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More Students than Resources in your CNA or PCT Program Lab? Making Instruction Work

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Hey there, Nurse Aide/Patient Care Technician instructors and enthusiasts!

 

Today, let’s talk about a topic close to many of our hearts: navigating the challenges of teaching large groups of students with limits to the educational environment.

 

It’s no secret that in the world of CNA instruction, we often find ourselves juggling resources while striving to provide top-notch training for our students.

 

Here’s the good news…with a little creativity and some tried-and-true strategies, we can make magic happen in the classroom.

 

So, grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive in!

Creative classroom floor plan demonstrating CNA PCT lab strategies with limited resources, using budget-friendly equipment and organized workstations from blog post from CNA Resources by Victoria

Rotating Lab Stations: A Game-Changer for Hands-On Learning

Picture this: a bustling classroom filled with eager learners, each itching to get their hands on the equipment.

 

Sound familiar?

 

Enter rotating lab stations!

 

This ingenious approach allows us to maximize equipment usage while keeping students engaged and actively learning.

 

By rotating through different stations, everyone gets a chance to practice essential skills without feeling like they’re missing out. 

 

All you need to do is prep your lab ahead of time. 

 

Make sure necessary equipment is at each station before beginning the rotations. 

 

The only rule I have is that every student work through every station. 

 

You will need to walk around the room to answer questions or assist when necessary. 

 

You may also want to have the skill steps for each skill posted at each station at first.

Simulated Diet Slips for CNA PCT lab practice from from blog post from CNA Resources by Victoria
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TpT resource Simulated Resident Patient Profiles Kardexes from blog post from CNA Resources by Victoria
Lab Skill Task Cards for CNA and PCT training from blog post by CNA Resources by Victoria

Creating Resident Simulations: Bringing Learning to Life

Creating realistic simulations doesn’t have to be pricey.

 

With a bit of imagination and resourcefulness, we can bring the real resident environment right into our classroom.

 

From bed-making to assisting with ADLs, the possibilities are endless.

 

By immersing students in lifelike scenarios, we not only enhance their practical skills but also instill empathy and compassion – qualities every Nurse Aide should embody. 

 

How you ask? 

 

Create simulated resident profiles and task cards. 

 

Create a “Kardex” with resident information displayed for each of your simulated resident’s. 

 

Next, match each Kardex with a wall name plate and ID wrist bands (for resident identification). 

 

Last, create task cards, listing 5 or so Nurse Aide skills the students need to complete. 

 

The challenge is that students need to complete the skills based on each individual resident’s needs. 

 

For instance, one of your simulated residents may have suffered a CVA and has an affected left side with difficulty in communication. 

 

Or maybe another simulated resident does not speak English. 

 

The students will have to problem solve to care for these residents. 

 

Higher level thinking!!!

 

Creating these items is possible with programs such as Google Slides or Power Point but really, you could create these things on paper. 

 

For simulated resident information already created, click on the pictures above and go to my online store!

Picture of Urinary System information posted above a hospital bed to show the concept of adding theory to lab skills from blog post from CNA Resources by Victoria

Adding Theory Concepts to the Mix: Making Learning Meaningful

Theory concepts in a lab setting?

 

You betcha!

 

Gone are the days of separating theory and practice – it’s all about integration, baby!

 

By weaving theory into our lab stations, we give students a deeper understanding of the “why” behind the “how.”

 

Whether it’s discussing infection control while washing hands or explaining the importance of proper body mechanics during transfers, every hands-on activity becomes a learning opportunity.

 

For instance, the students may have to complete a graphic organizer or worksheet discussing the Urinary System at the station where they also have to complete catheter care. 

 

Talk about bang for your buck!

CNA PCT Students with a CPR manikin to show small group instruction from blog post from CNA Resources by Victoria

Instruction Style: Large Group? Small Group? Or a Little of Both?

Large Group Instruction: Let’s Get Everyone in on the Action

Picture this: the classroom is bustling with energy, filled with eager faces ready to soak up knowledge like sponges.

 

Large group instruction  of “Resident Bathing” kicks off with the instructor at the helm, leading the charge.

 

We’re talking about teaching a bunch of students at once, which actually has some pretty sweet perks:

 

Standardization: Everyone’s on the same page, folks. Large group instruction means everyone gets the same scoop, no matter who you are.

 

It’s like the McDonald’s of learning – consistent and reliable.

 

 

Peer Learning Opportunities: It’s not just the instructor doing all the talking – we’re in this together! Group discussions, team projects, you name it.

 

We’re learning from each other, sharing experiences, and growing as a team.

 

Scale: Got a big crowd?

 

No problem! Large group instruction can handle it.

 

Perfect for programs with tons of students itching to learn the ropes.

 

 

But hey, there ARE some cons:

 

 

Limited Individual Attention: When you’ve got a packed house, it can be tough for the instructor to give each student the one-on-one attention they need. Some might feel a bit left out in the cold.

 

 

Reduced Engagement: With so many faces in the crowd, it’s easy to fade into the background.

 

Students might not feel as involved or motivated to jump into the conversation.

 

I like to run a live Zoom or Google Meet with me performing skill steps and projecting from the meeting to a screen in front of a large group.

Small Group Instruction: Let’s Keep it Cozy

Now, imagine a smaller, more intimate setting.

 

Small group instruction is like gathering around a campfire with your closest pals – cozy, engaging, and oh-so-effective.

 

 

Personalized Attention: Here’s where you get the VIP treatment. With a smaller group, instructors can really zone in on each student’s needs, offering tailored support and guidance.

 

 

Increased Engagement: Forget about feeling like a wallflower.

 

In small groups, everyone’s got a voice. We’re chatting, asking questions, and bouncing ideas off each other like nobody’s business.

 

 

Flexibility: It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book.

 

Small group instruction lets us mix things up, catering to different learning styles and preferences.

 

No cookie-cutter approach here!

 

 

Enhanced Feedback: Talk about constructive criticism.

 

Instructors can dish out personalized feedback like it’s going out of style, helping us grow and improve every step of the way.

 

 

But hey, there are a couple of hiccups along the way:

 

 

Resource Intensiveness: Running multiple small group sessions can be a bit of a logistical puzzle.

 

We’re talking extra instructors, space, and materials. It’s a balancing act, for sure.

 

 

Logistical Considerations: Wrangling a bunch of small groups can be a bit like herding cats.

 

It takes some serious organization and coordination, especially with a big crowd.

 

 

I’ve found this works best for me when I can keep the other students engaged with other activities while waiting for their turn.

Striking a Balance: Mixing it Up for Maximum Impact

So, what’s the secret sauce?

 

Finding the perfect balance between large group and small group instruction.

 

It’s like having the best of both worlds!

 

 

Now, let’s bring it all together with a real-world example – teaching the ins and outs of giving a bed bath.

 

We start with a lively large group session, where the instructor walks us through the basics.

 

Then, we break into smaller groups for some hands-on practice and personalized feedback.

 

It’s a winning combo that ensures everyone gets the attention they deserve while still keeping things efficient and engaging.

And there you have it, folks – a friendly chat about making CNA or PCT instruction work, even in large number/resource-limited settings.

 

Remember, with a touch of creativity and lots of determination, anything is possible.

 

So go forth, dear instructors, and keep inspiring the next generation of CNAs. Until next time, happy teaching!

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1 thought on “More Students than Resources in your CNA or PCT Program Lab? Making Instruction Work”

  1. Christie

    This is very helpful to begin the visualize how teaching can be effective with the resources i have. thanks for sharing amazing tips and your experience with us.

    Reply

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