Work as a nurse aide is a great entry level position in the healthcare industry, with many jobs often offering good benefits packages. It's also a rewarding job for those who care about people and enjoy working with them.
Classes will be offered at HACC's Penn Center, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, starting June 7. Classes also will be offered at HACC's Public Safety Center on HACC's Harrisburg Campus starting June 14, and at Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Services, Carlisle, starting June 7.
The Nurse Aide Training Course is taught by registered nurses, and LPNs may also assist. HACC also looking for instructors who can teach at various locations throughout the state.
The 13-day course or 15-evening course totals 104 hours and falls under the regulatory status of the PA Department of Education. The successful completion of the nurse aide certification enables the student to take the state competency exam and be placed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
Cost for the course is $585. Those who are self-paying and get a job at a long-term care facility can be reimbursed for the cost through Medicare.
HACC also does training at nursing homes. Sometimes the students have already been hired and their training is paid for by their employer. Others are not yet employed.
The Nurse Aide program is also a great career path for those already pursuing degrees in some 200 other healthcare fields. Some are college credit programs (LPN and RN) and some are noncredit. Many specialty areas of nurse aide are available.
Students also can gain experience as a nursing aide and earn money while pursuing an advanced degree. Many employers have tuition refund programs.
Prospective students should apply as much in advance as possible before the start of class. A two-step TB test and criminal background check must be completed before the beginning of class. Applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds to their waist.
The purpose of the course is to provide the long-term care nurse aide trainee with a basic level of knowledge and skills needed to care for an elderly resident/client as set forth by the profession of nursing and the Department of Education, Department of Health and the Department of Welfare.
The course has strict attendance requirements, and students can expect homework. Curricular content includes nursing theory, safety, communication, individuality, infection control, privacy, Act 14-Abuse, vital signs, restorative care, activities of daily living, personal hygiene, sub-acute care, psychosocial issues, dementia, death and dying, first aid, changes of aging, body functions, the role of the nurse aide, employability skills and resident rights.
There are 24 testable skills included. Upon successful completion of the course, students must take and pass a Red Cross Nursing Assistants competency test.
More information may be obtained by sending an email message to the contact below or calling (717) 221-1352. Callers are asked to give the code HPC-001. A registration form also is available by clicking the Website below, then click on Public Safety Center at the left, scroll down to the Nurse Aide link.