Planning, time management and organization for HCAs (HLSC 615)

By the end of this course, students will be able to

• describe critical thinking as a caring concept;
• discuss the relationship between critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making;
• describe care-planning as a problem-solving process;
• describe the steps of the care-planning and problem-solving process;
• describe the role of the HCA in planning care; and
• describe common practices for reporting and recording in various health care settings (complex care, community care, and acute care).

Completion of English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or proof of equivalent as outlined in detail on the General Admission Information page. 

Students who register are understood to be confirming successful completion of this requirement. Proof of successful completion is not required on registration but may be requested by Douglas College.

Topics include:

• critical thinking as a caring concept;
• relationship between critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making;
• components of effective problem-solving and decision-making;
• problem-solving in relation to time management;
• care planning as a problem-solving process;
• steps in the care-planning and problem-solving process;
• care planning processes in health care settings (complex care, community and acute care);
• concepts of client acuity, and how these factors influence the HCA’s problem-solving and decision-making regarding care provision and prioritization of tasks; and
• role of the HCA in care planning.

All required resources will be provided within the course.

The primary resource used is Sorrentino's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker(5^thCanadian Edition). It is available through the Douglas College Bookstore for anyone wishing to order a copy. It may also be available at public college libraries throughout BC where the Health Care Assistant Program is offered. This textbook is used by HCA programs throughout BC, and most of Canada. It is a good resource for anyone working as an HCA in BC.

Interactive online course delivered through Blackboard. Self-paced and instructor supported. 

Due to the nature of an online delivery, the student will be expected be proficient in computer skills including email, adding attachments, navigating the internet etc. Resources for getting started with Blackboard are available online to help get the student comfortable in the Blackboard environment.

The course is graded as Mastery/Non-mastery.

Successful course completion proven with official transcript request.

Registration is easy: simply call CE Registration at 604-527-5472 and quote the CRN (below) for the session you are interested in. Payment of the tuition fee must accompany registration.

Instructions on how to access your course materials will be emailed to you by the Program Assistant the Friday prior to your chosen course start date.