Overview

Build specialized care skills through compelling story-driven scenarios featuring real healthcare challenges. This course uses cinematic storytelling to immerse you in the advanced responsibilities of CNA work, helping you understand what it takes to care for people with complex medical conditions. You'll explore care techniques for people with respiratory and cardiovascular problems, diabetes and obesity, and various stages of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Through the stories of Frank, Stuart, and Martha, you'll learn essential skills, including oxygen therapy assistance, specimen collection, diabetic foot care, and communication strategies for people experiencing cognitive changes. You'll also examine critical topics like infection control, end-of-life care, grief support, and legal and ethical responsibilities. What makes this course unique is our immersive approach to sensitive topics. Rather than abstract concepts, you'll witness realistic scenarios showing how CNAs navigate challenging situations—from managing behavioral changes and wandering to supporting families through hospice care. You'll develop the professional skills needed for therapeutic communication, cultural competency, and essential self-care techniques when working with diverse patient populations. By the end of this course, you'll understand the emotional and technical demands of specialized CNA work and continue building your personalized nursing assistant career plan.

Syllabus

CNA Career Growth and Specialized Patient Care

This module explores the growing demand for CNAs and introduces you to specialized care for people with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. You'll meet Frank, an older adult living with COPD and heart failure, and follow his journey as his health changes. Through Frank's story, you'll learn to recognize signs of heart and lung conditions, understand vital caregiving skills, and discover how CNAs provide person-centered care and family support during challenging times.

Caring for Older Adults Through Life Transitions

This module explores the physical and emotional changes that come with aging, and how CNAs provide supportive care as health status shifts. You'll learn about normal age-related changes, how to observe and report concerning symptoms, and the importance of honoring individual preferences and choices. The module also covers hospice and palliative care—approaches focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life when cure is no longer the goal. Through Frank's continuing journey, you'll discover how CNAs support people and their families during life's final chapter.

Caring for People with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

This module covers the unique care needs of people living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. You'll learn about the progressive nature of the condition and care strategies you can use when providing care to individuals. You'll also meet Stuart and his family and watch how they navigate through his care needs and challenges.

Caring for People with Diabetes and Related Conditions

This module covers the unique care needs of people with diabetes. You'll learn about the function of the endocrine system, the signs and symptoms of diabetes, and how obesity can impact the condition.

Course Project: Exploring Local Training Programs

In this module, you'll complete the second course project in this specialization. This project will help you reflect on on your caregiving aspirations and define your ideal CNA job.