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Safety

Calming Escalating Behaviors in Resident Care

De-escalation is one of the most valuable safety skills a CNA can carry. Recognize the early signs of escalating agitation, understand the unmet needs and triggers behind behavior ("behavior is communication"), use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation to bring calm, meet the need behind the behavior, and keep everyone — including yourself — safe, getting help when a situation becomes dangerous. The goal is calm and safety, never winning. CNAs do not diagnose, medicate, restrain outside orders, or use force beyond safety. Stay calm, stay safe, meet the need.

1h1 Online CE hourintermediateCAL ACE Faculty

Overview

De-escalation is one of the most valuable safety skills a CNA can carry. Recognize the early signs of escalating agitation, understand the unmet needs and triggers behind behavior ("behavior is communication"), use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation to bring calm, meet the need behind the behavior, and keep everyone — including yourself — safe, getting help when a situation becomes dangerous. The goal is calm and safety, never winning. CNAs do not diagnose, medicate, restrain outside orders, or use force beyond safety. Stay calm, stay safe, meet the need.

Course curriculum

What you'll learn

A structured path from your first lesson through certificate-ready completion — designed for busy California CNAs.

1h
3 modules
12 lessons
1 Online CE hour

Skills & knowledge gained

  • Recognize the early signs of escalating agitation
  • Understand the triggers and unmet needs behind agitation and aggression — behavior is communication
  • Use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation to bring calm
  • Meet the need behind the behavior to resolve distress
  • Keep everyone (including yourself) safe, get help when needed, report — and stay within CNA scope

Your learning path

  1. Understanding Agitation & De-escalation

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  2. Recognizing Escalation & Its Causes

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  3. Responding Safely, Your Role, and Application

    4 lessons · ~20 min

  4. Certificate of completion

    Pass the final exam and active participation requirements to earn your CE certificate.

Module breakdown

Module 1

Understanding Agitation & De-escalation

  • Introduction
  • Terms & Definitions
  • Statistics
  • Fundamentals

Module 2

Recognizing Escalation & Its Causes

  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Causes
  • The De-escalation Toolkit
  • Prevention

Module 3

Responding Safely, Your Role, and Application

  • De-escalating & Putting Safety First
  • CNA's Role in Care
  • Brief Case Study
  • Conclusion

Course outline

Module 1: Understanding Agitation & De-escalation

  1. 1. Introduction5 min
  2. 2. Terms & Definitions5 min
  3. 3. Statistics5 min
  4. 4. Fundamentals5 min

Module 2: Recognizing Escalation & Its Causes

  1. 1. Signs & Symptoms5 min
  2. 2. Causes5 min
  3. 3. The De-escalation Toolkit5 min
  4. 4. Prevention5 min

Module 3: Responding Safely, Your Role, and Application

  1. 1. De-escalating & Putting Safety First5 min
  2. 2. CNA's Role in Care5 min
  3. 3. Brief Case Study5 min
  4. 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

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