Michigan CNA Care Planning Training

Target Audience

Certified Nursing Assistants and nurse aides practicing in Michigan.

Teaching Method

Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.

Overview

A care plan organizes individualized information about a client’s needs, risks, preferences, abilities, and planned care. For the Michigan CNA, the care plan provides practical direction for assigned nursing or nursing-related services. It may address mobility assistance, transfers, positioning, nutrition, hydration, toileting, skin care, personal care, communication, supervision, safety precautions, and other daily care responsibilities.

Michigan Administrative Rule R 400.315 requires continuing education for nurse aides to support continuing competence and include care plan training. Current Michigan nurse aide continuing education guidance further identifies at least one course or qualifying educational activity on care planning as a required topic during each two-year renewal cycle.

This course focuses on the CNA’s role in care plan implementation rather than independent care plan development or clinical diagnosis. Learners examine how to locate and use current care instructions, provide care according to the established plan and delegated duties, recognize observations that may indicate the plan no longer reflects the client’s needs, and communicate those observations promptly to the nurse or appropriate supervisor.

Practical application includes transfer and mobility instructions, assistance levels, eating and hydration support, toileting, skin protection, behavior and communication approaches, safety precautions, documentation, and response to care refusal. The course emphasizes that a CNA should not independently change the care plan or substitute personal preference for established care instructions. When care cannot be completed safely or a client’s condition, abilities, or response to care changes, the CNA should report the concern and obtain appropriate direction.

This Michigan-specific course addresses the care planning training topic identified in Michigan CNA continuing education requirements. It is offered through C-E-U.com, a Florida Board of Nursing approved continuing education provider. Michigan nurse aide continuing education guidance identifies courses or activities approved or offered through another state or provincial board of nursing as an accepted continuing education pathway. This statement describes the continuing education pathway and does not represent separate course approval by Michigan BCHS.

Learner Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Identify the purpose of the care plan and describe how Michigan CNAs use individualized care instructions when providing assigned nursing or nursing-related services.
• Recognize changes, care barriers, and client responses that should be reported because they may affect the established care plan or safe delivery of care.
• Apply role-appropriate communication, documentation, and care plan follow-through practices within the Michigan CNA’s responsibilities.

Disclosure

The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.