Personal Care
Is this event right for you?
You might enjoy this event if you:
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Are classified under IDEA and want hands-on experience in patient care.
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Enjoy learning practical nursing skills like handwashing, PPE use, vital signs, and patient transfers.
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Care about safety, professionalism, and infection control.
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Like performing real-world healthcare tasks that directly impact patient well-being.
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Prefer an event focused on skill demonstrations rather than written tests.
Event Details
Detail
Info
Health Professions Event
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​Solo competitor
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Skills demonstration – selected patient care skills
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None (skills only)
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Varies by skill (3–12 minutes per skill)
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Skill with the highest possible point value; others used in descending order if needed​​​​
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​Patient care, infection control, safety, professionalism, vital signs, basic nursing procedures
TYPE​​​
FORMAT​​​​​
​ROUND 1​​​
TIME LIMIT​
TIE BREAKER​
​ROUND 2
FOCUS AREAS
Topics on the Test
1. Handwashing– 3 minutes​​
2. Donning & Doffing PPE– 6 minutes​​​​
3. Making an Unoccupied Bed– 10 minutes​​​​
4. Making an Occupied Bed– 12 minutes​
5. Admitting a Patient– 10 minutes​
6. Transferring a Patient with a Specified Disability– 6 minutes​
7. Measuring & Recording Vital Signs (TPR & BP)– 12 minutes​
8. Ostomy Care– 10 minutes
(Skills are performed individually; scenarios are provided verbally at the start of each skill and are secret until completion.)
Study Materials & Practice
Key Official References:
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Dugan, Diana L. Nursing Assisting: A Foundation in Caregiving. Hartman Publishing, latest edition.
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Roe, Sue. The Nursing Assistant: Essentials of Holistic Care. The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, Inc., latest edition.
Event Day Checklist:
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Photo ID for both rounds
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Manual watch with second hand (for vital signs)
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Barrier devices: non-latex gloves, gown, goggles or safety glasses, mask
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Gait belt (optional if using your own; HOSA will provide one)
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Eligibility form (submitted per state and digitally for ILC by May 15th)
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Professional attire appropriate to the occupational area (bonus points for proper dress)
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Know the General Rules & Regulations
Tips from Previous Competitors
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