressing (From assisting to total dependent dressing)
• Toileting (assisting with bedpans and urinals, providing incontinent care as needed, assisting resident to bathroom)
• Catheter Care (Emptying drainage bags, recording Intake and Output)
• Nourishment (Feeding residents, Serving meals, Assisting with hydration needs)
• Range of Motion exercises and assisting with turning and positioning
• Assist in transporting residents in wheelchairs and ambulation with walkers and canes
• Bed making and keeping resident belongings neat and organized
• Infection control and safety awareness
• Post mortem care

Aside from these tasks, the one fulfilling opportunity a nurse aide will always have is talking to and listening to the patient/resident. These people are often sick, scared, in pain, confused, sad, lonely, and experiencing very stressful situations. Pills and doctors do not always cure all ills, a listening ear and a hand to hold can often make a world of difference in someone's day and life!

Nurse aides are people who care for patients. They perform all types of personal care for patients who cannot care for their physical needs. They must have the ability to understand the aging process. They must have good verbal skills to communicate between the patient and other members of the health care team. They must have a desire to be sensitive to the needs of the aging population.

The nurse aide must have the ability to stand, walk, lift, and pull. They will be providing physical and psychosocial care of patients with long-term illnesses, and also patient whom, due to changes of aging, are no longer able to care for them.

Veterans Education Benefits:  Non-credit Healthcare Programs which result in a certificate upon completion are approved for veterans’ education benefits.  VA benefits are based on the length of the class and the number of clock hours per week.  Benefits are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Tuition must be paid in advance since VA benefits are disbursed on a post-payment basis.  Information on veterans’ education benefits is available from the Military and Veterans Affairs Office, Cooper 204B, (717) 780-2331 or e-mail vaoffice@hacc.edu.

Places of Employment and Outlook - Job opportunities are excellent. Some facilities will pay for the training. Occupation with second  highest number of openings in Pennsylvania. Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and special needs homes.

Salary Range – Median salary $27,795 for nurse assistants in Harrisburg (zip 17110) from www.salary.com August 2011.

Educational Advancement - Upon completion of this program and with completion of a GED or high school diploma, a student may take the Senior Health Care Workplace Assistant program, the practical nurse program or the registered nurse program. Completion of this certificate program, Nurse Aide Certification and work experience may allow articulation of up to 6 credits* to the Senior Health Care Diploma Program.
Senior Healthcare - Workplace Assistant - Credit Diploma Program

Related Websites For Additional Information About The Profession
Career Infonet with salary and job outlook statistics, career video and licensing requirements
Direct Care Alliance
PA Dept of Education Nurse Assistant Training Website

Nurse Aide Training Program Contact:
Blocker Hall 221
One HACC Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
NATP@hacc.edu
(717) 221-1352 or (800) 222-4222 ext. 1352