Any tips for the Med Aide state exam?

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

Hi guys!

I've been trying to focus on my med aide class so I haven't been on in a while. Finally taking my state exam Thursday evening!!!

I'm going over all my materials and plan on doing that until I test, but I wanted to see if anyone could let me know any tips or anything that could help me prepare for this test.

Thanks!!

Dondie

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I don't have any tips, I just wanted to send you some good juju.

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

Thank you!!

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Remember your three MAR checks. When I took the test I did about 20 each time because I was so nervous. I wasn't actually "checking" but merely gathering my thoughts.

Even if you are testing at the facility you work at and know every resident by heart, still ask them their name (I often ask date of birth too). The examiner doesn't know that you know them, so you don't want to appear unsafe.

Remember to document in the MAR AFTER you give them meds. I always sign before I give (and come back and change if the refuse), but the examiners will probably be on the lookout for this ("Never chart before you do something" yadayadayada).

Get any assessment data you need (HR, BP, pain level) before you start prepping the meds. Nothing is worse than spending forever prepping meds, then once you get to the table/room the resident asks for a pain pill.

Do you know how many people you will be passing to? I did 5 (I think) and I scheduled myself later in the day so I wouldn't have to do the awful a.m. pass.

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

They said our state exam was a multiple choice computerized test. No "skills" like the CNA exam. Different everywhere?? I know that our last day of class we are supposed to pass meds, they have a cart and sample pills. That's as close to actually testing on it as we're gonna get. This class is so weird. We did pass meds at clinicals though. About 5 of us per cart... :rolleyes:

You did give me some good pointers, Coffeemate! Thank you!!

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They said our state exam was a multiple choice computerized test. No "skills" like the CNA exam. Different everywhere?? I know that our last day of class we are supposed to pass meds, they have a cart and sample pills. That's as close to actually testing on it as we're gonna get. This class is so weird. We did pass meds at clinicals though. About 5 of us per cart... :rolleyes:

You did give me some good pointers, Coffeemate! Thank you!!

Wow, I guess you are fortunate!! I had to pass meds in front of a state examiner after my written portion, and they constantly quizzed me with things like "Which of these can you crush?" or "If the resident doesn't want to take all of them right now, what would you do?" I went home with a splitting headache but a big sense of relief that it was over.

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

Maybe I should double check then!! Last class is tomorrow. Eek!

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