Terminal illness can present a myriad of needs to address in order to ensure that the person approaching end of life receives the best care and the best quality of life in their remaining days. The needs of the terminally ill range from the immediate and physical, such as the management of pain and suffering, to psychological in order to address feelings of fear, anger, sadness, or depression... more
Since the 1980's, palliative care programs have become more available in the United States and have received more focus in health care settings. Nursing professionals benefit from understanding the benefits of palliative care in order to assist their patients in their overall treatment and care needs. This course will introduce the basics of palliative care and what it means to nursing... more
Wellness encompasses a lifestyle that helps people become more satisfied, productive, and happy through making conscious choices. The healthy habits cultivated within the wellness philosophy help individuals avoid self-destructive behaviors including substance abuse, toxic relationships, and environments and encourage healthy habits. Due to the diversity of wellness approaches, these programs... more
This course provides an overall picture of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder for anyone working with someone with a history of trauma, which is often seen in health care settings. Terminology and related concepts are discussed using real-world scenarios and case studies. Nursing professionals should be familiar with symptoms as well as their potential impact on a victim’s life.... more
Anaphylactic shock, also called Anaphylaxis, is a serious allergic reaction with a rapid onset and may cause death if not immediately treated. People prone to anaphylaxis are typically prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector, such as the EpiPen. This immediate working injection can be the difference between life and death. This course discusses when and how to use an epinephrine autoinjector to... more
The abuse of another person implies intention, maltreatment and the violation of their rights. Abuse occurs most commonly between family members, but it also occurs in work relationships and friendships. This course provides an overview of abuse, including definitions, populations affected, recognizing the signs of abuse, and reporting. For nurses working directly with patients, it is... more
Aunque existen diferentes tipos de abusos, todos tienen que ver con un maltrato intencional. Todas las edades corren el riesgo de sufrir abusos, y continua siendo una preocupación para los que trabajan con poblaciones que enfrentan un riesgo particular. Este curso es una descripción del abuso, que incluye definiciones del abuso en general, así como también información sobre los distintos tipos... more
Eye drops, ear drops, nose drops, and nasal sprays are routinely prescribed to treat a wide variety of head-related infections and conditions and are commonly used by nursing professionals with a variety of patients. Often, even when drops and sprays are over the counter medications, patients will need assistance with at least one of these medications when under medical care. This course... more
Many individuals receiving care in the hospital or in another less restrictive medical facility following a prolonged illness or injury have their mobility impacted. Patients may become frustrated when they cannot move as much as they want or expect. Often, mobility and ambulation recovery includes the support of nursing professionals skilled in lifting, moving, and supporting an individual... more
In western cultures, mainstream healthcare has focused on medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and technological treatment. However, there is a growing awareness and use of alternative practices in healthcare including massage, acupuncture, and yoga, as well as other alternative therapies. Nursing assistants should be familiar with these therapies and know how they are used to prevent and treat... more
All nursing assistants should be familiar with all included policies in the Americans with Disabilities Act and how this legislation impacts their daily work. This course presents key information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed by Congress in 1990. This law has far-reaching implications for anyone working with patients who have a disability as well as organizations in... more
Individuals seeking medical care often experience anxiety as an expected response to their environment. Some patients are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, so it is important to know how to recognize symptoms and treatment options. While it is similar to fear, anxiety is different in that it is focused on the anticipation of a threat at some point in the future and might be quite... more
Bullying includes the repeated and unwanted actions by an individual or group intended to intimidate, harass, degrade, or offend one or more persons. Bullying negatively impacts the emotional health and well-being of employees and affects the performance of the entire organization. Bullying has become a serious and growing problem affecting a significant proportion of nursing professionals. It... more
Poor treatment outcomes are never desired. While they can occur for many reasons, it is sometimes due to something not completed by medical professionals responsible for patient care. When the patient is not responsible for a treatment failure, they may view it as a reason for filing a grievance against their provider. Grievance procedures can help nursing professionals and patients navigate... more
It is important to know what rights clients and patients have as well as to understand them. Medical care today is complex and full of navigation challenges, all of which can impact rights. Nursing professionals should know both their patients’ rights in general as well as in their unique work setting. Client-patient rights vary from state to state and county to county, but they are... more
Communicating with others is a basic human need and the foundation of all social interactions. Effective communication with patients helps them feel less isolated and can also improve their sense of wellbeing when under care. Often, the effects of aging, illness, and disabilities can become barriers to effective caregiver-patient communication, and healthcare settings often have additional... more
Nursing professionals interact with a variety of individuals daily during their work, and it is critical to have a strength in communication. Often, the effects of aging, illness, and disabilities can create barriers to effective caregiver-patient communication, especially when patients lose some or all of their hearing. Paying attention to a patient’s communication needs is one of the... more
To improve patient outcomes, hospitals and health care centers around the country have implemented quality improvement measures to increase care coordination, patient safety, and preventive services. While there have been many efforts to improve patient care in all medical settings, there continues to be an issue with critical incidents. Nursing Assistants are often the front line for... more
When nursing professionals effectively communicate with those in their care, patients feel less isolated and their sense of wellbeing improves. In addition, nursing professionals should be able to communicate effectively with their co-workers, subordinates, and supervisors; effective communication is critical for ensuring patient wellbeing throughout treatment. Paying attention to another... more
Elder abuse can affect people of all ethnic and social backgrounds, in their home as well as in healthcare settings. Abuse impacts both the victim and his or her caregivers, including nursing professionals caring for elderly patients. It is important for anyone working with or caring for an older adult to know the signs of abuse as well as how to report any concerns identified. This can be... more
When patients are upset, make demands, shout, uses foul language, or threaten others, they are exhibiting aggressive physical behavior. Aggressive behaviors are disruptive and can be harmful to medical professionals, family members, as well as other patients. Nursing assistants working in retirement homes, eldercare facilities, and hospitals are likely to interact with patients who exhibit... more
Nursing assistants working directly with patients in healthcare settings have a higher risk of being exposed to human blood on a regular or occasional basis. Sometimes this blood is infected with bloodborne pathogens such as the hepatitis B virus, which poses a health risk for healthcare professionals. This course discusses the risks that the hepatitis B virus poses as well as how nursing... more
This course discusses the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), particularly Titles I & II, as they pertain to the medical field. Nursing professionals need to understand HIPAA and how it impacts them personally as well as compliance with HIPAA standards in their day-to-day operations when working with patients. The goal of this course is to increase... more
Nursing professionals face a high risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens when working with patients. Bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Exposures can occur through needlesticks or cuts from other sharp instruments that are contaminated with an infected patient's blood. Contamination can also... more
Falls and resulting injuries can be a frequent occurrence in medical settings as patients learn to adapt to physical, mental, or emotional changes following an injury, surgery, or serious illness. In fact, falls with serious injuries are among the top events reported in medical settings and impact all nursing professionals. Patient falls are preventable. With the right assessment, knowledge of... more
Schizophrenia affects a person’s perceptions of the world, interactions with others, and thinking. Individuals with schizophrenia lose touch with reality and therefore have significant challenges negotiating daily activities. Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder, and people can live fairly independently and lead satisfying lives with the right treatment and strong support system.... more
Over the past decade, the number of suicide attempts and completions has risen, resulting in a pressing need for suicide prevention. The societal impact of suicide cannot be measured as families and entire communities can be impacted when someone commits suicide, creating an increased risk for all. There have been programs successfully implemented to help prevent and respond to suicide, but... more
Grief and loss are often not comfortable topics to discuss with patients. Just the thought of a loss conjures up in our minds personal memories of events, hard times, loneliness, anger, and confusion. Trying to understand and heal from a significant loss, whether it is a person, a pet, a house, an income, the loss of respect, or a goal, to name a few, can be difficult and scary. As a nursing... more
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