Nursing

Nurse Aid 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.

Nurse Aid II

Nurse Aide II is an occupational preparation course emphasizing body systems and diseases as related to advanced clinical care of the acute medical-surgical patient, the chronically ill, and the elderly. Students receive skills training and hands-on clinical experiences in a healthcare setting. Work-based learning in a healthcare facility is part of the course. Students must maintain American Heart Association's Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) training during this course. This course requires students to meet the Virginia Board of Nursing required clock hours to be eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. Additionally, this course includes the approved opiate competencies for health and medical sciences education.

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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

 

 

 

Teacher: Carolyn Williams

Class: Nurse Aid I & II

Years of Experience: 45

 

 

Carolyn Williams has been coordinating and teaching the Nurse Aide program for juniors and seniors at Richmond Technical Center for three years, with a passion for client centered nursing care and nursing principles and autonomy. She strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for all. She honors her ninth grade English teacher by trying to instill in her students the life lessons that he nourished in his students by encouraging and  mentoring students to approach life and chosen profession with an open mind driven by life long learning and integrity.  

She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her Master’s degree in Organizational Communication and Development from Canisius College in Buffalo New York. Ms. Williams retired from the New York State Office of Mental Health after 20 years in 2005. She retired as a Lt. Colonel from the United States Army Reserves in 2010 where she served in both Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Col. Williams holds certifications as a Psychiatric Nurse as well as Trauma Nursing. She was a certified Advanced Cardiac Life Support instructor for five years and remains a CPR instructor for 30 plus years.

In addition to teaching, Col. Williams enjoys her passion for gardening and is a Henrico County Master Gardener. She also uses her passion for the ballet by being available for volunteer service for Central Virginia Dance Academy where her great granddaughter is training as the fourth generation of ballerinas. LTC Williams was a member of Empire State Ballet in the late 60’s. 

 

 

Teacher: Scott Peer

Class: Nurse Aid I & II

Years of Experience: 5

 

 

 

In 2024 Mr. Peer joined RTC as a full time Nurse Aide I & II teacher. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University and is currently working on his Master of Science in Nursing degree at Liberty University. He has worked in various areas of nursing including Adult and Pediatric Emergency Departments, Operating Room, Mother Infant, Outpatient Clinics, Nurse Case Manager, and as a School Nurse. He has also been a Nationally and State Certified Paramedic since 2008 and has certifications in ACLS, PALS, BLS, NRP, EPC, PHTLS, and AMLS and was an Emergency Medical Services college professor.

Mr. Peer believes nursing is an honorable and highly respected profession with endless opportunities. He is passionate about preparing students to be successful in their career. Teaching nursing students is a blessing to him and he enjoys sharing his love of nursing with students. With his interactive and engaging lessons, and high academic standards, students become successful nurse aids with the potential to continue their academic goals in nursing. His goal is to make a positive impact on the Nurse Aide students and to promote healthcare excellence at RTC. Outside of work he is involved in church, fitness, scuba diving, surfing, and tennis.