Nurse Aide I

Nurse Aide I, offered as an occupational preparation course beginning at the 11th-grade level, is regulated under the Virginia Board of Nursing. It emphasizes the study of nursing occupations as related to the healthcare system. Students study growth and development across the lifespan, simple body structure and function, and medical terminology. They are introduced to concepts of infection prevention and disease processes. Students receive entry-level skill training in patient-nurse aide relationships; measuring and recording of vital signs; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and general patient care. Work-based learning may be offered as part of this course. The Nurse Aide I course introduces students to careers in nursing, health professions, and STEM-H professions. Students must maintain American Heart Association's Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) training during this course.

Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

Note: Board-approved programs must maintain regulatory compliance for all enrolled students. For students to be considered graduates of any approved program, the program must be completed in entirety to include both classroom and clinical portions of the program. Further, pursuant to regulation (18VAC90-26-50 (C)(3)), clinical must include a minimum of 40 hours of direct client care. Hours of observation shall not be included in the required 40 hours of clinical training. Simulation/lab does not count as direct client care clinical experiences.

Note: Some healthcare facilities that accept federal funding (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid) may require criminal background checks and drug screens for students participating in a clinical experience. An updated immunization record will be required prior to the student participating in the clinical experience.

Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Nursing, Guidance Documents

Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Nursing, Nurse Aide Education Program Applications and Forms  

Reference for tasks noted as required by the Virginia Board of Nursing regulation:

Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Nursing, Regulations for Nurse Aide Programs