Hands-On Learning, Powering America Forward

Blood Glucose Measurement and Monitoring

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CONTENT TYPE

VR, ILV, 3D, Interactive Modules

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DURATION

2.5 Hours

Target Audience icon

TARGET AUDIENCE

Nursing Assistant Students / Allied Health Learners

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COURSE DELIVERY

VR and Web-based

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Credits : 0.3

Icons representing a four-step workflow: Learn, Assess, Evaluate, and Implement

About the Course:

Blood Glucose Measurement and Monitoring is a fundamental clinical skill that enables Nursing Assistants to monitor blood glucose levels safely and accurately, supporting early detection of abnormal blood sugar levels and effective patient care. In this microcredential, learners develop the knowledge and hands-on skills required to perform capillary blood glucose testing while following patient safety, infection prevention, and standard precaution guidelines. 

Through realistic VR simulations, learners progress through the complete blood glucose testing procedure—from preparing the environment and verifying patient identity to performing a fingerstick, collecting the blood sample, interpreting the glucose meter reading, and completing post-procedure care. Throughout the experience, emphasis is placed on patient communication, privacy, aseptic technique, and safe handling and disposal of testing equipment. 

The course also reinforces clinical best practices by teaching learners how to perform hand hygiene, correctly use personal protective equipment (PPE), prepare and operate a blood glucose meter, obtain an adequate blood sample, recognize patient discomfort, and safely dispose of sharps and contaminated materials. By combining technical proficiency with compassionate patient care, learners gain confidence in performing one of the most common point-of-care diagnostic procedures in healthcare.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the purpose and clinical importance of blood glucose measurement in patient care.
  • Prepare the patient, equipment, and testing area while following infection prevention and standard precautions.
  • Verify patient identity and explain the procedure using patient-centered communication.
  • Demonstrate proper hand hygiene, PPE use, and safe fingerstick techniques for obtaining a capillary blood sample.
  • Operate a blood glucose meter correctly, collect the blood sample, and obtain an accurate reading.
  • Complete post-procedure care, safely dispose of sharps and testing materials, and document the procedure according to healthcare protocols.

Course delivered via LMS and requires an Oculus VR headset for hands-on VR simulations.

Nursing assistant practicing safe side positioning

 

Workforce Development

Nursing assistant positioning pillows for patient comfort and safety

Blood glucose measurement is an essential competency for Nursing Assistants and allied healthcare professionals working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and community healthcare settings. This microcredential provides practical experience in performing point-of-care blood glucose testing while strengthening skills in patient communication, infection prevention, standard precautions, specimen collection, equipment handling, sharps safety, clinical observation, documentation, and professional patient care. These competencies prepare learners to confidently assist healthcare teams in monitoring and managing patients with diabetes and other medical conditions requiring glucose assessment.

Foundations of Blood Glucose Measurement −
Begin by exploring interactive 3D learning modules that introduce the principles of blood glucose monitoring, indications for testing, normal and abnormal glucose ranges, infection prevention, standard precautions, patient identification, and safe use of glucose monitoring equipment. Learners also gain an understanding of the importance of accurate specimen collection and quality patient care throughout the testing process.
Preparing for the Procedure +
Enter a realistic clinical environment where learners practice preparing the testing area by performing hand hygiene, introducing themselves, verifying patient identity using approved identifiers, explaining the procedure, maintaining patient privacy, and gathering the required equipment. Learners also practice donning gloves, preparing the glucose meter and testing strip, and positioning the patient's hand safely for testing.
Performing Blood Glucose Measurement +
Using immersive VR scenarios, learners practice preparing the finger with an alcohol pad, performing a safe fingerstick using a sterile lancet, collecting the capillary blood sample with the glucose testing strip, and obtaining an accurate blood glucose reading. Throughout the simulation, learners reinforce proper infection prevention practices, safe handling of equipment, patient comfort, and correct disposal of sharps and contaminated materials.
Evaluating Results and Patient Safety +
After obtaining the glucose reading, learners review the meter display, assess the patient's condition, ensure bleeding has stopped by applying gentle pressure with gauze, and apply a bandage when appropriate. The module reinforces recognizing patient discomfort, maintaining patient safety, ensuring accurate test completion, and following healthcare protocols for abnormal findings.
Completing the Patient Encounter +
Conclude the procedure by safely removing and disposing of the testing strip, discarding used supplies in the appropriate waste containers, removing gloves, performing final hand hygiene, communicating the completion of the procedure, and documenting the blood glucose measurement according to clinical protocols. Learners reinforce professionalism, patient-centered communication, and quality care throughout the patient encounter.

Upon successful completion of this microcredential, learners will be able to confidently perform capillary blood glucose measurement while following clinical best practices for patient safety, infection prevention, and accurate specimen collection. They will demonstrate proficiency in patient preparation, communication, identity verification, glucose meter operation, fingerstick technique, specimen collection, sharps safety, post-procedure care, and documentation skills essential for Nursing Assistants and other allied healthcare professionals.