Maryland Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Geriatric Mastery
This comprehensive course is designed for aspiring and practicing Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides, and care professionals seeking advanced skills in geriatric care. You will master patient observation, dignified bedside support, safe transfers, documentation, and managing chronic age-related conditions under RN supervision.
Course Director & Lead
Dr. Evelyn Vance, DNP, RN
DNP, RN, CDONA, Maryland Board Certified
Free registration required for lesson access
What You Will Learn
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate competency in obtaining and documenting adult and geriatric vital signs
- Execute safe patient transfers and ambulation using body mechanics and assistive devices
- Apply dignified hygiene, skin integrity preservation, and incontinence care routines
- Recognize acute clinical deterioration and execute rapid escalation protocols
Curriculum & Syllabus
3 modules • 8 lessons • Passing score: 75%
1.1 Clinical Bedside Manner, Patient Dignity & Consent
Introduction to bedside protocols, explaining procedures to patients, and obtaining verbal consent before every intervention.
1.2 Vital Signs: Temperature, Radial Pulse, Respirations & BP
Accurate blood pressure auscultation, identifying arrhythmias, counting respirations surreptitiously, and normal vital ranges.
1.3 Clinical Documentation & SBAR Communication Model
Standardized clinical communication using Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR).
2.1 Ergonomics & Safe Transfers with Gait Belts
Protecting your spine and patient safety using proper center of gravity, gait belts, and pivot transfer techniques.
2.2 Pressure Injury Prevention & Braden Scale Basics
Assessing pressure points over bony prominences, turning schedules (q2h), barrier creams, and friction reduction.
3.1 Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure & COPD Monitoring
Recognizing hypoglycemic episodes, pitting edema in CHF, dyspnea triggers in COPD, and daily weights.
3.2 End of Life Care, Palliative Comfort & Family Support
Providing dignified comfort, oral care, pain symptom tracking, and emotional presence for families.
3.3 Final Comprehensive Assessment
Official certification assessment covering clinical vitals, safety transfers, and geriatric protocols.
Course Prerequisites
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Basic understanding of human anatomy and health terminologies
- Commitment to completing all 3 modules and final clinical assessment
Instructor
Dr. Evelyn Vance, DNP, RN
Director of Clinical Education • DNP, RN, CDONA, Maryland Board Certified
Over 18 years of clinical leadership in acute geriatric care, Maryland nurse educator, and author of home healthcare clinical protocols.