Breaking the Infection Cycle: Standard Precautions for CNAs
Break the chain of infection: understand the six links a germ needs to spread and how to break them, practice hand hygiene as the #1 defense, apply standard precautions to every resident, use PPE correctly (use, order, removal), handle linens/waste/spills safely, and recognize and report signs of infection — including the subtle signs in elders.
Overview
Break the chain of infection: understand the six links a germ needs to spread and how to break them, practice hand hygiene as the #1 defense, apply standard precautions to every resident, use PPE correctly (use, order, removal), handle linens/waste/spills safely, and recognize and report signs of infection — including the subtle signs in elders.
Course curriculum
What you'll learn
A structured path from your first lesson through certificate-ready completion — designed for busy California CNAs.
Skills & knowledge gained
- Understand the chain of infection and how breaking any one link stops spread
- Perform hand hygiene correctly — the single most important infection-control practice
- Apply standard precautions to every resident, every time
- Use PPE properly, including correct order of removal, and handle linens/waste/spills safely
- Recognize and report signs of infection, including the subtle signs in elders
Your learning path
The Chain of Infection & Hand Hygiene
4 lessons · ~20 min
Recognizing Infection & Breaking the Chain
4 lessons · ~20 min
Reporting, Your Role, and Application
4 lessons · ~20 min
Certificate of completion
Pass the final exam and active participation requirements to earn your CE certificate.
Module breakdown
Module 1
The Chain of Infection & Hand Hygiene
- Introduction
- Terms & Definitions
- Statistics
- Fundamentals
Module 2
Recognizing Infection & Breaking the Chain
- Signs & Symptoms
- Causes
- Infection-Control Practices: Breaking the Chain
- Prevention
Module 3
Reporting, Your Role, and Application
- Recognizing & Reporting Infection
- CNA's Role in Care
- Brief Case Study
- Conclusion
Course outline
Module 1: The Chain of Infection & Hand Hygiene
- 1. Introduction5 min
- 2. Terms & Definitions5 min
- 3. Statistics5 min
- 4. Fundamentals5 min
Module 2: Recognizing Infection & Breaking the Chain
- 1. Signs & Symptoms5 min
- 2. Causes5 min
- 3. Infection-Control Practices: Breaking the Chain5 min
- 4. Prevention5 min
Module 3: Reporting, Your Role, and Application
- 1. Recognizing & Reporting Infection5 min
- 2. CNA's Role in Care5 min
- 3. Brief Case Study5 min
- 4. Conclusion5 min
Provider & completion requirements
Provider: CAL ACE Nursing Academy
CAL ACE Nursing Academy · support@cna.school · (408) 256-0763
To earn your certificate
- Sign in with your learner account
- Complete interactive lesson content (60 minutes active participation for 1 Online CE hour)
- Pass the final course exam
- Submit the learner attestation before your certificate is issued
Support: support@cna.school
$3.75
Eligible for 1-year or 2-year unlimited plans
