COVID-19 Implications on Geriatric Care as a Certified Nursing Assistant

Presenter: Dilini Ranasoma, Nursing, Global Public Health Scholars

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I worked within the Montgomery College CNA/GNA program in their workforce development program. I performed my in class hours on zoom and on the MC Takoma Park campus. My clinical experience was completed in Potomac at Promedica Skilled Nursing Rehab Center (Manorcare). I completed a reading and math examination prior to starting the program. After I passed both tests, I began my online classes on Zoom with one of my instructors. After moving into the in-person classroom setting, I learned hands-on with my other classmates. We learned and practiced cleaning patients, taking blood pressure, carrying and transferring residents, collecting urine output, and practicing putting on and removing PPE. After these essential skills were taught and practiced in the classroom, I was tested on all skills and graded on my abilities. After passing this examination, I learned a tremendous amount of patient and provider care. Furthermore, when moving in the clinical setting, I worked directly with patients and families. Working within a nursing home, the importance of PPE and COVID safety requirements was stressed. Working with a variety of geriatric patients allowed me to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the older population. Caring for this population allowed me to lessen the burden of COVID-19 on understaffed nursing homes and underserved populations. Because the pandemic unequally affects different populations, I was able to use my training to promote equity and empathy in my work.