AHS 117 - The Care of Patients

Course Description

This course includes a study of concepts required to assist with nursing care. The online version of this course provides the classroom instruction only. There is a required skills lab and 40 hour clinical portion. The instructor will discuss the skills lab and clinical rotation at the mandatory orientation.

Attendance at a mandatory orientation session is required on Tuesday, May 27 at the Lex Walters Greenwood Campus 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in room 214F. The on-line instructor, will provide the on-line students with all the information needed to complete the classroom, skills lab and clinical experience during this session. This is a hybrid course, requiring both online and on-campus attendance.
 
What Will I Learn?
The Nursing Assistant is a skilled health care professional who provides nursing care to the sick, confined and rehabilitating client under direct supervision of a registered nurse. Nursing assistants must be able to work well with others and accept the responsibility of caring for those who may not be able to care for themselves. Among skills learned are measurement of vital signs, promoting safety, preventing infection, proper body mechanics, and assisting with client assessment. Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared to take the state certification examination and will be qualified to work in the following areas: hospitals, home health agencies, private homes, public health organizations and rehabilitation centers.
This course is also available in a non-credit, Continuing Education format for students not wishing to seek curriculum credit. For more information, click here. The non-credit course number is MXS 853.
What is required for admissions to this special course?

AHS 117:

  • Minimum placement scores for RDG 100, ENG 100, and MAT 100

  • A criminal background check and drug screening is required. Prior to beginning the course a background check consent form must be filled out at the county centers or business office. The cost of this background and drug screening of $65 will be added to your charges automatically upon registration for this course. (students with financial aid must submit a charge authorization slip).  

  • A two (2) step TB skin test must be done prior to clinical. A copy of your results must be submitted to your instructor at least two (2) weeks prior to the clinical experience. Failure to submit your results or a positive test will keep you from doing the clinical part of the course. Before you can complete and pass the course, you must attend clinical. It is in your best interest to get this 2 step TB test done as soon as possible.

  • For additional information, go to this link: http://www.ptc.edu/resource/health_science_student.htm

MXS 853 (non-credit/continuing education):

  • A criminal background check and drug screening is required. Prior to beginning the course a background check consent must be filled out at the county centers or business office. The cost of this background and drug screening is $65. Please pay the $65, sign the consents, get a receipt of payment for your records and have a copy to submit to your instructor on the day of orientation. (students with financial aid must submit a charge authorization slip).  

  • A two (2) step TB skin test must be done prior to clinical. A copy of your results must be submitted to your instructor at least two (2) weeks prior to the clinical experience. Failure to submit your results or a positive test will keep you from doing the clinical part of the course. Before you can complete and pass the course, you must attend clinical. It is in your best interest to get this 2 step TB test done as soon as possible.

     
 
Instructional Materials
Purchase or check availability of the following materials at the PTC Campus Shop's Online Bookstore.

 
Required:

  • The Nursing Assistant’s Handbook, Harman Publishing, Inc.
  • Workbook: The Nursing Assistant's Handbook, Harman Publishing, Inc.
  • Nursing Assistant Handout Packet
  • Oral Thermometer
  • BP Kit and stethoscope. (must fit your arm size)
  • All of these items can be purchased through the Piedmont Technical College Campus Shop.
  • A navy blue uniform and white shoes are required for the clinical experience. Name tag ID badges can be obtained from the Piedmont College Library free of charge (please see your instructor for name tag paperwork prior to going to the library for your student badge).