University of Justice

Course Syllabus: Certified Patient Care Assistant

Program Duration: 8 Weeks Intensive Department: College of Nursing Administration Services

Credentials: PCA Certification

Course Description

This program prepares students for entry-level nursing assistant roles within the healthcare justice system. Students will master clinical bedside skills while learning the legal and ethical frameworks of BioMedical Justice, Palliative Justice (Palliatology), and Justranscript Justice (Medical Documentation).

Weekly Curriculum

Week 1: Foundations of Medical Justice & Ethics

• Topic: Introduction to the Healthcare Justice System.

• Clinical: The role of the CNA, infection control, and hand hygiene.

• Justice Component: Understanding Patient Rights and the "Health Care Laws" of Patient Care.

• Justice Component: Laws of the Patient —Understanding the legal boundaries of the "Patient Care Bill of Rights" and the PCA's role as a legal witness to care.

• Assignment: The PCA as a Justice Guardian.

Week 2: Safety, Mobility & Health Care

• Topic: Body mechanics, patient positioning, and safe transfers.

• Clinical: Vital signs (Temp, Pulse, Respirations, BP) and height/weight.

• Justice Component: Implementing "Vulnerability Recovery Justice" through safety protocols.

• Justice Component: Justice Evidence Research—The importance of accurate diagnostic data. How "Justice Investigation Services" rely on the PCA’s clinical accuracy to prevent medical malpractice or neglect.

Week 3: Communication & Transcript Justice

• Topic: Interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.

• Clinical: Specialized communication for hearing or visually impaired residents.

• Justice Component: Justranscript Justice—The legal importance of accurate medical record-keeping and reporting.

• Justice Component: BioMedical Justice & Bio-Privacy—The ethics of biological samples, genetic privacy, and the "histology" of handling human tissue.

Week 4: Personal Care & Human Dignity

• Topic: Hygiene, grooming, and skin care.

• Clinical: Bed baths, dressing, and perineal care.

• Justice Component: Humanitarian Destitute Justice—Preserving the dignity of the vulnerable during intimate care.

• Justice Component: Vulnerability Recovery Justice—Protocols for assessing and reporting signs of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or elder neglect in the Emergency Department.

Week 5: Cognitive Care (Mental Health)

• Topic: Caring for residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or mental health disorders.

• Clinical: Techniques for redirection and reality orientation.

• Justice Component: (Psychology Justice)—Protecting the legal and social agency of cognitively impaired individuals.

• Justice Component: psychology—Protecting the autonomy of patients under psychiatric hold or experiencing acute delirium.

Week 6: Nutrition & Pharmacnutrition Justice

• Topic: Basic nutrition, hydration, and therapeutic diets.

• Clinical: Feeding techniques and intake/output (I&O) recording.

• Justice Component: Pharmacnutrition Justice—Ethics of medication vs. nutritional intervention in senior care.

• Pharmacnutrition Justice—Monitoring for chemical restraints vs. therapeutic necessity; advocating for proper nutritional access for "Humanitarian Destitute" patients.

Week 7: End-of-Life Care

• Topic: Care of the dying resident and post-mortem care.

• Clinical: Comfort measures and pain observation.

• Justice Component: Palliative Justice (Palliatology)—Ensuring a "Just Transition" and legal advocacy for end-of-life wishes.

Week 8: Clinical Practicum & Justice Credentialing

• Topic: Full clinical rotation in a long-term care facility.

• Skills Lab: Final review of 22 essential nursing skills.

• Justice Component: Preparation for the Certified Justice Technician State Exam and Career Placement in Justice Organizations.

• Justice Component: Palliative Justice (Palliatology)—Legal advocacy for D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate) orders and ensuring the "Destitology" of the patient’s estate/dignity is respected post-mortem.

Requirements for Graduation

1. 75 Theory Hours: Online or In-person lectures.

2. 100 Clinical Hours: Hands-on experience at an approved Home Care Health Facility/Hospital or clinic.

3. Final Examination: Must pass the State Board Exam and the University of Justice Ethical Conduct Review.