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About Compass Nursing
Arts Program

Course Description

Knowledge and skills are taught through interactive classes, hands-on instruction in the lab, self-learning in homework assignments/readings, and real care of residents at the clinical site and online instruction in our Hybrid sections. Students will be tested on knowledge through quizzes, multiple choice exams, short answer tests, writing assignments, and the demonstration of skills both in the lab and at the clinical site including a Mock Skills Exam.

 

Upon completion of the course, the student may opt to take the board of nursing exam to achieve certification to be a nurse aid thereby becoming a CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT or CNA. 

Admission Policies

Compass Nursing Arts is a non-discriminatory organization as guaranteed in Federal & Colorado State law.

Students MUST: 

  • Be at least 16 years of age by the time they graduate

  • Have a valid social security number

  • Complete all registration paperwork and pass any tests or checks

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REQUIRED Registration Paperwork:

  • Background Check Form: Students are required to disclose issues to the program coordinator about any and ALL charges or convictions that may be present before the background check is run. An addendum for more information may be requested by the program at anytime.

  • Negative Tuberculosis (TB) Test or  Clear X-Ray report, and Influenza vaccination during flu season.

  • Self-Assessment Test for Essential Functions Criteria: Completed and Signed

  • Pass the English/Literacy Test: *free ESL Healthcare Terminology course is available for those that do not pass*

  • Paid for the Course

  • Completed Drug Screening: A drug screening will need to be completed before the start of clinical sessions. A student must have an acceptable drug screen in order to be able to complete the course.

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*Students may not begin course work until all documentation is signed, completed, and received by Compass Nursing Arts.*

Student Expectations

Dress and Appearance:

In Class & Clinical Sessions:

  • Wear clean and wrinkle-free blue (any shade) scrubs and an analog watch with a second hand.

  • A name-tag will be provided.

  • Socks and clean closed toe shoes (slip-on preferred) are required. If possible, for simplification when practicing skills, wear slip-on closed-toed shoes in the lab. 

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No unnatural hair color is allowed at most clinical sites.

No jewelry is allowed at clinical. 

Obvious visible tattoos must be covered; facial piercing rings need to be removed or a clear stud placed. 

Hair must be pulled back (if needed) in the lab and at clinical.

No artificial nails, and nails must be short.

Course Materials

Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care:

The Basics (Sixth Edition)

 

Students will need to purchase the class textbook to use simultaneously with the online platform.

Student Supplies:

  • 2 Sharpened Pencils

  • Black Pen

    • Use a black pen for admission documents, state application, and the skills checklist.​

  • Uniform and watch with second-hand (see Student Expectations)

  • Notebook

  • A Gait Belt

    • *Will be provided for use during clinical and in the lab.* 

Withdrawl

Should you desire to cancel your registration for a particular class, please note that tuition is non-refundable. We require at least four-business days notices to transfer a student to another class. There is a $50.00 transfer fee to move to a different section for any portion of the course, including clinical sessions.

 

By enrolling in our program you agree to attend on the dates assigned to that section.

 

With verifiable emergency situations, contact Compass Nursing Arts at

(303) 484-9650. 

Tuition

Cost of the program includes:

  • Instruction

  • Supplemental Folder 

  • Blood Pressure Kit (available for check-out)

  • The use of the open lab until you pass the state exam

  • A background check up and lab supplies

Tut​inion DOES NOT include:

  • The cost of testing to become a Certified Nurse Aid (CNA)

  • Influenza Vaccine

  • Drug Screening

  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test

The student is responsible for:​

  • Providing any shade of blue, wrinkle free scrubs for clinical and skills instruction.

  • Analog watch with a second-hand.

 

Reimbursement Eligibility Notification

Upon completion of the course a student may be eligible for reimbursement of the course costs by the facility that employs the student. According to the law, the facility must be a long-term care facility that receives Medicare or Medicaid funds. The student would need to have paid for the course in their name, and be employed within 12 months of their certification date in order to qualify.

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Please contact the admissions director at (303) 484-9650 or at info@compasscna.com with any questions or concerns.​

Completion of Program Policy 

  • Must have an 100% attendance record with a minimum of 75 hours completed.​​

  • An average grade of 85% on online work, and a 75% or greater average on all quizzes, tests, skills evaluations, and assignments. 

  • An 80% or greater is required on the Final Exam to pass this course.

  • Must not miss any critical elements on the Mock Skills Exam.

  • Must complete an acceptable check-off of skills before receiving a completion certificate for the course.

  • No infractions on the background check or behavior.

  • Successfully complete required skills checklist and terminal competencies including, but not limited to:

    • Demonstrate the ability to form relationships, communicate, and interact competently on a one-on-one basis with clients.​

    • Demonstrates sensitivity to client's emotional, social, and mental health needs through skillful, directed interactions. 

    • Assisting clients in maintaining independence.

    • Exhibiting behavior in support and promotion of client's rights.

    • Demonstrating observational and documentation skills needed in the assessment of client's health, physical condition, and well-being.

    • Demonstrate awareness of the Colorado Nurse Aide Practice Act.

Grounds for Dismissal or
Unable to Certify

Grades: 

  • The student will not be allowed to go to clinical and will fail the course if their grade average is a 74.9% or less on all quizzes, tests, skills evaluation and assignments. 

  • The student will not be allowed to go to clinical and will fail the course if their grade on the final exam is less than an 80%.

  • The student must pass the mock skills exam without any safety issues to be able to pass the course.

Respectful Conduct:

  • Not showing respect to instructors, other students, or clinical staff will NOT be tolerated.

  • There is no arguing, the instructor and program administrator will always have the final say.

Practicing Outside of the Scope of a Student at Clinical:

  • You are not allowed to shower, transfer, or lift a resident without the assistance and/or supervision of an employee or your instructor.

  • You are not allowed to assist a resident with a meal or drink without verifying the resident's diet restrictions.

  • You are not allowed to practice outside of the scope of a student of this course no matter how much other training or experience you have in other areas. 

  • You are not allowed to be at the clinical site without your instructor.

  • Your name tag must be returned at the end of the course.

Attendance and Participation:

  • Students are required to participate in class discussions, skills as an aide and as a patient, and at the clinical site as a student aide.

  • 100% attendance at all classes and the clinical experience is required. 

  • Being late to class is grounds for dismissal. Late or missing a clinical day is an automatic failure.

Inappropriate School Conduct or Dress:

  • Do not bring your pets or children to class.

  • No alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind are allowed on school or clinical property. 

  • Only a water bottle with a sealable lid is allowed in the classroom.

  • No food or drink (other than water) are allowed in the skills practice area.

  • Please clean up your area before the end of each class. 

  • Dress appropriately for classroom and clinical situations (see Student Expectations Section).

  • No slang or swearing. If you need clarification on what is slang or inappropriate language, please ask for clarification or speak with your instructor. 

  • No cellphones are permitted at the clinical site or in the classroom. 

Mistreatment of Equipment:

  • All equipment is the property of Compass Nursing Arts. Care should be used when handling equipment in the classroom and at clinical site. 

Cheating or Stealing:

  • Cheating or stealing is grounds for automatic dismissal. 

  • Homework, tests, quizzes, skills, and Final Exam must be completed independently.  

Violation of Confidentiality:

  • Resident information is protected as decreed by HIPAA. Violation of HIPAA is an automatic dismissal.

  • Do not talk, text, or post information or pictures of residents on social network sites or to individuals. Automatic failure of the course and possible criminal charges could result. 

Proof of Documentation:

  • Criminal background check that is Not Acceptable is a failure or reason for non-admission.

  • An acceptable drug screening before attending classes or clinical is required. Students will NOT be allowed to transfer to another clinical section if a drug screen was unacceptable. 

  • Must have a proof of negative Tuberculosis (TB) test or a M.D. documentation of a clear X-Ray and flu vaccination during flu season. This documentation must be turned in by the Friday of the first week of in-person classes.

  • Must have a valid Social Security number to certify by the Board of Nursing. 

Program Policies

Clinical Policy:

Students are not allowed to attend clinicians unless they have paid in full, received can 80% or higher on the Final Exam, and an average of 75% or greater on all assignments, quizzes, tests, skills evaluations, and submitted   documentation of negative TB test or a clear X-Ray and a flu vaccination during flu season by the Friday before the first day of in-person classes or clinicals.

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Student Records Policy: 

Records are kept for 2 years as required by the Board of Nursing. Records are kept locked up and only accessible by authorized staff.

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Cell Phone Policy:

Keep your cell phone off during class, clinicals or skills practice. You may turn your phone on for breaks during classroom sessions. You cannot have your cell phone on your person at clinical sessions, even if the phone is turned off. 

If you need to give an emergency number to a caregiver or babysitter during clinical sessions, your instructor can be a point of contact but cannot be an emergency contact.

 

Blood Pressure/Stethoscope Checkout Policy

Kits are available for checkout. Each kit must be returned the following class day. Blood Pressure Kits and Stethoscopes are available for checkout until the final day of classroom sessions. 

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