Geriatric Nursing Assistant Course

Lesson 1 • Psychosocial Aspects of Aging

Examines emotional, cognitive, and social changes common in later life. Links psychosocial awareness to compassionate, individualized care delivery.

Lesson 2 • Ethics and Patient Rights

Introduces core ethical principles and residents' rights in long-term care settings. Grounds all subsequent clinical skills in a rights-based, ethical framework.

Lesson 3 • Roles of the Nursing Assistant

Defines the scope of practice, responsibilities, and boundaries of the geriatric nursing assistant role. Clarifies how the role fits within the interdisciplinary care team.

Lesson 1 • Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Teaches standard precautions applied to all patients and additional precautions for specific pathogens. Ensures consistent safe practice regardless of known diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Safe Environment and Fall Prevention

Addresses environmental hazards and fall risk factors specific to geriatric settings. Connects environmental safety directly to reduced injury rates.

Lesson 3 • Handling and Disposing of Hazardous Materials

Covers safe handling of sharps, body fluids, and contaminated linens. Reinforces regulatory compliance and personal safety during routine care tasks.

Lesson 1 • Dressing and Undressing Assistance

Teaches adaptive dressing techniques for residents with limited mobility or paralysis. Reinforces autonomy by encouraging resident participation at every step.

Lesson 2 • Toileting and Continence Care

Addresses bedpan, urinal, commode, and incontinence pad use with dignity-preserving technique. Connects continence care to skin integrity and infection prevention.

Lesson 3 • Bathing Techniques and Skin Care

Teaches bed baths, tub baths, and shower assistance adapted for frail older adults. Integrates skin assessment into every bathing encounter.

Lesson 1 • Body Mechanics and Ergonomics

Establishes correct posture, lifting principles, and movement patterns for caregivers. Prevents musculoskeletal injury during all patient-handling tasks.

Lesson 2 • Positioning Residents in Bed

Teaches supine, lateral, prone, and Fowler's positions with correct support placement. Links positioning schedules to pressure injury prevention.

Lesson 3 • Assisted Transfers and Ambulation

Covers bed-to-chair, chair-to-toilet, and stand-pivot transfers with and without assistive devices. Builds confidence in guiding safe ambulation for residents with varying mobility.

Lesson 1 • Bowel and Bladder Health

Addresses constipation, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, and catheter care basics. Connects elimination patterns to nutrition, hydration, and mobility.

Lesson 2 • Meal Assistance and Feeding Techniques

Teaches proper positioning, pacing, and cueing during assisted feeding. Addresses aspiration risk and safe swallowing strategies.

Lesson 3 • Hydration Monitoring and Fluid Balance

Covers signs of dehydration, fluid intake goals, and intake-output measurement. Links adequate hydration to cognitive function and skin integrity.

Lesson 1 • Recognizing and Reporting Changes in Condition

Teaches systematic observation of mental status, skin, and functional changes. Builds the habit of prompt, accurate reporting to prevent adverse outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Oxygen Saturation and Pain Assessment

Introduces Pulse Oximetry and Standardized Pain Scales Adapted for Cognitively Impaired Residents. Links These Assessments to Timely Clinical Intervention.

Lesson 3 • Measuring Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration

Covers Oral, Axillary, Tympanic, and Temporal Temperature Methods Alongside Pulse and Respiration Counting. Establishes Normal Ranges and Technique Accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Person-Centered Dementia Care Planning

Integrates Life History, Preferences, and Strengths into Individualized Care Approaches. Ensures Care Plans Reflect the Whole Person Beyond the Diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms

Addresses Agitation, Wandering, Sundowning, and Resistive Behaviors with Non-Pharmacological Approaches. Connects Environmental and Routine Modifications to Symptom Reduction.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Dementia Progression

Explains the Stages, Brain Changes, and Functional Decline Associated with Major Dementia Types. Provides the Clinical Foundation for All Dementia-Specific Care Strategies.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Palliative and Hospice Care

Defines Palliative Philosophy, Hospice Eligibility, and the Shift from Curative to Comfort Goals. Establishes the Ethical and Clinical Framework for End-of-Life Assistance.

Lesson 2 • Recognizing Signs of Approaching Death

Teaches Observable Physical Signs That Indicate Death Is Near, from Days to Hours. Prepares Students to Communicate These Changes Accurately to the Care Team.

Lesson 3 • Supporting Families and Post-Death Care

Addresses Family Communication, Emotional Support, and Postmortem Care Procedures. Includes Caregiver Self-Care Strategies to Manage Grief and Compassion Fatigue.