Course Content
Introduction to Nursing
This topic introduces students to the nursing profession and the healthcare system as a whole. Learners will explore the role of nurses, different nursing specialties, healthcare settings, and the core values that guide nursing practice. This section lays the foundation for understanding what it means to be a nurse, the responsibilities involved, and the importance of compassionate, ethical, and patient-centered care in modern healthcare.
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Medical Terminology
This topic introduces the language of healthcare. Students will learn common medical terms, prefixes, suffixes, and root words used in nursing and allied health settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding, pronouncing, and correctly using medical terminology to improve communication, documentation, and patient safety.
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Anatomy & Physiology Basics
This topic provides an overview of basic human anatomy and physiology. Students will explore major body systems, their structures, and how they function together to maintain health. This foundational knowledge prepares learners for more advanced anatomy and physiology coursework in nursing school.
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Healthcare Ethics & Legal Responsibilities
This topic examines ethical principles and legal considerations in healthcare. Students will learn about patient rights, confidentiality, informed consent, and professional accountability. The topic emphasizes ethical decision-making and understanding the legal responsibilities nurses must uphold in clinical practice.
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Patient Care Fundamentals
This topic focuses on the core principles of patient care. Students will learn about basic caregiving skills, patient comfort, dignity, mobility, nutrition, and observation. Emphasis is placed on compassionate, patient-centered care and the nurse’s role in supporting physical and emotional well-being.
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Infection Control & Safety
This topic introduces infection prevention and safety practices in healthcare environments. Students will learn about hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), standard precautions, and workplace safety. Understanding infection control is essential for protecting patients, healthcare workers, and the community.
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Vital Signs & Basic Clinical Skills
This topic provides an introduction to vital signs and basic clinical skills. Students will learn the purpose and significance of measuring temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, as well as basic observation techniques. This topic prepares learners for hands-on clinical training.
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Communication & Professionalism in Healthcare
This topic emphasizes effective communication and professionalism in healthcare settings. Students will explore verbal and non-verbal communication, teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and professional behavior. Strong communication skills are essential for patient safety, collaboration, and career success in nursing.
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Academic Readiness for Nursing School
This topic prepares students for the academic demands of nursing education. Learners will develop study strategies, time management skills, test-taking techniques, and critical thinking abilities. The goal is to build confidence and readiness for success in nursing and allied health programs.
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Nursing Pathways, Certifications & Career Planning
This topic explores nursing career pathways and educational options. Students will learn about different nursing roles, certification levels, and advancement opportunities. Emphasis is placed on goal setting, professional development, and planning the next steps toward a nursing career.
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Healthcare Foundations – Final Exam
This final exam evaluates overall understanding of healthcare ethics, patient care fundamentals, infection control and safety, vital signs and basic clinical skills, communication and professionalism, academic readiness for nursing school, and nursing pathways and career planning.
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Pre-Nursing Foundations Certificate Program

Infection Control & Safety

Introduction

Infection control and safety are essential components of healthcare practice. These principles are used to prevent the spread of disease, protect patients, and maintain a safe environment for healthcare workers.

Every healthcare professional is responsible for following infection control and safety guidelines at all times.


What Is Infection Control?

Infection control refers to practices used to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms.

These practices help reduce:

  • Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

  • Patient complications

  • Risk of illness among healthcare workers

Infection control is a daily responsibility, not an occasional task.


Standard Precautions

Standard precautions are infection prevention measures used for all patients, regardless of diagnosis.

Standard precautions include:

  • Proper hand hygiene

  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Safe handling of sharps

  • Proper disposal of waste

  • Cleaning and disinfecting equipment

These precautions assume that all blood and body fluids may be infectious.


Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.

Healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene:

  • Before and after patient contact

  • Before aseptic procedures

  • After contact with bodily fluids

  • After touching patient surroundings

Hands may be cleaned using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE protects both patients and healthcare workers from exposure to infection.

Common PPE includes:

  • Gloves

  • Masks

  • Gowns

  • Face shields or goggles

PPE must be used correctly and removed safely to prevent contamination.


Environmental Safety

A safe healthcare environment reduces the risk of injury and infection.

Safety practices include:

  • Keeping walkways clear

  • Cleaning spills immediately

  • Proper equipment storage

  • Following safety signage

  • Reporting hazards promptly

Environmental safety supports patient and staff well-being.


Preventing Injuries

Healthcare workers must also protect themselves from injury.

This includes:

  • Using proper body mechanics

  • Following sharps safety guidelines

  • Using safety devices when available

  • Reporting injuries immediately

Preventing injury helps maintain a safe workplace.

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