Acute Care for RCA’s Certificate Program

Table of Contents
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Program Description

Students will learn the additional knowledge and skills necessary to assist Registered Nurses working with patients/clients who are acutely ill but stable

This program builds on the foundation knowledge, skills and attitudes developed in the Resident Care Aide program.  Students will increase their awareness of changes in health status, treatments and interventions, and increase their comfort in working with equipment commonly required by the acutely ill patient/client.

This program helps prepare learners to complete their employers’ Delegated Tasks Certification process.

The program consists of three units, two theory and one clinical practicum


Program Content

Acute Care Theory Unit A
Courses:

Delegated Tasks
What is a delegated task?  What are the five essential questions that must be answered by Resident Care Aides involved in a delegated task?  What are the role limits for Resident Care Aides with respect to medication and medical information working in the Acute Care Environment.  Also explored is the role of the RCA and the associated delegated tasks related to the client undergoing a surgical procedure. The one-on-one relationship with the RN and with the client is also reviewed.

Care of the Client with Diabetes

Physical, psychological and social changes that occur with the development, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes  Risk factors, diagnostic tests, symptoms, treatment (diet, exercise, medication, electronic blood glucose monitoring), complications, and emotional aspects of coping with a chronic illness

Foot Care

Foot care and nail trimming, with the emphasis on safe and appropriate procedures for both the client and the Resident Care Aide. Careful assessment of normal and abnormal anatomy of the foot and use of equipment for nail care is demonstrated and practiced, including procedures designed to control the spread of infection

Safe Medication Delivery and Administration

Decision making regarding types and effects of medications, drug information resources, at-risk and emergency situations, patient assessments, administration of medications (except s/c. IM, and IV), storage of medications, documentation, reporting, legal and regulatory requirements.  RCA responsibilities in medication assisting and administration, with emphasis on maximizing safe and appropriate procedures for both the client and the Resident Care Aide

Acute Care Theory Unit B

Courses:

Working in the Acute Care System

This course builds on the knowledge, skills and attitudes learned in the RCA basic program. The emphasis is on organization of the acute care system, the role of the RCA, and adaptation of verbal and written communication skills required to function in the rapidly changing acute care environment.  Ethical and legal issues are included, with emphasis on diversity, promoting independence of patients and families, adapting to rapid change, dealing with stress, and self- care/fitness to practice.   This course helps prepare learners to complete their employers’ delegated tasks certification process. 

Care of Clients in Acute Care

Care of Clients with Diverse Needs

Acute Care Clinical Practice Unit C

  • Clinical Practicum in Acute Care

Program Length

  • 114 hours over 14 days consisting of 9 class days and 1 week (5days/40 hours) full-time instructor-led clinical practicum in an Acute Care setting
  • Theory courses will be offered on a part-time basis

 

Prerequisites:

Proof of graduation from an approved RCA/HS/Community Health Care Worker Program which meets the BC Provincial Curriculum hours.

Must have current CPR ‘C’ certificate completed within the previous three months

Advanced Placement standing with credit for Acute Care Theory Unit A will be given to graduates who completed BCRCA/Pacific Coast Community College RCA Program since January, 2006;  or those who completed the three courses in the Skills Enhancement Certificate Program for RCA’s from BCRCA Inc./Pacific Coast Community College and the updated BCRCA/PCCC ‘Delegation of Tasks’ class since June 1, 2005

English Requirements:  Must have at least Grade 10 English;  must be sufficiently fluent in spoken English to understand classroom teaching and engage in clinical conversations;  demonstrate ability to comprehend written text and classroom materials to a satisfactory level, and prepare written assignments

 

TB Test that has been completed within 3 months of the program start. Students who test positive will not be allowed to take the program without confirmation from the TB Clinic.

Criminal Record Check. All Resident Care Aide students are required to have a clear security clearance before they begin Acute Care Theory. Please note that any criminal record, including impaired driving, could mean your removal from the program.

Vaccinations.  Proof of the following up to date vaccination:

Hepatitis B Vaccine Series
Tetanus/Diptheria – Proof of basic immunization series of tetanus/diphtheria with reinforcement dose within the last ten years.
Poliomyelitis – proof of basic immunization series of polio vaccine.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella – For those born after 1957: Proof of two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or reactive serological test for immunity. Those born before 1957 have probably been infected naturally and can be considered immune.
Varicella Vaccination (chicken pox)
Flu Vaccine - if available and as per recommended Department of Health Guidelines during your clinical training component.

 

Program Costs

  • All fees are payable on registration
  • Tuition is $895.00 per student, plus a $100.00 non-refundable registration fee
  • Laboratory and clinical supplies fees ate $75.00 ($25.00 per unit), payable on registration
  • Students with advanced placement:  Tuition is $575.00 plus $100.00 nonrefundable registration fee and $50.00 supplies fee.

 

Information and Location

All classes are located at

Suite #202 -1338 West Broadway Vancouver, BC.  V6H 1H2

For more information, please call the Admissions Department,
Pacific Coast Community College
Phone:   604-730-1106

or email us at Sharlet.w@residentcareaide.com

and find us on the Web at: Pacific Coast Community College

www.bcp3c.ca


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