Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

CNA Course Outline (Dubai):

CNA programs in Dubai generally combine theoretical coursework with practical, hands-on training and often include clinical practice in a healthcare setting. Here's a comprehensive outline of topics commonly covered:

Module 1: Introduction to Healthcare and the CNA Role

• Overview of the healthcare system in Dubai and globally.
• Roles and responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant.
• Legal and ethical considerations in healthcare (e.g., patient rights, confidentiality, HIPAA principles).
• Professionalism and work ethics in a healthcare setting.

Module 2: Basic Anatomy and Physiology

• Introduction to human body systems (e.g., circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, skeletal, muscular).
• Understanding basic anatomical structures and their functions.
• Medical terminology relevant to CNA practice.

Module 3: Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Active listening and empathy.
• Cultural sensitivity in patient care.
• Handling difficult conversations and patient behaviors.
• Documentation and charting basics.

Module 4: Infection Control

• Principles of infection transmission and prevention.
• Standard precautions and transmission-based precautions.
• Proper hand hygiene techniques.
• Use and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Sterilization techniques and safe handling of contaminated materials.

Module 5: Patient Safety and Emergency Procedures

• Maintaining a safe environment for patients (e.g., fall prevention, bed safety).
• Basic first aid techniques.
• Responding to common emergencies (e.g., choking, falls, seizures).
• Fire safety and disaster preparedness.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training.

Module 6: Basic Nursing Skills and Patient Care

• Vital Signs: Measuring and recording temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure accurately.
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, toileting, and mobility.
• Personal Hygiene: Advanced principles of patient hygiene, oral care, pericare, and hair care.
• Mobility and Positioning: Assisting with patient transfers, positioning, and ambulation.
• Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Performing and assisting with active and passive ROM exercises to prevent complications related to immobility.
• Nutrition and Hydration: Understanding basic nutritional needs, assisting with feeding, and monitoring fluid intake and output.
• Specimen Collection: Assisting with collection of various specimens (e.g., urine, stool).
• Wound Care: Basic principles of wound observation and reporting.
• Observation and Reporting: Identifying and reporting changes in patient condition or abnormal signs and symptoms.
• Rest and Sleep: Promoting patient comfort, rest and sleep.

Module 7: Special Care Concerns

• Caring for the elderly (geriatric care).
• Providing care for patients with disabilities and special needs.
• Addressing emotional and psychological needs of patients.
• Basic principles of mental health care and supporting patients with dementia.
• Palliative and end-of-life care: understanding the stages of dying, providing compassionate care, and supporting families.

Module 8: Environmental Health and Practical Nursing

• Maintaining a clean and sanitized patient environment.
• Setting up treating and testing equipment.
• Principles of body mechanics for healthcare professionals.

Module 9: Clinical Practicum/Internship

• Hands-on training and application of learned skills in a real healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, clinic, nursing home) under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
• This component is crucial for developing practical competency.

Module 10: Certification Exam Preparation

• Review of all course material.
• Practice tests and simulated exams (written and practical skills).
• Guidance on the DHA licensing examination process.