
About Course
The Journey
Assistant nursing is a step higher than caregiving. Although your duties may also involve the caregiving of clients your knowledge of healthcare and the understanding of diseases, client care, and other factors influencing a client’s life will be more amplified. There are many aspects of healthcare that you should understand. Your duties will normally include ADLs (activities of daily living) but also other important duties such as the understanding of vitals, medication, different conditions of illness, and understanding how to report to the registered nurse or supervisor who may also be an LPN (licensed practical nurse).
You should be able to have physical stamina as you need to help the client with transfers and ambulation. You need to be patient, tolerant of all people, have good communication, be respectful, helpful, and have empathy. You should also be available for the client to speak to and always keep confidentiality.
You should always remember that the client comes first. Your first obligation is towards your clients, and then you should also make time and availability for their family and friends.
A nursing job is difficult, as you must be flexible and understanding. You also must work with other healthcare professionals and learn to accommodate them.
In this course, you will learn many aspects of assistant nursing, which will further your path to becoming an RN (registered nurse).
This course will provide a clear understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and knowledge that an assistant nurse must have.
You should read, understand, and learn the course material for good results in practising the skill.
At the end of every chapter, you will have the opportunity to answer questions. Several videos were created for you to learn from, practice, and make part of your studies.
I hope that you enjoy this course and find that your knowledge has greatly improved on your journey to becoming an assistant nurse.
Bon Voyage and happy learning.
Karin Westphal
Director and owner of First Class Caregiving
Please note that there will be questions at the end of every chapter to assess your progress.
Please complete the questions as they are intended to help you.
What Will You Learn?
- Chapter 1 - Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Chapter 2 - Heart attacks
- Chapter 3 - Blood pressure
- Chapter 4 - The heart continued
- Chapter 5 - GI disorders (gastrointestinal disorders)
- Chapter 6 - Respiratory conditions
- Chapter 7 - Understanding pain and the management of pain
- Chapter 8 - Focussing on the client
- Chapter 9 - Understanding mobility and ambulation
- Chapter 10 - Basic first aid and CPR
- Chapter 11 - End of life
- Chapter 12 - Nutrition and feeding
- Chapter 13 - Fluids and electrolytes
- Chapter 14 - Vital signs
- Chapter 15 - Hygiene
- Chapter 16 - HAI infections
- Chapter 17 - PPE or personal protective equipment
- Chapter 18 - Medication and medication reminders
- Chapter 19 - Medication administration
- Chapter 20 - Understanding common medications
- Chapter 21 - Medical terms
- Chapter 22 - Medical abbreviations
- Chapter 23 - Human Anatomy
- Chapter 24 - Observing, documenting, and reporting
- Chapter 25 - Attention to detail
- Chapter 26 - Ethics and professionalism
- Chapter 27 - Communication
- Chapter 28 - Clients who are cognitively impaired
- Chapter 29 - Understanding
- Chapter 30 - Perineal and catheter care
- Chapter 31 - Abuse
- Chapter 32 - Neglect
- Chapter 33 - Confidentiality
- Chapter 34 - Your client’s dignity
- Chapter 35 - Mental illness
- Chapter 36 - People who have intellectual difficulties or ID
- Chapter 37 - Mechanical lift use and safety
- Chapter 38 - Fire prevention and safety.
- Chapter 39 - Biomedical waste
- Chapter 40 - Washing hands
Course Content
Chapter 1: Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Diseases and Medical Conditions
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Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Chapter 2: Heart Attacks
Diseases and Medical Conditions
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Risk Factors for Heart Attack
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What To Do When You Think Somebody Is Having a Heart Attack
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Video Lesson – CPR
04:40 -
Heart Attacks
Chapter 3: Blood Pressure
Diseases and Medical Conditions
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High Blood Pressure
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Strokes
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Blood Pressure and Strokes
Chapter 4: The Heart Continued; Other Heart Diseases
Diseases and Medical Conditions
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Endocarditis
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Video Lesson – Brushing a patients teeth
09:52 -
Heart Valve Disease
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Video Lesson – Exercising able-bodied patient
08:54 -
Video Lesson – Exercising bed-bound patient
06:57 -
The Heart Continued; Other Heart Diseases
Chapter 5: GI Disorders (Gastrointestinal Disorders)
Diseases and Medical Conditions
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GI Tract
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Stomach Ulcers
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Nausea and Vomiting
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Constipation
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Appendicitis
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Gallstones
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
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Anal Fissures
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Pruritus Ani
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Parasites
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Haemorrhoids
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Food Intolerances
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Gluten Intolerance
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GI Disorders (Gastrointestinal Disorders)
Chapter 6: Respiratory Conditions
Diseases and Medical Conditions
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The Respiratory System
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The Common Cold
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The Flu or Influenza
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Sinus
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Allergies
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Important Notes on Medication
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Pneumonia
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Asthma
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COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
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Respiratory Conditions
Chapter 7: Understanding Pain and The Management of Pain
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The Understanding of Pain
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What to Do with a Complaint of Pain
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Pain Medications
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How May We Help Prevent Unnecessary Pain?
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What is PRN Medication?
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Understanding Pain and the Management of Pain
Chapter 8: Focussing On The Client
Client-Centred Care
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Ways in Which We May Improve on Client Care
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Importance of Client Care
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Focussing on the Client
Chapter 9: Mobility and Ambulation
Client-Centred Care
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The Definition of Ambulation
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The Definition of Mobility
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Age and Mobility
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Diseases
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Ambulation
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Video Lesson – Ambulation and mobility
06:56 -
Walkers and Canes
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Video Lesson – Walker demonstration
08:23 -
Video Lesson – Walker Demonstration with a knee injury
08:06 -
Video Lesson – Cane demonstration
03:37 -
Asking the Correct Questions Before Ambulation or Transferring Your Client
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Gait Belts
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Video Lesson – Gait Belts and Their Application (transfers and ambulation)
03:52 -
Video Lesson – Gait Belt Demonstration
05:03 -
Video Lesson – Transferring Elderly Patient – Bed to Wheelchair; Wheelchair to Bed
14:33 -
Video Lesson – Transferring Non-Elderly Patient – Bed to Wheelchair; Wheelchair to Bed
11:36 -
Video Lesson – Transferring Patient from Wheelchair to Toilet and Back
06:09 -
Video Lesson – Transferring Patient From Wheelchair to Chair
03:45 -
Exercising
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Video lesson – Exercising able-bodied patient
08:54 -
Video Lesson – Exercising bed-bound patient
06:57 -
Draw Sheets
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Video Lesson – Drawsheets
07:24 -
Video Lesson – Moving a patient back to their pillow on their bed
02:08 -
Video Lesson – Moving Patient with Draw Sheets
02:40 -
General Notes on Staying Safe
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Understanding Mobility and Ambulation
Chapter 10: Basic First Aid and CPR
Emergencies
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Meaning of Basic First Aid
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First Aid for Different Emergencies
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CPR
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Video Lesson – CPR for adults, children and babies
04:40 -
Bleeding
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Seizures
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Broken Bones
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Poisoning
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Burns
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Grazes
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Choking
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Shock
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Hypothermia
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Hyperthermia
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Basic First Aid and CPR
Chapter 11: End of Life
Emergencies
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Death and Dying
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Advance Directives
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What To Do When Death Sets In
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End of Life
Chapter 12: Nutrition and Diets
Nutrition and Feeding
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Different Diet Types
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What is Considered the Most Effective Protein?
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Explanation of The Food Pyramid
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Staying Regular and Constipation
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The Second Food Group on The List is Grains
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The Last Food Group Has to Do with Healthy Fats
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Calculation of Food from The Various Food Groups
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Feeding the patient
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Video Lesson – Feeding The Patient
10:08 -
Nutrition and Diets
Chapter 13: Fluids and Electrolytes
Nutrition and Feeding
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Understanding Fluids
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Understanding Electrolytes
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Taking in Fluids and Losing Them
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Oedema
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How Do We Test for Oedema?
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Dehydration
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Hyponatremia
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Hypernatremia
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Electrolytes and Functions
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Fluids and Electrolytes
Chapter 14: Vital Signs
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What are vitals?
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Oxygen saturation
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What is Haemoglobin?
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Temperature
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Heart Rate and Respiration
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Blood Pressure
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Video Lesson – Checking Patient Vitals
24:43 -
Vital signs
Chapter 15: Hygiene
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Hygiene and Personal Care
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Video Lesson – Washing rules and demonstration
07:04 -
Washing a Baby
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Hygiene of The Client
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Bathroom Safety Equipment
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Difficulties With Clients
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Noting and Reporting
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Video Lesson – Hand Washing
02:34 -
Video Lesson – Dressing a patient
11:04 -
Video Lesson – Brushing teeth
09:52 -
Video Lesson – Denture care
12:01 -
Video Lesson – Foot care
09:49 -
Video Lesson – Preparing for Caregiving
05:20 -
Video Lesson – Hand and Nail Care
09:53 -
Video Lesson – Mouth Inspection
04:27 -
Hygiene
Chapter 16: HAI Infections
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Definition of HAI infections
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Video Lesson – Hand Washing
02:34 -
The Main 4 Causes of HAI Infections
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Video lesson – Catheter Cleaning
20:58 -
Video Lesson – Catheter Bag – Emptying
07:06 -
Prevention of HAI Infections and Stopping the Spread of HAI Infections
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HAI infections
Chapter 17: PPE or Personal Protective Equipment
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Pathogens and How They Are Spread
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Different Types of PPE
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The Difference Between Infectious and Contagious Diseases
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Different Types of PPE (continued)
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Video Lesson – Glove – the golden rules
02:22 -
Video Lesson – Gloves
05:44 -
PPE
Chapter 18: Medication and Medication Reminders
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The Golden Rule on Medication for a Caregiver or Assistant Nurse to Understand
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Problems With Taking Medication
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Terms of Medical Conditions Explained
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Important Notes on All Medication Monitoring
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Medication and Medication Reminders
Chapter 19: Medication Administration
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Legality Surrounding Medication Administration When You Are a Care Assistant
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Legality Surrounding Medication Administration When You Are a Care Assistant
Chapter 20: Understanding Common Medications
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Classification of Medications
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Medication for Cardiac Conditions
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Diuretics
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Statins for Cholesterol
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Anti-coagulants
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Asthma Medications
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What are Adverse Drug Reactions?
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Understanding Common Medications
Chapter 21: Medical terms
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The Understanding of The Foundation in Words
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List of Common Medical Terms
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Medical Terms
Chapter 22: Medical abbreviations
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Common Medical Abbreviations
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Medical Specialities
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Medical Abbreviations
Chapter 23: Human Anatomy
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Body Systems
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The Skeletal System
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Respiratory System
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Cardiovascular System
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Lung
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The Digestive System
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The Nervous System
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The Sensory System
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The Immune System
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Endocrine System
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The Urinary System
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The Reproductive Systems
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How to Keep Our Body Systems Healthy
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Human Anatomy
Chapter 24: Observing, documenting and reporting
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What is an Observation?
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What is an Objective Observation?
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How do you Observe Objectively?
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What are Subjective Observations?
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Documenting Observations
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Reporting Observations
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Observing, Documenting and Reporting
Chapter 25: Attention to detail
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Why Do We Often Lose the Ability to Pay Attention?
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What Do We Have to Learn to Be Good with Details and Be Specific?
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Memory
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A Few Difficult Situations
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Attention To Detail
Chapter 26: Ethics and professionalism
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What is Work Ethic?
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Work Always Has Problems Attached to It
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What About Your Clients
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Professionalism May Be Summed Up With Some Of These Skills
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Ethics and Professionalism
Chapter 27: Communication
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What is Communication
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When Are Some Problems With Communication
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How Will You Communicate Effectively With A Client
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Communicating with Deaf People
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What About People Who Cannot See
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Clients who have Aphasia
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What is Dysarthria
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Clients With Dementia Or Alzheimer’s
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What To Do When The Client That Speaks A Different Language
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Understanding The Job of Speech Therapists
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Final Tips For Communication
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Communication
Chapter 28: Cognitively impaired clients
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Classification Of Cognitive Impairments
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People with Dementia
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Washing Up
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Final Tips on Clients with Dementia
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Cognitively Impaired Clients
Chapter 29: Caregiving
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Barrier Rules
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Barrier Rules
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Linen Rules
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Video Lesson – Linen and Set Up Skills
05:20 -
Linen Rules
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Washing Rules
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Video Lesson – Washing Rules and Demonstration
07:04 -
Washing Rules
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Urinary Drainage Bag
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Bedridden Clients
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Video Lesson – Bed Bath
21:16 -
Bedridden Clients
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Video Lesson – Bed Pan Handling
14:23 -
Video Lesson – Bed-bound patient – turning
12:57 -
Video Lesson – Peri care
17:44 -
Video Lesson – Exercising Bed-Bound Patient
06:57 -
Video Lesson – Barrier Rules
05:24 -
Video Lesson – Catheter Bag – Emptying
07:06 -
Video Lesson – Catheter Bag – Cleaning
20:58 -
Video Lesson – Draw Sheets to Turn a Patient
07:24 -
Video Lesson – Moving a Patient Back to Their Pillow on Their Bed
02:08
Chapter 30: Perineal and Catheter care
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What Is the Number One Healthcare-Associated Infection in The World?
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The Urinary System
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The Route of Urine
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Parts of the Urinary System and Changes
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Illustrations for Reasons of Incontinence
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Urinary Tract Infections
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Types of Catheters
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Understanding Incontinence Products
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Tips
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Video Lesson – Peri Care
05:12 -
Video Lesson – Peri Care Demonstration
17:44 -
Video Lesson – Catheter Bag – Cleaning
20:58 -
Video Lesson – Catheter Bag – Emptying
07:06 -
Perineal and Catheter Care
Chapter 31: Abuse
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The Definition of Abuse
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Different Types of Abuse
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Examples of Abuse
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What To Do If You Suspect Abuse?
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Signs To Look Out for When You Suspect Abuse
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Special Notes on Sexual Abuse
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What Will Happen If You Do Not Report Abuse?
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What Will Happen When You Report the Incident?
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Abuse
Chapter 32: Neglect
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The Definition of Neglect
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The Different Types of Neglect Are Explained
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Neglect Can Happen Anywhere
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Abandonment
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Living Conditions in a Home and Institution
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Preventing Neglect and Abandonment
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The Golden Rule to Remember with Your Duties
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Additional Notes on Neglect to Remember
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Neglect
Chapter 33: Confidentiality
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What Is the Meaning of Confidentiality?
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What is Privacy?
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Examples Of How Confidentiality Is Broken
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The Consequences of Violating Confidentiality
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Sharing The Responsibility of Caring for a Client with Your Co-Worker
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Confidentiality Concerning Family Members and Friends
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When Are You Not Required to Maintain Confidentiality
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Confidentiality About Your Co-worker
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The Golden Rule of Confidentiality
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Confidentiality
Chapter 34: Your client’s dignity
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What Does Dignity Mean?
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What Does Dignity Mean for You as a Nurse in the Workplace?
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How You Treat Clients Will Impact Your Reviews and Will Determine Your Future
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Talking To Team Members About The Client
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Global Rule on Dignity
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When You Work with The Client What You Should Do
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When You Cannot Get Along with a Person
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Different Beliefs and Religions
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Your Fellow Team Members
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Your Dignity
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Your Client’s Dignity
Chapter 35: Mental illness
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The Definition of Mental Illness
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Factors That May Influence Mental Health
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Signs of Mental Illness
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How Is Mental Illness Diagnosed?
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How Will the Person Be Treated?
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Depression Types
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What is Schizophrenia?
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Other Mental Disorders: OCD, Phobias, Panic Attacks, Anxiety Disorders
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When You Should Be on the Alert?
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Notes to Take
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What Will Your Role Be?
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Final Notes
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Mental Illness
Chapter 36: People who have intellectual difficulties or ID
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The Definition of Intellectual Difficulties
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How Is the Term ID Established?
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What A Person with an ID Will Demonstrate
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The Difference Between Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability
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Causes Of Developmental Delay
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The Levels of Intellectual Disability
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Understanding Of Autism, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
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The Role That You Will Play
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Physical Challenges
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Social Behaviour and Interaction with Others
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What You Must Know
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People who have intellectual difficulties or ID
Chapter 37: Mechanical lift use and safety
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When Will I Use a Mechanical Lift?
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The Assistant Nurse and Moving a Patient
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Body Mechanics When We Are Moving
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Different Types of Lifts
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Other Lifts
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The Different Slings on the Lift
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Preparation For Using the Lift
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Points On the Lift to Inspect
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How To Get the Client into the Lift
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Mechanical lift use and safety
Chapter 38: Fire prevention and safety
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Fire Prevention and Safety
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The Elements That Cause a Fire
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Classification of Fires
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Causes of Fire
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Implementation of Fire Safety
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What You Must Know About Fire Safety
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What To Do Should a Fire Start
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Types Of Fire Extinguishers
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How To Use a Fire Extinguisher
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Fire Prevention and Safety
Chapter 39: Biomedical waste
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Classification Of Biomedical Waste
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Sharps
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Infectious Materials
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PPE (personal protective clothing)
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Waste That Can Cause Serious Health Issues
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What You Must Know
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Should You Be Contaminated by a Sharp
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Cleaning Up a Spill
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Tips
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Video Lesson – Glove – the golden rules
02:23 -
Video Lesson – Glove Lesson
05:44 -
Video Lesson – Washing Hands
02:34 -
Biomedical Waste
Chapter 40: Washing hands
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The Facts of Washing Hands
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How Do We Spread Diseases
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The Natural Bacteria That Live on Your Hands
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How To Wash Your Hands
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Hand Gels
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Wearing Gloves
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The Best Soap to Use
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What You Should Remember
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Video Lesson – Washing Hands
02:34 -
Washing hands
Final Exam
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Final Exam Notes
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Assistant Nursing Course Final Exam