CNA board cert test tips???

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · May 23, 2004

I don't recall this being on our exam, but one of the CNAs I work with recently failed her exam because she didn't know how to "zero out" the scales.

She said the scales were the balancing type like you see in the doctor's office. You can also "zero out" the digital scales.

It isn't hard to do, but I thought I'd warn you in case you haven't ever been shown how to do it.

moonbunnie · May 23, 2004

yes i work day shift 0630 to 1430. around here it is about 10 dollars to start at most nursing homes, and 8 or 9 at hospitals, but i think that the work is a little less strenuous at hospitals than nursing homes, which is why people prefer them. i have never worked at a hospital myself, so i cant say firsthand, but people have told me that hospital work is easier.

another thing...in my state, we did not have to do a skills portion for our state license...we just had to pass a state approved program and take a multiple choice test, which was separate from the program, which was pretty easy...i dont know if it would be the same for a nursing student looking to become a cna though, but i think that they only have to do the multiple choice part too...they expect us to be tested on skills in our classes.

kathy_79 · May 23, 2004

hello,

there is a better pay at hospital, at least $2.00/hr, more pay at night and weekends also,

you have all equipments around you,

there is less work for you because of the technical equipments which support patients,

you can learn more tasks especially if you are nurse student, they even let you (undersupervision) perform some simple tasks,

i work at ICU and SURG - TRANSPLANT, so i have overview of most of the illnesses and for me i love it, really, i learn more then at school where we have limited time,

summarize: more experience, you have job where you work actually (if you like place), better pay, help from other what was hard to deal with when i worked at LTF,

take care, :)

Love4Me, RN · May 23, 2004

When I took the test it was 3 skills and handwashing. I had to do peri-care on a dummy, change an occupied bed, and transfer a patient. It was not that bad. I just brushed up on all of my skills that they could test me on. Good luck.

moliuchick, RN · May 23, 2004

When I took the test it was 3 skills and handwashing. I had to do peri-care on a dummy, change an occupied bed, and transfer a patient. It was not that bad. I just brushed up on all of my skills that they could test me on. Good luck.

:) THanks for your info. I will probably have to try working as a CNA first before I move on to Hosp. I have sent so many (like 30 something applications over the last year) to some hosps and hope that they will hire me. But they kept saying they prefer "certified NA"(not nursing students) and they also said they want someone who has experience. One said,"I can't even interview you b/c we let our employees the 1st priority to interview first" I was so closed to ask her, "do I have to be a janitor in order to be a NA in your hosp????". :angryfire

Anyway, a few questions for you. (Gee, I should know it but I forget most of the stuff that I did last yr). Okay, to change an occupied bed, do you push the new fitted sheet under the old one or the other way round.

And for Peri-care, did they give you towels or the "wet wipe thing" to clean?

And did you have to use soap during the exam? How many towels did you use? or you just used one (but different area) to clean?

I know these are dumb questions. But hope I will get smarter after hearing from you.:imbar

Thanks!

moliuchick, RN · May 27, 2004

Thank you so much for all your help! I passed my test. The instructor said she was impressed with my performance and she told me that she believes that I will be a good nurse(I told her that I am a nursing student).

After the test, I went to three different assisted living to apply for a job. Two places said they are hiring. One said they don't even need "certified" nursing assistant(that means they will hire non-certified NA and pay her little money).

And the 2rd place said they are not hiring. :angryfire

I wonder when I will be hired??????????????? I am so sick of this, I am so qualified but yet no one wants to hire me.:rotfl:

Omunique~ · May 27, 2004

this post topic makes me {lol irl} you have to be kidding me that you are all freaked about this stuff. it makes me sad to see so many lpn's and rn's who don't know how to put shoes on, use a gait belt, or the basic adl's for a resident.

always wash your hands when you enter a room and before you leave!!!

there are many things they can test you on. oral hygiene, nail, hair, perineal, dressing and undressing, bed baths, tub bath and a shower bath, making a bed (unoccupied and occupied) backrub's/skincare, and preventing and caring for pressure ulcers.

that kind of leads me to the question how do you put on your shoes?

omunique~

nurse aid...

p.s remember front to back :nono:

moliuchick, RN · May 27, 2004

this post topic makes me {lol irl} you have to be kidding me that you are all freaked about this stuff. it makes me sad to see so many lpn's and rn's who don't know how to put shoes on, use a gait belt, or the basic adl's for a resident.
always wash your hands when you enter a room and before you leave!!!
there are many things they can test you on. oral hygiene, nail, hair, perineal, dressing and undressing, bed baths, tub bath and a shower bath, making a bed (unoccupied and occupied) backrub's/skincare, and preventing and caring for pressure ulcers.
that kind of leads me to the question how do you put on your shoes?
omunique~
nurse aid...
p.s remember front to back

don't laugh at me. i get nervous about everything. if i have more experience in the hosp during our clinicals, i will be much better off. see, that is why i need a na job so badddddddddddddddddddd!

luckyladyore · May 27, 2004

Speak loud and clear the bedpan is sat underneath the bed ridden pt if the pt can move then usually they place it (where its comfortable) but since it will be a dummy. Wash hands b4 and after. Good luck Im taking mine this summer it is a requirement for the BS program

Trisha_E · Jul 18, 2006

Tomorrow i take my CNA test i am really scared/nervous!!!

For the people who have taken it

about how long does it take for the clinical skills test

and written test?

Lil123 · Jul 18, 2006

Sounds like you have already been giving a lot of good advice. I took my tests in ILL. in Dec. Our skills test are done in a nursing home and we have to pass 15 skills for the teacher! Sounds like you only have to use the lab. Don't worry you'll do great! Lil123

chadash · Jul 18, 2006

Good luck with your test!

The written test is so easy. You might find a sample test on line.

The clinical part: just take your time, and be thoughtful. Remember simple principles: clean to dirty, respect patients privacy (cover exposed parts!), identify yourself to patient.....you will do great!