Question About North Carolina Skills Exam

sonomala · Dec 30, 2008

Honestly, there are nightmares and there are stories like mine where the woman put us all at ease and was very kind ect. But the thing is, you never know what your going to get until you actually show up for it. At my location, me and my friend got great test admins and heard about another at the same location who failed practically everybody.

What even my class instructor told is that is that even though its a state test with many guidelines, there is still plenty of room for interpretation. The test admin can decide you didn't close the curtains enough, you might have gotten another test admin who thought what you did was fine. Some feel that the non bold steps can be just as seriouse as the bold and if they really don't like what you did, can fail you. Others are only concerned with the bold face and will let other things slide (I've heard).

The biggest thing I learned was: Do not say I've finished this procedure until you've taken a deep breath and gone over in your head what you just did. Once you say "I've finished this procedure" you can not go back and get credit for anything you might have missed. Thats a state guideline and the test admins are unable to work with anyone on that. I caught myself on several mistakes because I took a few moments and then went, doh I should have done this.

Kim8501 · Dec 30, 2008

thank you for your help, my test is on the 17th of this month....i will just keep going over that "blue book" over & over . i will do my best, and if needed will retest until i get it. at this point, i think i am over-stressing maybe.

panky1 · Dec 30, 2008

Hi Kim8501,

I am in the same boat as you, I test on the 6th this month, and after hearing all the horror stories, I too am afraid of doing something to screw up. I started writing each skill down on note cards and practicing each skill with a freind every day in trying to be prepared. I wish you the best and I am sure you will do great on the test.

Kim8501 · Dec 30, 2008

thanks panky....it is definently a nerve wracking thing. i guess the main part that makes me nervous is the gap between when i finished the class & actually taking the state exams. i finished my class on dec. 3rd, and do not test until january 17th. i guess by the time it rolls around i will be pulling my hair out...lol ! where are you testing? i am testing at wake tech. ~~ i have heard they are really nice there.

good luck on your exams, let us know how it goes. :nuke:

yousoldtheworld · Dec 30, 2008

A quick tip for your practicing AND for the test - speak each step out loud!

And, I had to wait 3 months after my class to take the test, so I feel your pain there! Just consider it extra practice time.

panky1 · Dec 31, 2008

I am actually in Michigan. I have waited since Oct to take this test. I saw your post and thought maybe give ya some postive feedback and let you know that you are not alone in your feelings...I will let you know how we tested here in this state next Tuesday afternoon. My test is at 10:30 a.m.Who knows, hopefully I pass and then can give you some extra tips? I don't know how different each state is in their testing. I just keep praying for the easier skills. LOL, you know ROM, unoccupied bed, pulse and resp. I know that we have to perform 3 direct skills, and all the indirect skills, and if we pass the clinical part then we can take the written/computer knowledge test. Happy New Years and may it be a great year for you!

adorblepuppy · Dec 31, 2008

I don't want to make you nervous so please don't think that. I am in north carolina to. I took my first test on dec. 6th. I messed up one thing and failed. What i messed up on was a bold step thing. I had right sided weakness and did it backward. Like i was thinking my right side instead of hers. Anyway i am retesting on jan 10th. I do want to say the woman we had was super nice. I am praying we get her again. I know why i failed and can't blame anyone but myself. Like the others said though. Just take your time and go over it in your head. You will have thirty minutes to do everything. Take care and good luck.

Kim8501 · Dec 31, 2008

Adorable Puppy,

Did the 30 minutes seem like enough time? or did you feel rushed?

I guess one of the things stressing me too is that I take the written exam @ 8 a.m. , but have to wait to take the skills exam @ 1 p.m. ~~ That will seem like forever I am thinking:bugeyes: Another question I have is how many people are in the room when you are doing the skills test? Thanks for your help & good luck on the 6th.

sonomala · Dec 31, 2008

Kim8501

my friend took the test in shelby with the same time schedule as you. she said there was lots of down time to sit back talk and get to know one another. And you could leave between if you want but many people choose not to for fear they wono't get back in time. There were only the other student playing the patient and the test admin in the room. Haven't heard of it being different anywhere else.

adorblepuppy · Dec 31, 2008

Like kim said the only people that are in the room are the admin, you and the "patient". The thirty minutes was plenty of time. I didn't feel rushed at all.