Nurse Aide Career Exploration

In addition to clinical experience at Smyth County Community Hospital, students rotate for one clinical day for career exploration in each of the following departments:

Dietary Department

Objectives-The student should:

  1. Work under the supervision of dietary employee.
  2. Observe the therapeutic diets being prepared.
  3. Gain an understanding of the functions of this department.

Cardiopulmonary Department

Objectives-The student should:

  1. Work under the supervision of department employee.
  2. Gain an understanding of specific services of this department
  3. Be able to identify various 02 equipment administrations and safety precautions.
  4. If available, observe EKG, EEG, and Tread Mill Test.

Central Sterile Supply Department

Objectives-The student should:

  1. Work under the supervision of CSS employee.
  2. Obtain an understanding between the difference of sterile, clean equipment and supplies.
  3. Understand the importance of signing out for supplies.
  4. Learn how to operate the autoclave and distiller.

Physical Therapy Department

Objectives-The student should:

  1. Work under the supervision of physical therapy employee.
  2. Gain a better understanding of body mechanism transferring Ambulation, and lifting patients.
  3. Become acquainted with the functions & services of the physical therapy department.

Housekeeping and Laundry Department

Objectives-The student should:

  1. Understand the duties of the housekeeping department.
  2. Assist the housekeeping aides in their daily work.
  3. Understand terminal and concurrent disinfection.
  4. Proper use of Universal Precaution and Biohazard Waste Disposal.

Recreational Therapy

Objectives-The student should:

  1. Understand the importance of pet therapy.
  2. Gain skills in patient centered crafts/cooking and art.
  3. Learn how to plan and prepare for guest groups in LTC facility.

Career Possibilities for the Nursing Assistant

  1. Nursing Homes
  2. Retirement Homes
  3. Hospitals
  4. Public Health Department and Home Health Agencies
    a. Home Health Aides
    b. Personal Care Aides
  5. Private Homes
  6. Senior Citizen Centers
  7. Social Service Agencies
  8. Child Care Day Centers
  9. Physicians Office

The student also receives three credits toward high school graduation.

The students will be taught one hour per week of basic fundamental mathematics and mathematics for Health Careers.

A Basic Cardiopulmonary Life Support for Health Care Providers - CPR and Basic First Aide course through the American Heart Association is included in the curriculum.

Taught by: Rhonda R. Walls, R.N., B.A., EMT
Revised August 2006