Course Description
Independent caregivers often work alone in the client’s home, placing significant responsibility on their ability to recognize emergencies, act quickly, and communicate appropriately with 911, families, and referral services such as Nurse Registries. This course guides independent contractors in understanding how to prepare for emergencies, how to respond safely and lawfully, and how to support both client safety and their own independent contractor status. Caregivers are led through proactive planning strategies, such as obtaining emergency contact information, knowing where Power of Attorney documents and DNR/DNRO orders are kept, and understanding client-specific risk factors. The course reviews common in-home emergencies and the role boundaries that govern independent caregivers throughout the United States. Examples from various state environments (such as Florida’s Nurse Registry model and the independent caregiver structure used in North Carolina) are included strictly as illustrations. The course emphasizes responsible judgment, timely action, appropriate communication, and the principle: “Independent caregiver training to support independent caregiver status.”
Developed by: Scott Strachan RN, BSN
(former Independently Employed CNA)
A certificate and an official state record are issued upon successful completion.
Responding to Client Emergencies: A Guide for Independent Contractors
Developed By: Scott Strachan RN BSN
Course Details
Target Audience: Independent caregivers functioning privately or through referral services, including companions, homemakers, HHAs, CNNs, and PCAs
Contact Hours: 1 hour
Teaching Method: Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.
Learner Objectives
Identify common types of client emergencies and the appropriate first steps for independent caregivers.
Explain the importance of proactive emergency planning, including access to contact information, advance directives, and client-specific risk awareness.
Demonstrate appropriate communication practices with 911, families, and referral services while maintaining clear independent contractor role boundaries.
Disclosure
The developer reports no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All content is free from commercial bias and has been developed solely for the purpose of caregiver education. No outside financial support or commercial funding was received for the development of this course.
Disclaimer
This course is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, or emergency training. Independent caregivers must follow all applicable laws, client-specific instructions, and contractual agreements with any referral service or Nurse Registry. Emergency situations are unpredictable, and caregivers must use their best judgment while prioritizing client safety. If there is ever uncertainty about a client’s condition or immediate safety, caregivers should activate emergency services by calling 911.