Nursing Assistant Program Requirements

COMPLETE IMMEDIATELY - DUE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Dear CNA Program Students,

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED - AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and no later than the due date. This is time-sensitive and crucial for your program participation.

WHY THIS IS URGENT:

• The program begins on September 23rd, 2025
• You need this information to prepare for the program
• Some health requirements take up to 4 weeks to complete
• Immediate completion ensures you're ready for day one

Clinical Requirements

• Pass background check (will be conducted during the program)
• Pass drug screen (will be conducted during the program)
• Complete BLS provider CPR card (American Heart Association only). BLS class will be offered during the program
• Up-to-date immunizations (detailed below)
• Wear a BBCC name badge (will be provided during class), Scrubs, and a gait belt
• Pass the math test
• English proficiency (English 98 or above)
• Pay tuition and fees on time
• Submit all health records to heidiw@bigbend.edu via Canvas

Physical Requirements

• Lift 25 lbs. independently, 50 lbs. with assistance
• Physical exam by a doctor (using the provided form)
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and walk for extended periods
• Good manual dexterity
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing

Critical Health Requirements

Deadline: Completion is Mandatory Before the start of Clinical Rotations (which begin in 2-3 weeks after the program start date). (4-Week Completion Window Recommended)

Begin these immediately - they take time to complete!

Health Requirements

Allow up to 4 weeks to complete all health requirements. Start immediately to ensure completion before clinical rotations begin!

1. COVID-19 Vaccine (optional decline form available)

• Complete full vaccination series
• Pfizer/Moderna: Both doses required
• Johnson & Johnson: Single dose

2. Physical Examination

• Must be completed by your doctor on the required form
• Download form: Physical Form
• If the link doesn't work, go to Canvas modules to find the form
• All immunization records must be on a separate form

3. Tuberculosis (TB) Testing - Choose ONE option:

• The first test must be read within 48-72 hours
• The second test given 2 weeks later (not 1 week)
• The second test must also be read within 48-72 hours
• If you miss any reading appointments, you must restart the entire TB testing process
• One-time blood test (Titer)
• No follow-up visit required
• Get QuantiFERON Gold Test (recommended), OR
• Provide physician documentation (less than 12 months old) confirming:
  
  • No TB symptoms
  • Clearance to work in healthcare
    • Option A: Two-Step PPD Skin Test
    • Option B: QuantiFERON Gold Blood Test (Recommended)
    • If you have a history of positive TB tests:
    • IMPORTANT: Complete TB testing BEFORE getting the MMR vaccine

4. Tdap Vaccine

• If never vaccinated with tetanus/diphtheria vaccines, need 3-dose series
• If previously vaccinated, you need a Td booster if it has been more than 10 years since your last Tdap

5.  Hepatitis B

• 3-vaccine series
• Titer lab report (6 weeks after final injection)

6. Varicella (Chicken Pox)

• 2 vaccines OR
• Titer lab report
• History of chickenpox is NOT acceptable

7. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• 2 vaccines OR
• Titer lab report
• IMPORTANT: Complete TB testing before MMR vaccination

8. Annual Flu Shot (optional decline form available

• Per clinical facility regulations, students who decline the flu shot MUST wear a mask during clinical sessions.

Document Submission

• Submit all documentation via Canvas to heidiw@bigbend.edu

Program Schedule

• Spring Quarter Classes: Mondays & Wednesdays, 2:15 PM - 6:15 PM
• Other Quarters Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:15 PM - 6:15 PM
• First 2-3 Fridays: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Includes CPR/BLS course)
  • Students will obtain their BLS provider certification from the American Heart Association during one of these Friday sessions (not a clinical day)

The AHA BLS Provider card is a wallet-sized credential with the American Heart Association logo that displays your name, certification date, and expiration date

Important Note for Nursing Program Students: If you are in the Nursing Program, your BLS Provider certification must be renewed EVERY 12 months while in the program.

• Remaining Fridays (Clinical):
  • Day shifts: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Evening shifts: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Required Materials

Textbooks (Obtain before class starts)

• Leading Textbook: Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care: Long-Term Care, 5th Edition
  • ISBN: 978-1-60425-1371
• Workbook: Hartman's Workbook
  • ISBN: 978-1-60425-138-8
• Purchase from:
  • Amazon
  • Hartman Publishing (800-999-9534)
  • Vendor of your choice

Equipment

• Gait belt (vinyl or carbon fiber ONLY - cotton not allowed) - Example of correct gait belt
• 2 pairs of hunter green scrubs (professional style only - no joggers, no sweatpants, no sweat suit styles) - Search "Hunter Green Scrubs" on Amazon or your preferred vendor
• Professional, supportive shoes for walking and standing with closed-toe, closed-heel, non-slip soles.

Dress Code

• First week: Regular clothes are acceptable
• After the first week: Professional scrubs are required daily (any color acceptable, but must be professional style and not joggers)
• Clinical uniform:
  • Hunter green scrubs (professional style only)
  • Nursing shoes (closed toe, full heel coverage, non-slip soles)
  • Hair neat and pulled back
  • Limited jewelry
  • No artificial nails or nail polish
  • Cover tattoos and piercings
  • BBCC name badge must be worn (will be provided during class)

Academic Requirements and Attendance Policy

Passing and grading Requirements:

Students must meet ALL of the following criteria to pass the course:

• Maintain a minimum of 75% in each of these components:
  • Maslow's Pyramids and Class Group Assignments
  • Participation and Professionalism
  • Homework
  • Quizzes and Exams
• Maintain a minimum of 80% in the Skills component
• Achieve an overall course grade of at least 75%

Failing to meet the minimum percentage in ANY component will result in course failure, regardless of the overall grade.

1. Attendance Policy

• Two incidents of tardiness/absences will result in a 10% deduction in grade
• Three incidents of tardiness/absences will result in an "incomplete" grade, and the student will be dropped from the program
• 1st: 10% grade deduction
• 2nd: 20% grade deduction
• 3rd: Failing grade and program dismissal
• Seven mandatory clinical shifts with NO exceptions
• Missed clinical shifts result in program failure - no makeup opportunities available
• The only exception: Life events that the Director of the Nursing Program excuses via a student's provisional contract
• Must complete all clinicals to pass the program
• Notify the instructor of absences 30 minutes before class
• Tardiness is not tolerated. Tardiness is defined as not arriving at the designated time.
• Plan accordingly for childcare, appointments, transportation, and family obligations

2.  Academic Honesty

• No cheating or plagiarism
• Report mistakes in lab situations and clinical settings

Clinical Behavior

• Maintain patient confidentiality
• No personal discussions with patients
• No accepting gifts from patients
• Be punctual and respectful
• No cell phones in clinical settings
• Follow dress code and clinical agency policies
• Wear scrubs, a gait belt, a name tag, and nursing shoes

Skills Lab/Classroom Requirements

• Wear scrubs and a gait belt
• No food or drinks in the lab
• Keep noise levels down
• Mandatory attendance
• Complete all lab duties (cleaning, laundry, equipment care)
• Daily participation and professionalism points are awarded
• Active participation in skills lab, clinical, and classroom
• Points deducted for sleeping or doing unrelated work

Cell Phone and Electronic Devices Policy

Mandatory Restrictions and HIPAA Compliance Policy

• Cell phones and unapproved electronics are prohibited:
  • During class/lab times
  • Use is allowed only during breaks
  • Not permitted at clinical sites (HIPAA compliance)
  • Emergency contact: Share the instructor's number or facility-assigned number with the family
• Violation = Removal from a session with no credit for that day

Steps to Success

1. CPR/BLS Certification (American Heart Association only)
2. Nursing Assistant Registered (NA-R) license application (if applicable)
3. Washington State Skills and Written Exam upon completion of the program
4. Nursing Assistant Certified (NA-C) License Application and Fee
   

Questions or Concerns?

Contact Carmen:

• Email: carmens@bigbend.edu
• Phone:509-793-2132
• Email: heidiw@bigbend.edu
• Phone:509-793-2137
  

TAKE ACTION NOW: After reviewing these requirements, complete the quiz immediately. Your understanding of these requirements is crucial to the program's success.

Note: Some requirements may take up to 4 weeks to complete; please start immediately!