Build specialized care skills through compelling story-driven scenarios featuring real healthcare challenges. This course uses cinematic storytelling to immerse you in the advanced responsibilities of CNA work, helping you understand what it takes to care for people with complex medical conditions.

Job Demand, Essential Technical Skills, & Dementia Care

Job Demand, Essential Technical Skills, & Dementia Care
This course is part of Exploring the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant Specialization

Instructor: Melissa Mills
Access provided by Xavier School of Management, XLRI
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Explore specialized care techniques for people with respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes, and dementia conditions through patient stories.
Understand end-of-life care, including hospice support, the five stages of grief, and how to provide compassionate care for patients and families.
Learn communication techniques for people with cognitive impairment, including redirection, validation, and managing behavioral changes.
Skills you'll gain
- Infection Control
- Patient Education And Counseling
- Hand Hygiene
- Nutrition and Diet
- Patient Communication
- Nursing Care
- Patient-centered Care
- Geriatrics
- Care Management
- Respiratory Care
- Pulmonology
- Long Term Care
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Caregiving
- Hospice
- Basic Patient Care
- Chronic Diseases
- Dignity in Care
- Patient Safety
- Patient Observation
- Skills section collapsed. Showing 10 of 20 skills.
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There are 5 modules in this course
This module explores the growing demand for CNAs and introduces you to specialized care for people with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. You'll meet Frank, an older adult living with COPD and heart failure, and follow his journey as his health changes. Through Frank's story, you'll learn to recognize signs of heart and lung conditions, understand vital caregiving skills, and discover how CNAs provide person-centered care and family support during challenging times.
What's included
7 videos3 readings
This module explores the physical and emotional changes that come with aging, and how CNAs provide supportive care as health status shifts. You'll learn about normal age-related changes, how to observe and report concerning symptoms, and the importance of honoring individual preferences and choices. The module also covers hospice and palliative care—approaches focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life when cure is no longer the goal. Through Frank's continuing journey, you'll discover how CNAs support people and their families during life's final chapter.
What's included
18 videos8 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
This module covers the unique care needs of people living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. You'll learn about the progressive nature of the condition and care strategies you can use when providing care to individuals. You'll also meet Stuart and his family and watch how they navigate through his care needs and challenges.
What's included
22 videos6 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
This module covers the unique care needs of people with diabetes. You'll learn about the function of the endocrine system, the signs and symptoms of diabetes, and how obesity can impact the condition.
What's included
18 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
In this module, you'll complete the second course project in this specialization. This project will help you reflect on on your caregiving aspirations and define your ideal CNA job.
What's included
1 ungraded lab
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