Care Planning and the CNA's Role in Resident-Centered Care

This two-contact-hour self-study course prepares Michigan Certified Nurse Aides to support safe, individualized, person-centered care through accurate observation, objective documentation, prompt reporting, consistent care-plan implementation, resident-rights protections, and effective interdisciplinary communication without exceeding CNA scope of practice.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the Purpose of the Resident Care Plan: Describe the purpose of an individualized, person-centered resident care plan.
• Describe the CNA’s Role in Care Planning: Explain the CNA’s appropriate role in supporting the care-planning process.
• Distinguish Observation from Clinical Assessment: Differentiate CNA observation and reporting from licensed clinical assessment, diagnosis, and decision-making.
• Recognize Changes from Baseline: Identify changes from a resident’s usual or baseline condition that should be communicated to the supervising nurse.
• Demonstrate Objective CNA Documentation: Document clearly and avoid diagnostic, judgmental, or unsupported language.
• Respond to Ineffective or Unsafe Care-Plan Interventions: Explain what to do when a care-plan intervention appears ineffective, unsafe, or inconsistent with the resident’s current condition.
• Apply Resident Rights and Preferences: Support resident choice, dignity, autonomy, and personal preferences when carrying out care-plan interventions.
• Communicate Effectively with the Care Team: Use appropriate reporting, handoff, escalation, and care-plan participation with the supervising nurse and interdisciplinary team.