Nursing Assistant

20305 

Advisors: Anjanette Bolinger and Jennifer Carlson (Gila Pueblo), Heather Perry (Payson)

The Nursing Assistant Certificate prepares students with the essential knowledge and hands on skills required to provide safe, compassionate basic nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings. Through classroom instruction, skills laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experience, students learn fundamental competencies in patient communication, infection control, vital sign measurement, and assistance with activities of daily living. The program emphasizes person centered care, ethical and legal responsibilities, and effective collaboration within the healthcare team.

Note: Students are eligible to sit for the Arizona State Board of Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Examination upon successful completion of NUR 100, Nursing Assistant.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing may not consider applications for CNA certification from individuals with felony convictions unless the applicant has received an absolute discharge from all felony sentences five or more years before the application is processed. Certification requirements also include proof of legal presence in the United States and disclosure of any felony conviction(s).

Graduates are prepared for entry level employment in long term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and other healthcare environments.

Current Arizona Nursing Assistant Certification is an admission requirement to GCC’s Nursing program.

Courses in the program may require vaccinations or other medical tests. See course descriptions for additional information. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours in a skilled nursing facility.

Program Learning Outcomes
1.    Perform basic nursing care safely and effectively by utilizing appropriate infection control measures, correct body mechanics, and established patient safety protocols.
2.    Accurately measure, document, and report vital signs and patient observations, identify abnormal findings, and communicate these promptly to the appropriate healthcare professional.
3.    Deliver person-centered care that addresses the physical, emotional, and cultural needs of diverse patient populations, including support with activities of daily living.
4.    Utilize effective communication skills in interactions with patients, families, and healthcare team members, consistently demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and respect.
5.    Comply with legal and ethical standards, including HIPAA confidentiality, patient rights, informed consent, and mandated reporting obligations.
6.    Exhibit proficiency in essential clinical skills as outlined by state and federal regulations for nursing assistants.
7.    Demonstrate professionalism and workplace readiness by exhibiting teamwork, dependability, accountability, and appropriate responses to constructive feedback.