Patient Care Assistance Program
| Week | Modules | Learning Outcomes | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
- Role and responsibilities of a patient care assistant - Communication skills in healthcare - Professional ethics and patient confidentiality |
Understand the responsibilities of a patient care assistant and practice effective communication while maintaining patient confidentiality. |
Quiz on patient care roles and communication basics |
| 2 |
- Overview of human body systems - Common medical terminologies - Importance of vital signs |
Identify the main human body systems and understand how to monitor vital signs effectively. |
Hands-on evaluation of vital sign measurement |
| 3 |
- Understanding the recovery process - post-operative pain management - Identifying complications |
Recognize the recovery process and assist in managing post-operative pain while identifying complications. |
Case-based scenarios on identifying post-operative complications |
| 4 |
- Types of surgical wounds - Principles of asepsis and hygiene - Dressing changes and infection prevention |
Apply principles of asepsis and practice wound care, including dressing changes, while preventing infections. |
Practical test on wound dressing changes |
| 5 |
- Role of nutrition in healing - Assisting with feeding and hydration - Identifying malnutrition |
Support patients with appropriate nutritional and hydration needs, recognizing signs of malnutrition or dehydration. |
Reflective assignment on meal planning for post-operative patients |
| 6 |
- Assisting mobility post-surgery - Preventing complications like DVT - Basics of physical therapy |
Assist patients with mobility safely, prevent complications, and guide them through basic rehabilitation exercises. |
Observation and feedback during practical mobility assistance |
| 7 |
- Psychological impact of surgery - Providing emotional support - Techniques for calming patients |
Provide psychological support and employ techniques to calm and reassure patients and their families. |
Reflective journal on emotional support experiences |
| 8 |
- Recognizing post-operative emergencies - Basic life support and first aid - Escalating care protocols |
Identify and respond to post-operative emergencies while performing basic life support (BLS) and first aid. |
Certification in basic life support |
| 9 |
- Care for specific surgeries - Managing drains and catheters - Supporting chronic condition recovery |
Assist in specialized post-operative care, including handling surgical equipment and supporting chronic conditions. |
Case study presentation on specialized post-operative care |
| 10 |
- Review of all modules - Professional development and career readiness |
Integrate all learned skills and prepare for patient care roles and certification exams. |
Final theoretical and practical assessment |
Job Opportunities for Graduates
Upon completion of the Patient Care Assistance Program, graduates will have the skills and knowledge to work effectively in various healthcare settings. The program provides hands-on training in essential patient care tasks, post-operative assistance, and emergency response, which are highly valued in the healthcare sector.
Potential job opportunities include:
- Hospitals: Assisting nursing staff with post-operative care, patient mobility, and monitoring vital signs.
- Nursing Homes: Supporting elderly patients with daily activities, wound care, and hydration/nutrition.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Helping patients recover mobility post-surgery through guided exercises.
- Home Care Services: Providing personalized care to patients recovering at home.
- Outpatient Clinics: Assisting with post-operative procedures, wound dressing, and monitoring patient recovery.
- Hospices: Offering emotional support and basic care to terminally ill patients.
Graduates can further enhance their employability by pursuing certifications (e.g., Basic Life Support or specialized post-operative care certifications). These roles serve as entry points into the healthcare field, with opportunities to advance into specialized areas such as nursing, therapy assistance, or health administration.
