This course deepens your knowledge of the skills you need to be a successful caregiver. You'll learn about working with special patient populations, such as those with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions. You'll also improve your communication skills and explore strategies you can use on the job.
Essential Soft Skills & Special Patient Populations
Essential Soft Skills & Special Patient Populations
This course is part of Exploring the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant Specialization
Instructor: Melissa Mills
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
5 hours to complete
3 weeks at 1 hour a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
March 2025
Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Exploring the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course
This module follows Helen, a dedicated caregiver, as she navigates the challenges of supporting a loved one with mental illness. Participants will learn about mental health conditions, effective communication strategies, and soft skills techniques for caregivers, empowering them to provide meaningful support while maintaining their own well-being.
What's included
1 video1 reading
This module follows Helen, an older adult who has lived most of her life with bipolar disease and HIV. Participants will learn about mental health conditions, effective communication strategies, and soft skills techniques for caregivers, empowering them to provide meaningful support while maintaining their own well-being.
What's included
20 videos12 readings1 assignment
This module focuses on enhancing communication skills for caregivers, emphasizing essential soft skills needed to effectively interact with special patient populations. It covers strategies for building rapport, understanding patient needs, and providing compassionate, person-centered care.
What's included
4 videos5 readings1 assignment
Through Michelle's story, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of caring for someone with developmental disabilities, while exploring effective caregiving strategies, communication techniques, and the importance of self-care. This module aims to empower caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to offer compassionate, person-centered care.
What's included
13 videos7 readings1 assignment
This project aims to provide you with practical experience in researching and evaluating local employment opportunities as a CNA.
What's included
1 ungraded lab
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Personal Development
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
University of Michigan
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Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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