HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II – PRACTICAL NURSING COURSE

TESDA TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II (PRACTICAL NURSING)

The TESDA Course in HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II consists of competencies that a person must achieve to prepare and maintain beds, collect and maintain linen stocks at end-user locations, assist with patient mobility, assist in transporting patients, assist with bio-psychosocial support care of patients and handle waste in a health care environment.

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Trainees or students wishing to enroll in these course qualifications should possess the following requirements:

• 16 years old and above
• Must pass the trainability / aptitude test
• Can communicate effectively both orally and in written form
• Physically, emotionally and mentally fit
• Can perform basic mathematical computation

This list does not include specific institutional requirements such as educational attainment, appropriate work experience, and others that may be required of the trainees by the school or training center delivering this TVET program.

A student who has achieved this TESDA Course in HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II is competent to be:

• Nursing Attendant
• Nursing Aide
• Hospital Assistant
• Health Aide

HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II (PRACTICAL NURSING COURSE)

Course Title: HEALTH CARE SERVICES
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration :

(Basic Competency) 18 Hours
(Common Competency) 18 Hours
(Core Competency) 960 Hours

Total Duration: 996 Hours

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of Health Care Services NC II in accordance with industry standards. It covers the basic common and core competencies in preparing and maintaining beds, collecting and maintaining linen stocks at end user locations, assisting with patient mobility, transport and bio-psychosocial support care of patients and handling waste in a health care environment.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common, and Core Competencies.

To obtain this TESDA course in HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

This section gives the details and contents of the units of competency required in HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II. These units of competency are categorized into basic, common and core competencies.

CORE COMPETENCIES

This section gives the details of the contents of the core units of competency required in HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PREPARE AND MAINTAIN BEDS
UNIT CODE : HCS323314

This unit of competency covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in preparing and making beds and performing after-care activities.

1. Prepare area for bed making
   • Personal protective equipment is used, according to institutional policy
   • Bed height is adjusted as necessary
   • Bed surroundings are cleared of medical and other equipment before bed is stripped, where necessary
   • Patient privacy, comfort and safety is provided at all times
   • Bed linen is checked for displaced personal items, aids and equipment and such aids/equipment are placed in appropriate area/container
2. Make bed
   • Bed linen is stripped, where necessary
   • Clinical waste and soiled linen are removed and placed in appropriate container
   • Bed is cleaned according to established procedures, where necessary
   • Clean bed linen is placed on bed in accordance with institution procedures
   • Existing bed linen is remade, as needed
   • Patient is asked whether he/she is comfortable, or if he/she has any preferred bed needs
   • Reusable clean bed linen is handled in accordance with institution procedures
   • Mattresses and pillows are cleaned and disinfected, in accordance with established procedures
   • Bed height is adjusted for occupancy and brakes are applied according to bed type
3. Perform after-care activities
   • Beds and equipment/ aids are kept accessible and bed is left ready for occupancy
   • Damaged and/or faulty beds, equipment mattresses, pillows and linen are reported to appropriate personnel and documented accordingly.
   • Soiled linen and clinical wastes are discarded according to established protocol
   • Cleaning implements are cleaned and returned to designated storage areas or disposed of appropriately.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : COLLECT AND MAINTAIN LINEN STOCKS AT END-USER LOCATIONS
UNIT CODE : HCS323315

This unit of competency covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to collect soiled linen from end-user locations, deliver soiled linen to a designated holding area, distribute clean linen and maintain linen stock levels at end-user locations.

1. Collect soiled linen
   • Soiled linen is collected as scheduled from end user locations
   • Soiled linen bag is replaced in accordance with institution policies and procedures
   • Soiled linen is transported to designated holding area using appropriate equipment and safe handling techniques
   • Collection of soiled linen is carried out in a manner that minimizes the risk of cross contamination and complies with OHS policy and procedures
   • Hazards are identified and reported to supervisor
   • Appropriate procedures for dealing with accidents, including sharp injuries are followed correctly
2. Distribute clean linen
   • Clean linen is transported as scheduled to end- user locations using appropriate equipment and safe handling techniques
   • Linen is replaced to ensure adequate supply for users
   • Linen stock is rotated and old stock returned for reprocessing
3. Maintain linen stock levels
   • Optimum stock levels are maintained to ensure linen availability
   • Linen is requisitioned to par level quantity
   • Linen is stored in linen storage facilities and maintained according to institution requirements
   • Linen stock records are maintained according to institution requirements
   • Linen inventory is done according to institution policies and procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : ASSIST IN PATIENT MOBILITY
UNIT CODE : HCS323316

This unit of competency covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to assist incapacitated patients in basic physical movements.

1. Prepare to assist with patient mobility
   • Requirements for assisting with patient mobility are confirmed with concerned health personnel and care plan
   • Equipment are selected according to prescribed plan of care
   • Environment is prepared according to established guidelines
   • Procedure is explained to patient as required using appropriate communication techniques
2. Assist with patient mobility
   • Patient mobility is carried out using safe handling Method and equipment as required
   • Appropriate action is taken to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout positioning or transfer
   • Communication with patients during movement is undertaken according to established procedures
3. Complete patient mobility assistance
   • Patient is moved to prescribed position and concerned health personnel are informed accordingly
   • Equipment is cleaned in accordance with established procedures
   • Equipment’s working condition is reported immediately in accordance with established procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : ASSIST IN TRANSPORTING PATIENTS
UNIT CODE : HCS323317

This unit of competency covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to safely and efficiently assist in transporting patients from one location to another.

1. Prepare patient for transport
   • Transportation requirements are confirmed with appropriate health care personnel
   • Transport procedures are explained to patient as required
   • Preparations are made for the safe and efficient transport of the patient as per instructions
   • Equipment for transportation is readied according to requirements and checked to ensure that it is clean, complete and functional
2. Assist in patient transport
   • Patient is transported to designated location in accordance with established procedures
   • Equipment is adjusted to ensure patient comfort and safety with minimal risk to self
   • Patient is brought to designated location and reported to appropriate health care personnel
3. Perform post-transport procedures
   • Equipment is cleaned in accordance with established procedures
   • Equipment is returned according to standard operating procedures
   • Working condition of equipment is reported immediately in accordance with established procedures.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : ASSIST IN BIO-PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT CARE OF PATIENTS
UNIT CODE : HCS323318

This unit of competency covers the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes which apply to the provision of bio-psychosocial support care of patients in various healthcare situations.

1. Establish and maintain rapport with the patient
   • Initial contact is made with patient care and its appropriate time according to the care plan and / or established procedures
   • Courtesy is demonstrated in all communication with patients and staff in the workplace
   • Interpersonal exchanges are initiated with patient as appropriate
   • Communication is developed and maintained for effective relationship with patients
   • Trust and confidence of patient is consistently generated in all of the relevant work activities that are undertaken
   • Confidentiality and privacy of patient is consistently maintained
   • Patient’s rights and roles in decision- making is respected
2. Obtain information regarding the biopsychosocial needs of the patient
   • Patient information is obtained from the family/significant others and concerned health personnel
   • Patient bio-psychosocial care needs are determined and recognized
   • Scope, nature and frequency of patient support needs and confirmed with patient and appropriate health personnel as required
   • Patient information is reported as appropriate and conforms with ethico-moral, legal, professional and institutional requirements
3. Provide assistance to meet patient needs as directed
   • Comfort and safety measures are provided according to the care plan and direction of the health professional
   • Assistance and support is provided with minimum physical and emotional discomfort to patients and with minimum risk to self
   • Assistance is provided in emergency situations according to prescribed protocol

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : HANDLE WASTE IN A HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : HCS323319

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes to handle and dispose of waste in a safe manner within the health care environment.

1. Determine job requirements
   • Work sheets are reviewed to determine waste handling requirements
   • Appropriate equipment required for waste handling tasks is selected and obtained to maximize work effectiveness and efficiency
   • Health care sites are organized and set up to ensure safe, effective and efficient handling of waste in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant legislation
   • Potential risks and hazards to work are identified and managed in accordance with workplace requirements, OSH, infection control and other relevant legislation
   • Reporting identified risks are followed in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Emergency and personal protective equipment are selected and fitted in accordance with job requirements, manufactures’ specifications, workplace requirements and relevant legislation
2. Identify and segregate waste
   • Hazardous, dangerous and non-conforming waste is clearly identified and handled in accordance with workplace policies and procedures as well as relevant legislation
   • All waste are accurately identified, labeled and segregated according to waste types in accordance with workplace policies and procedures and relevant legislation
   • All sorted waste are carefully placed into correct waste category containers to prevent litter in work areas and avoid cross-contamination
   • Waste containers are frequently monitored to ensure adequate available containers and to secure containment of waste
   • Full waste containers are emptied or replaced promptly to minimize disruption to the workplace in accordance with policies and procedures and job requirements
   • Segregated waste is clearly labeled in accordance with job requirements, workplace policies and procedures and relevant legislation
3. Transport and store waste
   • Appropriate transport equipment is selected for waste transport activities to maximize work effectiveness and efficiency and in accordance with workplace policies and procedures and relevant legislation
   • All transport equipment are color-coded and labeled in accordance with workplace policies and procedures and relevant legislation
   • Transport loads are secured and not overloaded according to workplace requirements and relevant legislation
   • Waste collection rounds are performed as often as required to minimize waste overflow hazards.
   • Storage areas are enclosed and secured in accordance with workplace requirement and relevant legislation
   • Waste types are stored in accordance with relevant legislation and workplace requirements
4. Conduct quality control activities
   •  Waste is inspected and checked to ensure that it is placed in the correct waste receptacle
   • Storage areas are inspected and checked to ensure that they are secured in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant legislation
   • All details of quality control activities are documented accurately and promptly in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant legislation
5. Clean up work areas
   • Waste storage sites and all equipment are cleaned to ensure safe and effective future operation in accordance with company requirements
   • Waste from cleaning activities is disposed of in accordance with workplace requirements, council requirements and relevant legislation

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : IMPLEMENT AND MONITOR INFECTION CONTROL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : HCS323201

This unit is concerned with infection control responsibilities of employees with supervisory accountability to implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures in a specific work unit or team within an organization. This unit does not apply to a role with organization-wide responsibilities for infection control policy and procedure development, implementation or monitoring.

1. Provide information to the work group about the organization’s infection control policies and procedures.
   • Relevant information about the organization’s infection control policy and procedures, and applicable industry codes of practice are accurately and clearly explained to the work group
   • Information about identified hazards and the outcomes of infection risk assessments is regularly provided to the work group
   • Opportunity is provided for the work group to seek further information on workplace infection control issues and practices
2. Integrate the organization’s infection control policy and procedure into work practices
   • Infection control policy and procedures are implemented by supervisor and members of the work group.
   • Liaison is maintained with person responsible for organization-wide infection control.
   • The Supervisor’s coaching support ensures that individuals/teams are able to implement infection control practices
   • Work procedures are adopted to reflect appropriate infection control practice
   • Issues raised through consultation are dealt with and resolved promptly or referred to the appropriate personnel for resolution
   • Workplace procedures for dealing with infection control risks and hazardous events are implemented whenever necessary
   • Employees are encouraged to report infection risks and to improve infection control procedures
3. Monitor infection control performance and implement improvements in practices
   • Infection control hazardous events are investigated promptly to identify their cause in accordance with organization policy and procedures
   • Work procedures to control infection risks are monitored to ensure compliance
   • Work procedures are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure improvements in infection control practice
   • Supervisor provides feedback to team and individuals on compliance issues, changes in work procedures and infection control outcomes
   • Training in work procedures is provided as required to ensure maintenance of infection control standards
   • Inadequacies in work procedures and infection control measures are identified, corrected or reported to designated personnel
   • Records of infection control risks and incidents are accurately maintained as required
   • Aggregate infection control information reports are used to identify hazards, to monitor and improve risk control Method and to indicate training needs

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO DIFFICULT/ CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR
UNIT CODE : HCS323202

This unit of competency covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes to effectively respond to difficult or challenging behavior of patient.

1. Plan responses
   • Responses are planned to instances of difficult or challenging behavior to maximize the availability of other appropriate staff and resources
   • Specific manifestations of difficult or challenging behavior are identified and strategies appropriate to these behaviors are planned as required.
   • Safety of self and others is given priority in responding to difficult or challenging behavior according to institutional policies and procedures.
2. Apply response
   • Difficult or challenging behavior is dealt with promptly, firmly and diplomatically in accordance with institutional policy and procedures.
   • Communication is used effectively to achieve the desired outcomes in responding to difficult or challenging behavior
   • Appropriate strategies are selected to suit particular instances of difficult or challenging behavior
3. Report and review incidents
   • Incidents are reported according to institutional policies and procedures
   • Incidents are reviewed with appropriate staff and suggestions appropriate to area of responsibility are made.
   • Debriefing mechanisms and other activities are used and participated in
   • Advice and assistance is sought from legitimate sources when appropriate.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : APPLY BASIC FIRST AID
UNIT CODE : HCS323203

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide an initial response where First Aid is required. In this unit it is assumed that the First Aider is working under supervision and / or according to established workplace First Aid procedures and policies

1. Assess the situation
   • Physical hazards to self and casualty’s health and safety are identified
   • Immediate risks to self and casualty’s occupational health and safety (OSH )are minimized by controlling the hazard in accordance with OSH requirements
   • Casualty’s vital signs and physical condition are assessed in accordance with workplace procedures
2. Apply basic first aid techniques
   • First Aid management is provided in accordance with established First Aid procedures
   • Casualty is reassured in a caring and calm manner and made comfortable using available resources
   • First Aid assistance is sought from others in a timely manner and as appropriate
   • Casualty’s condition is monitored and responded to in accordance with effective First Aid principles and workplace procedures
   • Details of casualty’s physical condition, changes in conditions, management and response are accurately recorded in line with organizational procedures
   • Casualty management is finalized according to his/her needs and First Aid principles
3. Communicate details of the incident
   • Appropriate medical assistance is requested using relevant communication media and equipment
   • Details of casualty’s condition and management activities are accurately conveyed to emergency services/relieving personnel
   • Reports to supervisors are prepared in a timely manner, presenting all relevant facts according to established company procedures

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF PATIENT SERVICES
UNIT CODE : HCS323204

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required in the maintenance of high standards of patient services.

1. Communicate appropriately with patients
   • Effective communication strategies and techniques are identified and used to achieve best patient service outcomes
   • Complaints are responded to in accordance with organizational policy to ensure best service to patients
   • Complaints are dealt with in accordance with established procedures
   • Interpreter services are accessed as required
   • Action is taken to resolve conflicts either directly, where a positive outcome can be immediately achieved, or by referral to the appropriate personnel
   • Participation in work team is constructive and collaborative and demonstrates an understanding of own role
2. Establish and maintain good interpersonal relationship with patients
   • Rapport is established to ensure the service is appropriate to and in the best interests of patients
   • Effective listening skills are used to ensure a high level of effective communication and quality of service
   • Patient concerns and needs are correctly identified and responded to responsibly and accordingly established procedures and guidelines
   • Effectiveness of interpersonal interaction is consistently monitored and evaluated to ensure best patient service outcomes
3. Act in a respectful manner at all times
   • Respect for differences is positively, actively and consistently demonstrated in all work
   • Confidentiality and privacy of patients is maintained
   • Courtesy is demonstrated in all interactions with patients, their visitors, careers and family
   • Assistance with the care of patients with challenging behaviors is provided in accordance with established procedures
   • Techniques are used to manage and minimize aggression
4. Evaluate own work to maintain a high standard of patient service
   • Advice and assistance is received or sought from appropriate sources on own performance
   • Own work is adjusted, incorporating recommendations that address performance issues, to maintain the agreed standard of patient support

BASIC COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 500311105

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.

1. Obtain and convey workplace information
   • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
   • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used together and convey information
   • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
   • Appropriate non- verbal communication is used
   • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
   • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
   • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
   • Team meetings are at ended on time
   • Own opinions are clear expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
   • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
   • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
   • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are asked and responded to.
   • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
3. Complete relevant work related documents
   • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
   • Workplace data is recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
   • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
   • Errors in recording information on forms/documents are identified and properly acted upon
   • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : 500311106

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team.

1. Describe team role and scope
   • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
   • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate external sources.
2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
   • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified.
   • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized.
   • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified.
3. Work as a team member
   • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives.
   • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context.
   • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures.
   • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM
UNIT CODE : 500311107

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals
   • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
   • Intra- and interpersonal relationships is are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance evaluation
   • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
2. Set and meet work priorities
   • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
   • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
   • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
3. Maintain professional growth and development
   • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
   • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
   • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE  OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : 500311108

This unit covers the outcomes required to comply with regulatory and organizational requirements for occupational health and safety.

1. Identify hazards and risks
   • Safety regulations and workplace safety and hazard control practices and procedures are clarified and explained based on organization procedures
   • Hazards/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment in accordance with organization procedures
   • Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with organization procedures
2. Evaluate hazards and risks
   • Terms of maximum tolerable limits which when exceeded will result in harm or damage are identified based on threshold limit values (TLV)
   • Effects of the hazards are determined
   • OHS issues and/or concerns and identified safety hazards are reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant workplace OHS legislation
3. Control hazards and risks
   • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures for controlling hazards/risks in workplace are consistently
     followed
   • Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are followed in accordance with organization OHS policies
   • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices
   • Appropriate assistance is provided in the event of a workplace emergency in accordance with established organization protocol
4. Maintain OHS awareness
   • Emergency-related drills and trainings are participated in as per established organization guidelines and procedures
   • OHS personal records are completed and updated in accordance with workplace requirements

DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Body Mechanics – refers to using the body in an efficient and careful way
• Hazardous Waste – refers to the items contaminated with blood, body fluids, or body substances that maybe harmful to others
• OSH – refers to Occupational Safety and Health
• Commodes – refers to movable stand containing a washbowl
• Chair Lifts – refers to power-driven chair assembly used to transport people
• Dietitians – refers to specialist in dietetic
• Immunization – refers to process of increasing the state of immunity
• First Aid Kit – refers to emergency tools used to administer treatment to injured or sick person
• Balkan frames – refers to a device used for orthostatic correction
• Linen – refers to materials used in draping
• Ambu bag – refers to (Bag – Valve – mask), a device used to ventilate patients who are unable to breath
• Walking frames – refers to orthostatic device used to support body weight
• Sling – refers to a material or a cloth used to support the upper extremity
• Splints – refers to a material or a piece of cloth used to immobilize a limb in the case of fracture, disease of deformity
• Trolley – refers to a rolling device used to transport materials
• PPE – refers to personal protective equipment
• Wheel chair – refers to a device used to transport patient from one place to another in a sitting position
• Stretchers – refers to a device used in transferring patients in lying position
• Pressure Bandage – refers to a piece of material used to cover a wound and immobilize a part of the body or restrict the movement
• Thermal blanket – refers to a material used to decrease the body temperature or keep the patient warm
• Stressors – refers to an agent or factor that produces stress
• Choking – refers to a person having difficulty in breathing
• Aspiration – refers to removal of liquids or gases by means of suction
• Suffocation – refers to suppression of ones breathing with out access of oxygen
• Depression –refers to mental condition of gloom or sadness
• Suicide – refers to the act of intentionally killing oneself
• Assault – refers to violent physical or verbal attack