PNUR 1438 Nursing Assistant Syllabus 020 Spring 2026

HEALTH CARE WORKER CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK ACT

The Health Care Worker Criminal Background Check Act, an Illinois state law, prevents many health care employers from hiring an individual who has certain criminal convictions as a direct care worker, and in long-term care facilities, from being hired as a worker who has or may have access to residents, their living quarters or their financial, medical or personal records. A waiver does not change anyone’s criminal records, but it does allow an employer to hire an individual as a direct care worker or an access worker in long-term care. Any student whose background check reveals a disqualifying conviction (see Appendix C) that is not eligible for a waiver (see Appendix B) must withdraw from the course.

Students must successfully complete both the theory and clinical components to pass the CNA course.

Regular attendance is required in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s rules and regulations. Students are responsible for their own learning with guidance provided by faculty. The student is expected to:

- Meet set deadlines for all work assigned

- Be prepared for class and clinical

- Study the required readings and practice the required skills

- Attend all return demo days prepared to perform skills

- Take all tests on the dates specified

• Attend ALL clinical and classroom experiences
• Students MUST NOTIFY classroom/clinical instructor prior to the start of class/clinical if the student will be absent or tardy.
• Arrange to make up all missed class or clinical time when class space is available within 2 weeks

Students are expected to take all tests at the date and time scheduled (see class schedule for dates and class times). The student must notify the instructor of an absence prior to test time. No more than two make-up tests will be allowed for the semester; however, extenuating circumstances will be considered with submission of proper documentation and will be reviewed by the faculty member and the Director of Nursing. Quizzes may not be made up.

Make-up tests must be completed within one week of the missed test (prior to the start of class). The make-up test may be in an alternate format, including an essay exam. The student must notify the instructor of when they will make up the test so that it will be available in KCC’s Testing Center. (See KCC’s website for the Testing Center’s hours). Failure to follow the make-up test guidelines will result in a “0” for the test.

After all students have taken the test, we will review some of the test questions as a class. A student may individually review the test by appointment during the faculty member’s office hours. When students are reviewing a graded test, the desktop must be cleared (no papers, pens, pencils, etc.). Notes about test items cannot be taken during or following the test review. Students are reminded that there is to be no discussion of test content/questions outside of class. Completion of such notes or discussions will be viewed as cheating and will result in disciplinary action. Unit tests will not be returned to the student for study, prior to the final exam. There will be no review of the final exam.

Should a student not perform well on a test, it is strongly recommended that the student meet with the instructor during office hours as soon as possible to review factors contributing to the test grade and develop an individualized success strategy plan. It is the student’s responsibility to seek this help.

Students should be in good physical, mental, and emotional health. A physical exam form, obtained from Student Services, must be completed by a physician within 4 months of the semester start date. Physical exam form must be completed prior to the first return demo day. A drug screen, from an approved vendor, must be completed prior to the beginning of class. All the paperwork relating to physical requirements (physical exam, tetanus documentation, 2-step TB/Mantoux documentation, and the 3-series Hepatitis vaccinations or the signed Hepatitis waiver) is due by the first day of class. Failure to submit physical requirements paperwork by first day of class will result in being withdrawn from the course by clinical coordinator.

Additional policies regarding attendance, illness, personal hygiene, uniform, and insurance will be provided during the first class session. Refer to Student Handbook.