Purpose

This part-time program is intended for individuals who have a Health Care Assistant certificate and are working in the continuing care field. This program will provide students with the knowledge and skills to be able to function effectively in the role of a Health Care Assistant in an acute care setting, under the direct supervision of a health care professional. Students learn how to assist in care of acutely-ill clients and work as a member of a nursing team.

Duration

The Acute Care Skills for Health Care Assistants Program is 20 weeks part time- 2 days/week theory, 2 weeks full time clinical. Maximum allowable time for students to complete the program is one year.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Practice within acute care settings in a professional, ethical, and legal manner.

2. Utilize a problem solving approach to provide safe client care under the supervision of a nurse.

3. Demonstrate basic observation and reporting skills while providing care for a client.

4. Communicate effectively with members of the health team regarding client status.

5. Provide appropriate nutrition for surgical and/or acute care clients who are on special diets.

6. Respond appropriately and within the Health Care Assistant scope of practice to common medical emergencies.

7. Effectively manage client pain.

8. Establish appropriate relationships with clients and members of the health care team.

Admission Requirements

Health Care Assistant Certificate, or equivalent, from a BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry recognized educational institution:

Educational institutions accepted as per the BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry

An equivalent Health Care Assistant certificate may be submitted to be reviewed by the Continuing Care department leader.

Minimum of 800 hours experience as a Health Care Assistant in a complex care facility within the last three years, or its equivalent, as confirmed by a letter from the employer.

• Current BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry number.
• Standard First Aid (Red Cross or St. John Ambulance) 
• Current CPR level C or HCP certificate  

Upon Acceptance:

• Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate. 
• Submission of a negative TB skin test. If the skin test is positive, proof of a negative TB Chest x-ray is required.
• A completed VCC Health Sciences immunization history (forms and more detail obtained per Registrar’s Office).
• Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended, and may be required for practice placement in the program:
  • Diphtheria/Tetanus
  • Pertussis
  • Polio
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza (Flu vaccine) - required annually
• Regulations stipulate that a properly fitted respiratory mask must be used when providing care to patients with suspected, known, or probable cases of acute respiratory infections. The respiratory mask must be a N95 respirator that is individually fitted by a trained and certified person. This individual mask fitting should be done just prior to beginning your program and is good for one year and must be performed annually. The original certificate must be presented to your program during the first week of classes. Please view online list of approved fit test service providers.

Program Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

Term One		Credits
HRCA 1325	Acute Personal Care & Assistan	1.5
HRCA 1320	Working in Acute Care	4.5
	Credits	6
Term Two
HRCA 1331	Acute Care Clinical	2
	Credits	2
	Total Credits	8

*

These courses are a prerequisite to Course HRCA 1331 Acute Care Clinical.

This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.

Evaluation of Student Learning

The theory course is evaluated by written exams, quizzes and assignments. The lab course is evaluated by observation of performance of acute care skills in accordance with established criteria. Clinical experience is assessed by instructor observations of students in work experience situations. All courses are evaluated consistent with the College Grading System. Learners must achieve a minimum C+ (64%) in the theory course and satisfactory in the lab and clinical course in order to graduate. 

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.

Transcript of Achievement

The evaluation of learning outcomes for each student is prepared by the instructor and reported to the Student Records Department at the completion of each level.

The transcript typically shows a letter grade for each course. The grade point equivalent for a course is obtained from letter grades as follows:

Grading Standard

Transcript of Achievement

Grade	Percentage	Description	Grade Point Equivalency
A+	90-100		4.33
A	85-89		4.00
A-	80-84		3.67
B+	76-79		3.33
B	72-75		3.00
B-	68-71		2.67
C+	64-67	Minimum Pass	2.33
C	60-63	Failing Grade	2.00
C-	55-59		1.67
D	50-54		1.00
F	0-49		0.00
S		Satisfactory - student has met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
U		Unsatisfactory - student has not met and mastered a clearly defined body of skills and performances to required standards	N/A
I		Incomplete	N/A
IP		Course in Progress	N/A
W		Withdrawal	N/A
Course Standings
R		Audit. No Credit.	N/A
EX		Exempt. Credit Granted.	N/A
TC		Transfer Credit	N/A

Grade Point Average (GPA)

1. The course grade points shall be calculated as the product of the course credit value and the grade value.
2. The GPA shall be calculated by dividing the total number of achieved course grade points by the total number of assigned course credit values. This cumulative GPA shall be determined and stated on the Transcript at the end of each Program level or semester.
3. Grades shall be assigned to repeated courses in the same manner as courses taken only once. For the purpose of GPA calculation of grades for repeated courses, they will be included in the calculation of the cumulative GPA.