Certified Nursing Assistant II (2025)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12, and Certified Nursing Assistant I is the prerequisite.1

  • 1

    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12, and Certified Nursing Assistant I is the prerequisite.1

INTRODUCTION2

  • A

    Career and Technical Education (CTE) instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.2.A

  • B

    The Health and Human Services Career Cluster promotes whole health in individuals and communities through diverse services. This sector includes technical, mental, and therapeutic services and personal care supported by medical and social sciences. By addressing social determinants of health and leveraging health data and science, this Cluster aims to enhance the overall health and resilience of individuals, families, and communities.2.B

  • C

    The Certified Nursing Assistant Program of Study emphasizes the development of foundational healthcare knowledge, advanced patient care skills, and clinical expertise. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom instruction, laboratory simulations, and work-based learning opportunities in real-world healthcare environments. By addressing social determinants of health, leveraging healthcare technologies, and fostering ethical and legal responsibilities, students are prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare delivery. Students will meet the Maryland Board of Nursing’s certification requirements and be eligible to sit for MBON CNA I certification. This program also equips students to transition into advanced healthcare roles or postsecondary pathways, including Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Registered Nursing (RN), or other healthcare specialties.2.C

  • D

    Certified Nursing Assistant II builds on the foundational skills from Certified Nursing Assistant I, focusing on advanced patient care techniques and preparation for certification as an MBON Certified Nursing Assistant I (CNA-I), which includes Geriatric Nursing Assistant skills. Students will complete clinical training in supervised healthcare settings, gaining real-world experience providing care to diverse patient populations, including the elderly. Topics include geriatric care, restorative care, palliative care, and preparation for state competency evaluations. By the end of this course, students will meet the Maryland Board of Nursing requirements and be eligible to sit for the CNA I certification exam.2.D

  • E

    Students will participate in at least two Career-Connected Education and Work-Based Learning experiences in this course, which might include informational interviews or job shadowing relevant to the program of study.2.E

  • F

    Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences through aligned Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs are a cocurricular requirement in the Carl D. Perkins Act, and alignment to CTSO activities is an expectation for CTE programs in the state of Maryland.2.F

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS3

  • A

    The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, maintenance of employability, and successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:3.A

    1. 1

      Identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors that enhance employability and job advancement, such as regular attendance, promptness, proper attire, maintenance of a clean and safe work environment, and pride in work.3.A.1

    2. 2

      Demonstrate positive personal qualities such as flexibility, open-mindedness, initiative, active listening, and a willingness to learn.3.A.2

    3. 3

      Employ effective reading, writing, and technical documentation skills.3.A.3

    4. 4

      Solve problems using critical thinking techniques and structured troubleshooting methodologies.3.A.4

    5. 5

      Demonstrate leadership skills and collaborate effectively as a team member.3.A.5

    6. 6

      Implement safety procedures, including proper use of software and following privacy guidelines.3.A.6

    7. 7

      Exhibit an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in the healthcare field.3.A.7

    8. 8

      Demonstrate time-management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a technical setting.3.A.8

  • B

    The student identifies various career pathways in the healthcare field. The student is expected to:3.B

    1. 1

      Develop a career plan that includes the necessary education, certifications, job skills, and experience for specific roles in healthcare.3.B.1

    2. 2

      Create a professional resume and portfolio that reflect skills, projects, certifications, and recommendations.3.B.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate effective interview skills for roles in healthcare fields.3.B.3

  • C

    The student develops technology and digital literacy skills. The student is expected to:3.C

    1. 1

      Use technology as a tool for research, organization, communication, and problem-solving.3.C.1

    2. 2

      Use digital tools, including computers, mobile devices, collaboration platforms, and cloud services, to access, manage, and create information.3.C.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate proficiency in using emerging and industry-standard technologies.3.C.3

    4. 4

      Understand ethical and legal considerations for technology use, including the principles of data protection, copyright, and responsible technology use.3.C.4

  • D

    The student integrates core academic skills into healthcare practices. The student is expected to:3.D

    1. 1

      Demonstrate the use of clear communication techniques, both written and verbal, that are consistent with industry standards.3.D.1

    2. 2

      Apply English concepts such as writing informative texts when documenting healthcare plans and articulating goals.3.D.2

    3. 3

      Use mathematical concepts for measurement and conversion (Fahrenheit vs. Celsius), ratios and proportions as well as fraction and decimal conversions.3.D.3

  • E

    The student demonstrates proficiency in technical procedures used in healthcare settings. The student is expected to:3.E

    1. 1

      Accurately measure and record vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.3.E.1

    2. 2

      Perform basic patient care tasks, including bathing, grooming, toileting, and feeding, while maintaining patient dignity.3.E.2

    3. 3

      Assist with mobility and positioning techniques, including transferring patients and using assistive devices.3.E.3

    4. 4

      Administer basic restorative care, such as range-of-motion exercises and skin integrity maintenance.3.E.4

    5. 5

      Apply mathematical operations and calculations related to patient care tasks, such as fluid intake/output measurements, height/weight conversions, and nutritional calculations.3.E.5

  • F

    The student demonstrates advanced nursing assistant skills necessary for certification as a MBON Certified Nursing Assistant I (CNA-I). The student is expected to:3.F

    1. 1

      Master basic patient care skills, including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and feeding, ensuring patient comfort and dignity.3.F.1

    2. 2

      Accurately measure and record vital signs, height, weight, intake, and output using appropriate techniques and equipment.3.F.2

    3. 3

      Implement infection prevention and control practices, including proper hand hygiene, isolation procedures, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).3.F.3

    4. 4

      Practice patient mobility techniques, such as safe transferring, ambulation assistance, and proper use of mechanical lifts.3.F.4

    5. 5

      Effectively communicate patient observations, changes in condition, and care updates to supervising nurses and healthcare team members.3.F.5

  • G

    The student demonstrates proficiency in skills required for care in long-term care facilities and geriatric settings. The student is expected to:3.G

    1. 1

      Provide care for patients with cognitive impairments, including those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, using person-centered approaches.3.G.1

    2. 2

      Assist patients with restorative care, including range-of-motion exercises, positioning, and use of assistive devices.3.G.2

    3. 3

      Address emotional and psychosocial needs of elderly patients, promoting social engagement and overall quality of life.3.G.3

    4. 4

      Perform advanced care tasks such as catheter care, colostomy maintenance, and assisting with patients who have feeding tubes, under the supervision and delegation of licensed staff.3.G.4

    5. 5

      Demonstrate palliative and end-of-life care skills, including comfort measures, emotional support, and postmortem care.3.G.5

  • H

    The student demonstrates mastery of clinical and technical skills to pass the CNA-I competency examination. The student is expected to:3.H

    1. 1

      Safely perform selected delegated patient care tasks such as measuring blood glucose, applying compression stockings, and assisting with oxygen therapy setup, when permitted by the facility and under nurse supervision.3.H.1

    2. 2

      Follow detailed care plans and accurately complete tasks required for state-mandated long-term care competency evaluations.3.H.2

    3. 3

      Assist patients with mealtime activities, ensuring proper feeding techniques and adherence to dietary restrictions.3.H.3

    4. 4

      Demonstrate proper positioning and bed-making skills for patient comfort and pressure ulcer prevention.3.H.4

    5. 5

      Perform comprehensive bathing techniques, including bed baths, showers, and perineal care, while respecting patient privacy.3.H.5

    6. 6

      Apply knowledge of geriatric care to effectively monitor and document changes in condition, behavior, and response to care.3.H.6

    7. 7

      Prepare patients for diagnostic procedures, maintaining proper safety protocols and comfort measures.3.H.7

    8. 8

      Utilize health technology, including electronic health records (EHR) and medical equipment, in compliance with HIPAA and safety regulations.3.H.8

    9. 9

      Demonstrate safe handling of biohazardous materials, including proper disposal of medical waste and sharps.3.H.9

    10. 10

      Respond to medical emergencies by applying basic first aid and CPR techniques as needed.3.H.10

  • I

    The student demonstrates readiness for MBON CNA-I certification. The student is expected to:3.I

    1. 1

      Complete a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical training in long-term care facilities, focusing on skills required for the MBON CNA-I certification.3.I.1

    2. 2

      Participate in mock clinical evaluations simulating GNA and CNA examination requirements.3.I.2

    3. 3

      Develop and maintain a clinical skills checklist to track progress in meeting competency standards.3.I.3

    4. 4

      Practice test-taking strategies for the CNA-I certification exams, focusing on both written knowledge and practical skills.3.I.4

    5. 5

      Exhibit professionalism, empathy, and ethical conduct in all clinical settings, meeting the standards of the Maryland Board of Nursing.3.I.5

  • J

    The student applies critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enhance patient care outcomes. The student is expected to:3.J

    1. 1

      Identify and address patients’ needs in a variety of healthcare scenarios, adapting techniques to specific situations under nursing supervision.3.J.1

    2. 2

      Recognize symptoms of common diseases and conditions, including their implications for care planning and interventions.3.J.2

    3. 3

      Analyze social determinants of health and propose solutions to improve patient well-being to licensed nursing staff.3.J.3

    4. 4

      Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop patient-centered care plans.3.J.4

    5. 5

      Observe and report patient progress and changes to licensed professionals so that they can adjust care strategies to meet changing health needs.3.J.5

  • K

    The student documents and communicates patient care accurately. The student is expected to:3.K

    1. 1

      Apply medical terminology to create accurate and detailed patient records.3.K.1

    2. 2

      Transcribe physician orders into electronic health records (EHR) and paper documentation systems.3.K.2

    3. 3

      Communicate patient needs, findings, and concerns effectively to team members using industry-standard language.3.K.3

  • L

    The student demonstrates knowledge of legal and ethical considerations. The student is expected to:3.L

    1. 1

      Explain the importance of patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations, ensuring all records are secure and accessed only as necessary.3.L.1

    2. 2

      Describe the process for obtaining informed consent and the ethical implications of patient autonomy.3.L.2

    3. 3

      Recognize and report mandatory cases such as abuse, communicable diseases, and workplace incidents.3.L.3

  • M

    The student responds to medical emergencies effectively. The student is expected to:3.M

    1. 1

      Perform first aid procedures, such as treating wounds, managing burns, and controlling bleeding.3.M.1

    2. 2

      Administer CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) following AHA guidelines.3.M.2

    3. 3

      Recognize and respond to life-threatening conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, or anaphylaxis by activating emergency response protocols.3.M.3

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
Program of Study Guide: Certified Nursing Assistant

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