Overview

Discover what Certified Nursing Assistants do every day through an engaging, story-driven learning experience. This course introduces you to essential CNA responsibilities using cinematic storytelling and real-world scenarios that bring caregiving to life. You'll explore fundamental clinical skills, including monitoring vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure), providing personal care assistance (bathing, grooming, toileting), and supporting patient mobility through proper body mechanics and transfers. Through the stories of Lily and other patients, you'll understand the principles of rehabilitative and restorative care that help people maintain independence and quality of life. What makes this course unique is our immersive storytelling approach. Rather than lectures alone, you'll follow realistic patient scenarios that demonstrate how CNAs observe and report changes, implement care plans, practice infection control, and collaborate with healthcare teams. You'll also assess your own qualities against CNA demands and explore the benefits and challenges of this rewarding career path. By the end of this course, you'll understand the critical role CNAs play in healthcare settings and create the first part of your personalized plan for pursuing nursing assistant training in your community.

Syllabus

Understanding the CNA Career

Welcome to CNA Foundations! In this opening module, you'll discover the critical role Certified Nursing Assistants play within healthcare teams and explore what CNA training programs look like—helping you think about which path might fit your learning style and career goals. We'll also cover everything you need to know to get the most out of this course and set yourself up for success.

Rehabilitative and Restorative Care

In this module, you'll explore rehabilitative and restorative care—the approach that helps people regain independence after injury or illness. You'll meet Lily, a young woman who is involved in a car accident and follow her inspiring journey through rehabilitation, witnessing firsthand how CNAs support recovery every step of the way.

Exploring Vital Signs & Personal Care

In this module, you'll explore some of the most essential tasks CNAs perform every day—from monitoring vital signs to providing personal care assistance. You'll also discover how care plans work and why they're critical tools that guide everything nursing assistants do to ensure consistent, quality patient care.

Mastering Mobility Assistance

Ready to master one of the most physical aspects of CNA work? This module teaches you proper body mechanics for safe patient transfers and positioning. You'll also discover how range of motion exercises support rehabilitation and help people preserve their strength and mobility.

Course Project: Exploring Local Training Programs

Ready to turn exploration into action? In this module, you'll research and compare actual CNA training programs available in your state or region. This project helps you evaluate which programs might be the best fit for your needs and goals, creating a clear pathway forward if you choose to become a certified nursing assistant.