Overview
The eighteen (18) months Enrolled Nursing Assistant Certificate Programme is designed to develop in the learner the necessary qualities to become a responsible and efficient member of the health care team. The programme introduces the learner to the necessary cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills that will enable learners to progress from directly supervised performance of duties to an independent practitioner within the scope of such practice.
The programme is organized into concurrent theory and practice with emphasis placed and opportunities provided in a variety of clinical settings for the learner to acquire confidence and competence in administering basic nursing care.
The curriculum places emphasis on communication skills, patients’ bill of rights, ethical and legal laws of nursing, patients’ right to privacy and confidentiality and safety of patients, given the fundamental role of the Nursing Assistant as care-giver and assistant to the Registered Nurse/Midwife.
The programme also serves as a spring-board to transition into higher path-ways such as the Associates’ or BSc in Nursing Degree tracts.
About The Programme
The aim of the Enrolled Nursing Assistant Programme is to produce a cadre of health professionals with the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes who are capable of providing safe and efficient, quality care as bona fide members of the Health Care Delivery System.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Nursing Assistant Programme, applicants must:
- Be at least sixteen (16) years at the time of admission to the programme.
- Have obtained passes in the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) CSEC Examination, General Proficiency Level or General Certificate Examination (GCE) ordinary level or approved equivalent in at least three subjects to include English Language, Mathematics and a science subject.
In the case of mature applicants, present academic and professional qualifications and or prior experiential experiences attained. Competently provide nursing care according to accepted standards of practice and taking into account the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of patients/clients and their families.
- Collaborate with members of the health care team to coordinate the delivery of safe nursing care to patients/clients.
- Communicate effectively with individuals, families, colleagues and other members of the health care team.
- Assist in the development of nursing care plans as the main tool utilized in facilitating resolution of patients’/clients’ health problems.
- Administer care within the scope of practice and the ethical and legal framework of the Nursing Profession.
- Demonstrate awareness of and conduct self in a manner that is in compliance with Nursing Code of Ethics.
- Accurately document and communicate findings and other information as a professional member of the health care team.
- Understand the importance of and continuous need to seek educational opportunities in order to advance personal and professional growth.
Programme Structure
The full-time programme of study is comprised of forty-nine (49) credits accomplished over four semesters of fifteen (15) weeks duration each. The courses run concurrently and are designed to cover both theory and integrated clinical practice. Clinical experiences and opportunities are provided in a variety of hospital and community based settings for students to develop proficiency in clinical nursing practice.
Opportunities are also provided for demonstration and return demonstrations and engagement in simulated exercises in the clinical simulation laboratory before being exposed to actual clinical sites. Passes in all courses (support, nursing and internship) are compulsory and must meet the requirements of the CFBC to be awarded the Nursing Assistant certificate.
Enrolled NA Programme Plan
| Semester One | ||
| Code | Course | Credit |
| HAST 1003 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| HAST 1001 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 5 |
| HAST 1007 | Intro to Psychology | 2 |
| HAST 1005 | Intro to Microbiology | 1 |
| COMM 1001 | Communication Studies | 2 |
| CORE 1000 | Fundamental Mathematics for Health Science | 1 |
| Total | 14 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| HAST 1003 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| HAST 1006 | Intro to Sociology | 2 |
| HAST 1000 | Health Assessment | 2 |
| HAST 1002 | Health Promotion | 2 |
| HAST 1008 | Intro to Pharmacology | 2 |
| HAST 1004 | Nutrition | 1 |
| COMM 1001 | Communication Studies | 2 |
| Total | 14 | |
| Semester Three | ||
| HAST 1012 | Maternal and Child Health Nursing with Clinical Nursing Practicum | 5 |
| HAST 1009 | Care of Child and Adolescence with Clinical Nursing Practicum | 5 |
| HAST 1010 | Care of the Adult with Clinical Nursing Practicum | 7 |
| Total | 17 | |
| Semester Four | ||
| INTP 4000 | Clinical Internship | 4 |
| TOTAL | 49 Credits | |
Successful completion of this programme entitles graduates to be entered on the Enrolled Nursing Assistant part of the register of the St. Christopher and Nevis Nurses and Midwives Council and eligibility to practice as an Enrolled Nursing Assistant in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.