Continuing Care Assistant

In this module, the learner will acquire basic knowledge of the normal structure and function of the body, from cells, to tissues and organs. They will apply their knowledge of medical terminology to the anatomy and physiology of the body. The learner will be provided with an introduction to common health issues and the implications for care. The learner will explain the structure and function of all the systems of the body, identify age-related changes for each of the systems, as well as signs and symptoms of ineffective functioning of each of the systems. The following body systems are covered within this course: integumentary, musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endorcrine, and immune system. The learner will recognize acute and longer term implications for care as they relate to illnesses/conditions of all the systems of the body.

In this module, the learner will be introduced to the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program, the healthcare sector, and the role and general responsibilities of the CCA. The module also introduces the learner to the framework governing the delivery of care and the various types of healthcare services and service providers in Nova Scotia. The differences between the models of care present in long-term care, acute care, and home care will be highlighted. The learner will recognize how the social philosophy of care and the CCA Scope of Practice are consistent dimensions of the CCA role. This module will introduce the learner to effective interpersonal communication techniques for CCAs. The learner will become familiar with different types of professional relationships and the appropriate forms of interpersonal communication that occur in work/care settings. The learner will become familiar with different types of professional relationships and the appropriate forms of interpersonal communication that occur in work/care settings.

This module will introduce the learner to effective interpersonal communication practices for CCAs. The learner will become familiar with different types of professional relationships and the appropriate forms of interpersonal communication that occur in care settings. The learner will assess their strengths and areas for improvement in interpersonal communications generally. The learner will also understand and practice communication strategies and approaches that will strengthen their ability to deal with the varied situations they might encounter as a CCA.

In this module the learner will identify, apply, and practice effective measures, strategies, and protocols for minimizing the risk of falls. They will learn the guidelines for the safe use of restraints and strategies to minimize the use of restraints. The learner will also understand their role in providing healthcare needs by using individual care plans, including developing strategies to maintain optimum oral health. The learner will gain an understanding of their role as a CCA in providing a safe and secure environment. They will become familiar with strategies, rules, regulations, and protocols that will help them to minimize workplace risk.

In this module, a debrief of the skills development placement will occur. The learner will identify a person’s needs as described by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, with an emphasis on how these needs change through the life cycle. The learner will identify the stages and characteristics of growth and development across the life course, with a focus on the strengths and resiliency of older adults. The learner will understand and apply the principles of growth and development to meet the person’s needs appropriately and adequately. The learner will also discuss nutritional challenges such as nutritional needs across the life course, and food insecurity. Knowing the person’s level of physical, emotional, and social development is crucial to planning and providing care. This module emphasizes how these needs change as the person progresses through the life cycle.

LEAP Personal Support Worker is an interactive module that was developed by Canadian palliative care experts. In this palliative care course, the learner will describe the philosophy of a palliative approach to care, and identify the needs of clients and their families from admission to end of life. Learners will explore the meaning of key terms related to Advance Care Planning and identify pain types and causes of pain. They will learn about their role in helping the care team to select medication. Learners will discuss the impact that delirium has on patients and families, and also learn how to identify and report when a client is affected by dyspnea. They will learn strategies for implementing appropriate and compassionate care for individuals progressing towards end of life. Within this course, the difference between normal grief and complicated grief will be discussed. Advocacy communication skills will also be further explored. At the end of each module within this course, learners will complete short quizzes to assess their knowledge of the material. The complete list of topics covered in this course is as follows: Taking Ownership, Advance Care Planning, Goals of Care and Decision-Making, Pain-Introduction to Pain, Pain-Observation and Screening, Pain-Understanding Pain Management, Depression, Anxiety, and Grief, Dyspnea, Hydration and Nutrition, Gastrointenestinal Symptoms, Suffering, Spiritual Care and Maintaining Hope, Last Days and Hours, and Communication. After completing the LEAP Personal Support Worker course, learners will receive a LEAP certificate of completion.

The nursing home mentorship placement provides learners with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and competencies in nursing homes/homes for the aged, residential care facilities, or alternate approved care settings. The learner will apply knowledge regarding dementia care, and how to individualize these strategies in different situations. The learner will observe their mentors in the application of medicated creams, ointments, and drops, and describe the appropriate steps to take to ensure that the nine rights of medication administration have been met in all situations. The learner will also apply greater breadth of knowledge of the changing needs of individuals in different life stages, as applicable.

This module provides an introduction to commonly used medications, as well as some basic principles of pharmacology and medication issues that occur in care settings. This module also allows the learner to competently demonstrate the application of medicated topical creams, ointments, and drops to the skin, eyes, ears, nose, and perineal area as specified by individual care plans. Common health issues and the implications for care will continue to be discussed. This module also focuses on awareness of medications and the role of the CCA in supporting the needs of the person. It provides an introduction to commonly used medications. Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to recognize the role of the CCA in the medication process as defined by the scope of practice; discuss the principles of pharmacology as outlined by current educational material; and discuss medication issues related to the client at home as outlined by current educational material.

In this module, the learner will discuss, through a cultural lens, mental illness and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. This course will cover the following mental health illnesses: acquired brain-injury, anxiety disorders, affective disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, substance-use related disorders, personality disorders, and impulse control disorders. The learner will be introduced to the different forms of treatements used for mental health illnesses. The learner will also discuss strategies for maintaining mental and social well-being. The stigma associated with various mental health issues will also be covered. The learner will identify dementia and non-dementia responsive behaviours and apply strategies to be used when caring with individuals. This module will also include the role of the CCA in the prevention, identification, and reporting of abuse according to policies and legislation

The open placement provides learners with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and competencies in various placement sites, including acute care facilities, home support/care agencies, nursing homes/homes for the aged, residential care facilities, or alternate approved care settings. The learner will apply knowledge regarding dementia care, and how to individualize these strategies in different situations. The learner will observe their mentors in the application of medicated creams, ointments, and drops, and describe the appropriate steps to take to ensure that the nine rights of medication administration have been met in all situations. The learner will also apply greater breadth of knowledge of the changing needs of individuals in different life stages, as applicable. A review of the CCA PEP program may be completed within this placement.

In this module, the learner will be introduced to the principles relating to personal care using a person-centred philosophy of care approach. The learner will acquire, practice, and demonstrate the skills necessary for respectfully, safely, and effectively providing personal care by becoming familiar with strategies, rules, regulations, and protocols that will help the learner to minimize workplace risk and the spread of infections. There is an emphasis on infection control, including handwashing and donning and doffing of personal protective equipment. There is a focus on nutrition and the role of the CCA in meeting the dietary needs of individuals of all ages, basic meal preparation practices, and how to prepare and serve meals to meet person-specific nutritional needs. The learner will learn how to apply care setting management and environmental cleanliness practices including light housekeeping and laundry. The learner will apply the principles as outlined by Canada’s Food Guide when planning and preparing meals, including special diets, cultural considerations, and dietary restrictions.

This module provides an introduction to the various forms of written communication required of CCAs in care settings and how CCAs can approach care-related written communication appropriately and effectively. The learner will recognize the importance of documentation in the coordination and monitoring of care, and will overview various forms of documentation, including both the narrative and DAR documentation formats. The learner also will develop their written communication and documentation skills. Additionally, the learner will be introduced to the appropriate uses of technology by CCAs both inside and outside care settings. The learner will also be introduced to the principles of body movement and safety to be followed during the performance of all direct and indirect assistance activities in the classroom, lab, and placement settings, including positioning and transferring of clients. The learner will acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure their own safety and that of the person when assisting with activities of daily living, and providing opportunities for meaningful activities.

The learner will recognize the professional responsibilities and attributes associated with the CCA role, including legal and ethical issues and legislative requirements that may be encountered by a CCA. The learner will incorporate the dimensions of personal wellness as specified by health promotion guidelines. In this module, they will also gain an understanding of the CCA's role in providing a safe and secure environment. The learner will become familiar with strategies, rules, regulations, and emergency protocols to minimize workplace risk. Additionally, the learner will be introduced to the appropriate uses of technology by CCAs both inside and outside care settings.

During the Skills Development Placement 1, learners will be introduced to the care setting and develop their skills though hands-on experience under the direct supervision of the clinical instructor (RN or LPN) in a long-term care setting. The learner will be prompted to demonstrate basic care requirements (such as bathing, grooming, toileting, and dressing), lead through the care routine, and be guided to integrate their learning to safe practices that respect the dignity, individuality, and independence of the residents. The learner will be guided during the documentation process of all completed personal care activities. During this placement, basic care expectations are transferred from the instructor to the learner under active guidance and direction. The instructor will demonstrate/observe/sign off on personal care skills (on the Skills Development Checklist) for the duration of placement and provide opportunities for learners to be buddied up with one or two CCAs to practice newly witnessed skills.

During the Skills Development Placement 2, learners will continue to practice and develop their skills through hands-on experience and perform basic care requirements independently. The learner will be aware of how to recognize signs of legal and ethical dilemmas, and how and to whom to report these. The learner will also apply new knowledge of how to prevent falls, and how to safely use restraints in appropriate situations to preserve the safety of the client. The learner will expand upon their infection control practices, including what infection control measures must be followed in specific situations. Upon the sign off on all skills on the Skills Development Checklist by the clinical instructor (RN or LPN), learners will be buddied up with one or two CCAs to practice newly acquired skills while integrating skills already practiced.