Nursing Assistants are vital members of the health care team. They help care for patients under the supervision of a professional registered nurse in a variety of settings. Blackhawk Technical College has two Nursing Assistant Courses.
NURSING ASSISTANT (N.A.)
120-Hour Course (3 Credits)–543-300
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Basic tasks and procedures performed by nursing assistants include bed-making techniques, personal bedside care of the patient, measuring intake and output, caring for patients in isolation, measuring vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure), and serving and feeding patients.
The course contains a mix of classroom instruction, lab practice and clinical experience working with patients in a long-term care setting under the direct supervision of a registered nurse instructor.
Instructional materials will include a textbook, workbook, and NA handbook as well as videos. Written exams and return demonstrations will be used for student evaluation.
Criminal Background Checks are required for anyone entering Health Occupations courses. A complete physical examination is also required.
Applicants must obtain a score of 25 in Math and 62 in Reading on the COMPASS. Those who do not obtain these scores must remediate and retest.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Communicate and interact effectively with clients, family and co-workers
- Maintain and protect client’s rights
- Demonstrate the ethical and legal responsibilities of the NA/HHA
- Carry out the basic nursing skills required of the NA/HHA
- Provide for resident personal care and hygiene in a long-term care setting
- Assist with client rehabilitation and restorative care, promoting independence
- Assist clients with long-term, disabling conditions including dementia
Students who successfully complete the N.A. course will be eligible to take the competency evaluation for inclusion on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry as a Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide. (NA/HHA)
Nursing Assistant-Advanced
60-Hour Course (2 Credits)–543-302
The purpose of the Nursing Assistant - Advanced course is to build upon the information and skills that were learned in the 120-hour course as well as preparing the student to function in an Acute Care setting.
The Advanced/Acute Care skills will include monitoring blood glucose values; pre and post-op patient care, assisting with sterile procedures, advanced dementia-care certification, CPR certification, as well as basic telemetry and automated vital sign monitoring. Pre-requisite: 543-300 Nursing Assistant
The course contains a mix of classroom instruction, lab practice, a research paper and oral presentation, independent study and clinical experience working with patients in an Acute Care setting under the direct supervision of a registered nurse instructor.
Instructional materials will include a textbook and NA handbook as well as videos. Written examinations, return demonstrations and completion of assigned certifications will be used for student evaluation.
Criminal Background Checks are required for anyone entering Health Occupations courses. A complete physical examination is required.
Applicants must have completed the 120 hour NA course and/or be currently on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:
- Communicate and interact effectively with clients, family and co-workers
- Maintain and protect client’s rights
- Demonstrate the ethical and legal responsibilities of the NA/HHA
- Perform the advanced as well as basic nursing assistant skills per the course requirements
- Provide for patient care and hygiene in an Acute Care setting
- Assist with client rehabilitation and restorative care, promoting independence
- Relate the material learned in the certification portion to the acute care setting