We have been selected to take part in Nova Scotia’s Continuing Care Assistant Progressive Education Plan, delivering the program through the “Work and Learn, 3 and 2” CCA Education Model! Watch the video announcement below.
Under this new, Work and Learn, 3 and 2 model, students can complete their Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) course by attending three days a week and working two days a week in paid positions within the continuing care environment. The Progressive Education Continuing Care Assistant program will be available in Sydney, Dartmouth, and rural areas throughout the province.
Tuition, administration and exam fees, and books, will be provided to Nova Scotia residents who qualify for this unique program!
The Work and Learn, 3 and 2 CCA program consists of approximately eight weeks of in-class instruction before students move to the 3 and 2 Work and Learn model. Individuals will learn to provide care to meet the various needs of the elderly, disabled, and convalescents. An interview may be required before accepting students for clinical experience. Students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical placements and work experience. Shift work is an integral part of this occupation. Furthermore, physical demands include moving, lifting, and continued standing.
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Total program length: Total 32 – Theory 21, Practicum 11
admission requirements
Learner Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 certificate, a GED equivalent to grade 12 or Mature Learner
Mature Learners must:
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age and have been out of school for at least one year
- Demonstrate the necessary numeracy and literacy skills
- A documented assessment process must be used, including a recognized assessment strategy – e.g., TABE Test or TOWES
Additional Requirements:
- Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check indicating no criminal conviction (current Canada-wide police check)
- Proficient in the official language in which the Program is delivered (French or English);
As required, a recognized testing tool will be used to gauge proficiency - Language proficiency level will meet or be equivalent to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 8
Student discloses the ability to meet requirements on admission:
- Travel to and from placements using transportation that is acceptable to the placement site
- Perform basic computer literacy skills (basic word processing, checking and sending email, basic web browsing skills) before skills development placement
- Perform job requirements (physical and other)
Program Outline
Body Structures, Functions & Care Implications
This module will enable the learner to acquire a basic knowledge of the normal structure and function of the body. It provides an introduction to common health issues and their implications for care.
Care Management Setting
This module is designed to enable the learner to develop the skills required for the basic safety and cleanliness of the person’s care setting, whether a private residence or within another type of care setting, according to the scope of employment policies. It prepares the CCA to organize and complete daily care setting management tasks. He or she will also learn how to set priorities and develop time management skills.
CCA Professional Development
This module will introduce the learner to the role of the CCA and the CCA’s general responsibilities as an integral provider of care and member of the health care team. The learner will recognize how the social philosophy of care and the CCA scope of practice are consistent dimensions of the CCA role, regardless of environment. The learner also will recognize the professional responsibilities associated with the CCA role, and will be introduced to the professional qualities and behaviours that contribute to a successful career as a CCA.
Communication in the Care Setting
This module will introduce the learner to effective interpersonal communication practices for CCAs. The learner will become familiar with different types of professional relationships and the appropriate forms of interpersonal communication that occur in care settings. The learner will assess his/her strengths and areas for improvement in interpersonal communications generally. The learner also will understand and practice communication strategies and approaches that will strengthen his/her ability to deal with the varied situations he or she might encounter as a CCA.
Dementia: Understanding the Journey
Learners in this specialized course will gain skills to effectively and appropriately respond and/or seek appropriate help when any change occurs in individuals’ physiological, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of people across the life cycle. The DUTJ Committee oversees this course, maintains currency of content and sets policies for delivery. The course is administered through the Health Association of Nova Scotia (HANS). Learners are required to complete a final project to demonstrate their knowledge about some aspect of dementia.
Documentation and Technology in the Care Setting
This module will provide an introduction to the various forms of written communication required of CCAs in care settings and how CCAs can approach care-related written communication appropriately and effectively. The learner will recognize the importance of documentation in the coordination and monitoring of care and will overview various forms of documentation. The learner also will develop his/her written communication and documentation skills. Additionally, the learner will be introduced to the appropriate uses of technology by CCAs both inside and outside care settings.
Environmental Safety
In this module, the learner will gain an understanding of his/her role as a CCA in providing a safe and secure environment. He/she will become familiar with strategies, rules, regulations, and protocols that will help him/her to minimize workplace risk. There is an emphasis on infection control.
First Aid/CPR Level C + AED
Learners who are successful in this course will be certified in Standard First Aid and Level C Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Upon completion of this workshop the participant will successfully complete the objectives outlined in the government-approved curriculum offered by St. John Ambulance.
Foodhandler’s Course
This course reviews safe handling of food and investigates best practices in maintaining a safe and secure environment in which to prepare food.
Growth & Development
In this module, the CCA will understand and apply the principles of growth and development to meet the person’s needs appropriately and adequately. Knowing the person’s level of physical, emotional and social development is crucial to planning and providing care. This module emphasizes how these needs change as the person progresses through the life cycle.
Home Support Placement Overview
Home Support placements provide the learners with the opportunity to work in partnership with the mentor to develop and practice the skills unique to home support. The Home Support Mentorship Placement occurs with a home support agency providing services to the Department of Health and Wellness. Learners gain practical experience in meeting the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) needs of individuals.
Introduction to the CCA Program and the Health Care Sector
This module introduces the learner to the Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) program and the health care sector by providing an overview of the program, and an understanding of the program’s role within the Nova Scotia health care sector. It also introduces the learner to the framework governing the delivery of care and the various types of health care services and service providers in Nova Scotia. Components of the health care system including long-term care, home support, acute care and mental health across the continuum will also be discussed.
LEAP
LEAP LTC, developed and maintained by Pallium Canada, introduces non-palliative care specialists, including CCAs, to the “Palliative Care Approach”. This course is administered by Pallium Canada and provides palliative care principles and approaches enhance palliative essential skills, promotes teamwork, and connects with local palliative care resources.
Medication
This module allows the learner to cultivate an awareness of medications and the role of the CCA in supporting the needs of the person. It provides an introduction to commonly used medications as well as some basic principles of pharmacology. Under the CCA Scope of Practice and The Practice Guidelines for CCA (Schedule B) this module also allows the learner to competently demonstrate the application of medicated topical creams, ointments and drops to the skin, eyes, ears, nose, rectum or vagina.
Mental Health & Social Well-Being
This module is designed to prepare the learner to recognize and support individuals living with mental illness as well as various types of abuse and neglect. It explores strategies to maintain mental health and social well-being. Community resources are also identified. Responsive behaviours are briefly discussed but are explored in further detail in Dementia: Understanding the Journey.
Mentorship Placements
Mentorship Placements learners will function under the indirect supervision of an RN/LPN and direct supervision of a mentor. All mentorship placement hours must be completed by learners to meet program requirements and may be delivered at any point throughout a 24-hour period during the term of the program. All mentorship placements must meet the learning outcomes and objectives of mentorship placement.
Nursing Home/Homes for the Aged Placement Overview
Nursing Homes/Homes for the Aged placements provide the learners with the opportunity to apply theory and skills in the workplace as they work in partnership with a mentor. The Nursing Home/Homes for the Aged Mentorship Placement occurs in Department of Health and Wellness licensed settings. Learners gain practical experience in meeting the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) needs of individuals.
Nutrition and Meal Preparation
In this module, the learner will focus on nutrition and the role of the CCA in meeting the dietary needs of individuals of all ages. He or she will plan menus, understand basic meal preparation practices, prepare and serve meals to meet person-specific nutritional needs.
Personal Care
In this module, the learner will be introduced to the principles relating to personal care using a person-centred philosophy of care approach. Students will learn, practice and demonstrate the practical skills necessary to respectfully, safely and effectively provide personal care to individuals across the life cycle.
Practicum Seminar
The instructor will provide specific guidelines so that placement experiences are put into proper context. Requirements for placements will be reviewed,
such as confidentiality, supervisor contacts, and evaluations. Students will actively participate in practicum seminars where they will share ideas and experiences with their peers through guided discussion and activities. Facilitated seminars allow students to exchange ideas for working with different groups and to practice interpersonal skills to develop professional learning. Students will also have an opportunity to develop and share resources to support their practicum placements.Program Review
This mandatory program module is to allow for a critical review of relevant topics that have been taught throughout the course. Students taking this module will have greater recall ability of exam-relevant material and material that enhances the evaluation process.
Safe Handling & Mobility
In this module, the learner will be introduced to the principles of body movement and safety to be followed during the performance of all direct and indirect assistance activities in the classroom, lab and placement settings. The learner will acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure personal safety and that of the person when assisting with activities of daily living.
Skills Development
During Skills Development learners will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a Nursing Home/Homes for the Aged setting. This placement is meant to introduce the student to a real work environment to develop their skills by providing hands-on experience under the direct supervision of an RN or LPN. Learners gain practical experience in meeting the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) needs of individuals. All Skills Development placement hours must be completed by learners to meet program requirements. Skills development hours may not necessarily be scheduled during daytime hours and may be scheduled on weekdays and/or weekends.
WHMIS & OH&S
Learners will complete a certificate course that introduces the standard safety concepts and practices of WHMIS used within today’s industry.
Students in the OH&S course will learn about critical occupational health and safety issues, practices, and legislation, including their rights as employees in the workforce.