October 8, 2015
Jonesboro Students Learn Caregiving Skills
Today is the beginning of a new journey for these ladies as they graduate from the In-Home Assistant (PCA) course in Jonesboro. They have learned valuable caregiving skills and are shown here practicing what they have been taught.
Maria helps Antoinette transfer from a chair to a wheelchair so they can go outside and enjoy the nice day!
Natasha assists Leah who is using a walker to get a little sunshine in her day.
The IHA/PCA course provides education on the basic skills necessary for those who require minimal to moderate assistance. Instruction is given on basic activities such as bathing, dressing, walking, meal prep/feeding, companionship, conversation and how to maintain a clean and safe environment.
Maria practices feeding her patient, Leah who is also blind. Students learn what it is like to be both the care provider and the care recipient.
Leah feeds her patient Maria who is unable to feed herself.
Antionette feeds her patient Natasha who cannot hold a cup due to a recent stroke. She will also feed her while describing what she is doing along the way.
This course fulfills the law requiring home caregivers to have a minimum of 40 hours of training to do home care in Arkansas. This certified course is a part of the CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) training program also offered at UAMS Schmieding in Jonesboro but can also stand alone.
What sets us apart from other schools is the amount of hands on training and practice time for our students. “This course is just the beginning of a new future for many graduates and we are pleased to present them to the workforce in our local communities,’ says Linda Willey, RN, CDP – Jonesboro Program Coordinator.