I failed my skills test.

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

I was assigned:

  1. hand washing (required)
  2. temperature, pulse, and respirations (required)
  3. female perineal care
  4. bed to wheelchair transfer
  5. positioning supine

Passed all the skills except perineal care. I left the stupid bath blanket on and didn't realize it (I had a feeling I forgot something, but I thought it was something more serious--along the lines of safety or infection control) until I was coming around the corner for my skill after peri-care. I stopped dead in my tracks. "The bath blanket!" I screamed. The observer made a note that I did end up remembering it and I fixed the mistake I made before going on with my skills. It honestly didn't even register that I left the bath blanket on, I was so nervous and the bath blanket and top linens were the same bright, bright white, that I just passed right over it. (But I had the feeling that I had forgotten something that I would normally do. You know that feeling?)

Found out a few hours ago that the scorer decided to fail me because of that. Between the news I received Monday about my uncle's recurrent cancer and failing this test, I am just so horribly bummed out. :o

I really am scared now to retest, I can't imagine failing this a second time. What will happen if I get something more difficult? What will I do wrong then?

---> 10/04/07 - CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE #1 (Hint: I didn't fail it the second time. ;) )

---> 10/11/07 - CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE #2 (The ordeal is officially over. I passed the written test!)

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Specializes in OB/GYN, NURSERY.

awwh, Don't let it get you down too much, and please DO re-test. We need good CNA's out there. I got really nervous when instructors were evaluating my every move too. Its just harder to perform and think straight. I am sure you will do great once you are in the work field. It will come very naturally to you with some practice and you wont be so nervous. Best of luck and I hope you consider re-testing.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

There are many RNs out there who failed skills tests, then ended up getting it right & passed.

I think a lot of it is just nerves. Practice, and redo! Don't give up!!!!!

I hope to read soon that you got your NA certification!!!!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Awww, Zooz! I can only imagine how bummed you must feel. :( I can't believe the proctor failed you for leaving the bath blanket on, though, especially since you made it known to her that you would have taken it off. It's not like you left the person uncovered and then left the room.

Definitely re-test though, I think you would make a GREAT CNA -- Your nerves just probably got to you. Sorry to hear about your uncle, too. :scrying: My father died from cancer, so if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to message me.

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Specializes in LTC/rehab, ED, med-surg.

((((Zooz)))) Keep your chin up! That was extremely unfair of them to fail you for one little slip-up (not to mention that you remembered and fixed it...and they still counted off for it!) but you know in your heart of hearts that you were very well prepared for that exam. Relax a little, then go back and retake it...you'll pass with flying colors and you're going to be an amazing CNA! Don't let this get you too down, you have alot on your mind right now, and that's perfectly ok. Remember, you'll nail it next time! :icon_hug::icon_hug:

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Specializes in Almost everywhere.

(((((zooz))))) You will do fine the next time, don't let it get you down!

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Thanks for all the kind words. Love you all for them. ;)

I'm not as upset today, but I still am a little irked at myself because--under normal circumstances--I would have removed the bath blanket and replaced the top linens automatically. Other than a wounded ego (have I mentioned I'm a perfectionist?), no real harm was done. There's always next time... *grits teeth*

Now I just need to figure out a good time for me and my "patient" to retest. I hope I can get my nerves under control this time. (I'm thinking it was a combination of nerves and bad news that messed with my brain's ability to function correctly.)

Cross your fingers for me that next time will be the last time I have to take this test!

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Sorry to hear about your uncle, too. :scrying: My father died from cancer, so if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to message me.

I'm so sorry about your father, Dreamy. :(

My mother died from cancer almost one year ago. Taking care of her is actually what motivated me to go into the nursing field in the first place. My mom and her brother (my uncle with the now recurrent cancer) were both diagnosed around the same time last year. The funny thing is, I thought maybe he would be the one to beat it.

Cancer is horrible. I'm sorry to hear you've also been affected by it. :scrying:

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Thanks for all the kind words. Love you all for them. ;)

I'm not as upset today, but I still am a little irked at myself because--under normal circumstances--I would have removed the bath blanket and replaced the top linens automatically. Other than a wounded ego (have I mentioned I'm a perfectionist?), no real harm was done. There's always next time... *grits teeth*

Now I just need to figure out a good time for me and my "patient" to retest. I hope I can get my nerves under control this time. (I'm thinking it was a combination of nerves and bad news that messed with my brain's ability to function correctly.)

Cross your fingers for me that next time will be the last time I have to take this test!

Best wishes follow ya! :)

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I am sorry to hear that the proctor didn't give you a break. I was under the assumption that if you made them aware, that the missed step would not be counted against you.

In any event, I also have faith in you; arrange to take it again as soon as possible. I am sure you'll do better!

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Thanks, pagan and Fun.

I found out that the classmates of mine that have taken the test, failed it as well. Not sure what for and under what circumstances, though.

I'll retest again in the next week or so -- the school's testing schedule is backed up because of Labor Day.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Wow-Do you feel that your teacher really prepared you for the exam, or do you think the proctor is just really tough? :uhoh21:

That really sucks that your classmates failed, also. In my class, we all passed. But the proctor we had was really easygoing. I hope you pass on your 2nd time around!!! I know you'll do it!

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