Ostomy Support: Skin Care, Privacy, and Reporting
Learn the CNA's role in supporting a resident with an ostomy — understanding what a stoma is, assisting with pouch emptying and peristomal skin care within facility policy and training, reading the healthy versus troubled stoma, protecting dignity and supporting emotional adjustment, and reporting complications. CNAs do not create or change the ostomy plan, do not irrigate ostomies, do not perform procedures beyond training and policy, and do not diagnose stoma problems.
Overview
Learn the CNA's role in supporting a resident with an ostomy — understanding what a stoma is, assisting with pouch emptying and peristomal skin care within facility policy and training, reading the healthy versus troubled stoma, protecting dignity and supporting emotional adjustment, and reporting complications. CNAs do not create or change the ostomy plan, do not irrigate ostomies, do not perform procedures beyond training and policy, and do not diagnose stoma problems.
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
- Explain what an ostomy and stoma are
- Assist with pouch and skin care within your role
- Recognize a healthy versus troubled stoma
- Support dignity and emotional adjustment
- Know your scope — what a CNA does, and what a CNA must never do
Your learning path
Understanding Ostomy Care
4 lessons · ~20 min
Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role
4 lessons · ~20 min
Action, Judgment, 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
Understanding Ostomy Care
- Introduction
- Terms & Definitions
- Statistics
- Fundamentals
Module 2
Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role
- Signs & Symptoms
- Causes
- CNA Role & Best Practices
- Prevention & Risk Reduction
Module 3
Action, Judgment, and Application
- Scenario & Reporting
- CNA's Role in Care
- Case Study
- Conclusion
Course outline
Module 1: Understanding Ostomy Care
- 1. Introduction5 min
- 2. Terms & Definitions5 min
- 3. Statistics5 min
- 4. Fundamentals5 min
Module 2: Recognition, Prevention, and CNA Role
- 1. Signs & Symptoms5 min
- 2. Causes5 min
- 3. CNA Role & Best Practices5 min
- 4. Prevention & Risk Reduction5 min
Module 3: Action, Judgment, and Application
- 1. Scenario & Reporting5 min
- 2. CNA's Role in Care5 min
- 3. 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 (50 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
