Non-Licensed Nursing Education
Advanced CNA (Nursing Assistant) Curriculum
WHAT: The advanced nursing assistant training is a competency-based curriculum that provides
training and career growth options to nursing assistants. This includes training in life skills,
communication, conflict, coping etc. as well as further training on resident care. Nursing assistants
may choose to further develop skills and knowledge in specialty areas of their choice.
AVAILABILITY: This program is available to staff members of all Good Samaritan Centers. Administrative staff members decide whether their center will participate in the program. Nursing assistants who are interested in participating should visit with their supervisor or staff trainer.
COURSES INCLUDE:
- BASIC NURSE AIDE TRAINING: May be taken locally or online (as approved by your state).
- CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT, ADVANCED: This advanced training allows the
nursing assistant to develop further skills and knowledge in the nursing assistant role.
The coursework is supplemented by on-the-job training with a peer mentor.
NOTE: It is expected that one or more CNAs will complete the initial 9 units of the
Mentor Training curriculum, before any CNAs begin the CNA Advanced or any of the
other specialty training courses. That will help equip a small group of CNAs to serve as peer mentors while they and other CNAs are going through the curriculum.
The specialty areas include:
- MENTOR: This training incorporates advanced interpersonal skills that prepare the individual
to serve as a role model and coach to other nursing assistants. Mentors
receive training and are mentored by a licensed nurse to verify competence.
(The initial 9 units will equip CNAs to serve as peer mentors for these training programs. The remaining 17 units will allow CNAs to further specialize in developing mentoring skills.) - RESTORATIVE SPECIALTY: This curriculum develops skills that enable the nursing assistant to serve as a restorative aide.
- DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALTY: This curriculum develops skills that recognize the
special needs of clients with Alzheimer's or related dementias.
ENROLLMENT: This curriculum was developed as part of a Registered Apprenticeship program, through which participants could earn a completion certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. The apprenticeship structure is no longer in use, but the curriculum remains available and its use will continue to be encouraged. At this point, centers that wish to use the curriculum may monitor completion and award certificates on their own.
COST: There is no cost to the individual CNA for the advanced training coursework.
TIME TO COMPLETE: Employees may proceed at their own pace, but it takes approximately a year to
complete the CNA Advanced course as well as one specialty area.
DETAILS: The curriculum can be ordered through Good Samaritan Supplies. Course numbers are:CNA Advanced - LRN 6144; Mentor Training - LRN 6068; Resotorative Training - LRN 6166; Dementia Care Training - LRN 6260.
HOW DO I LEARN MORE? Employees may contact the Learning Division at National Campus via e-mail at learn@good-sam.com or the staff development coordinator
at a Good Samaritan Center near you for more details on the program.
PLEASE NOTE: Employment information is not available on this web site or via the email noted above. To apply for a job at a Good Samaritan center, please follow this link to find a location and complete an application:
www.good-sam.com.
If you are interested in a job as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) please inquire when making your application to the center whether that training is required pre-hire or is provided post-hire.