Section 140. Required curriculum content for an advanced certification education program

A. An advanced certification education program shall include classroom and clinical instruction in the following curriculum:

1. Leadership and mentoring skills.

a. Principles of adult learning;

b. Learning styles;

c. Evaluation methods to assess learner knowledge;

d. Communication techniques and communication barriers; emphasizing cultural diversity of coworkers and clients;

e. Conflict management;

f. Precepting and mentoring new certified nurse aides;

g. Teamwork;

h. Contributing to care plan development and implementation;

i. Organizational responsibilities; and

j. Principles of documentation.

2. Care of the cognitively impaired client.

a. Signs and symptoms of dementia;

b. Concepts and techniques for addressing the unique needs and behaviors of individuals with dementia, including but not limited to agitation, combativeness, sundown syndrome, wandering, forgetfulness;

c. Basic concepts of communication with cognitively impaired clients, including techniques to reduce the effects of cognitive impairment;

d. Basic concepts of behavior management with cognitively impaired clients; and

e. Recognizing changes in the client's condition and reporting and documenting such changes.

3. Restorative care.

a. Anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the effects of aging;

b. Pathophysiology of common disorders of the elderly;

c. Measures to assist clients with common medical problems;

d. Recognizing changes in the client's condition and reporting and documenting such changes;

e. Concepts to maintain or improve client mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living; and

f. Rehabilitation procedures.

4. Wound care.

a. Prevention, identification and treatment of Stage I and Stage II pressure ulcers;

b. Positioning;

c. Sterile and clean technique;

d. Dressing changes;

e. Concepts of hydration;

f. Nutrition and weight loss; and

g. Recognizing changes in the client's condition and reporting and documenting such changes.

B. Written objectives for each unit of instruction shall be stated in behavioral terms that are measurable and shall be reviewed with the students at the beginning of each unit.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 21, Issue 09, eff. March 26, 2005.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3025.1 of the Code of Virginia.