Can I wear a watch during the skills and written exam?

[amdemerath]

I'm going to take the exam in Wisconsin, and I'm not sure if I'm suppose to wear my watch during all of the skills or take it off for all of the skills except for the measurement or timed skills?

Can I wear a watch during all of the skills and written exam?

Also, please tell me in addition to my question, which skills require the side rails and how they are: up or down, or both?

Thank you so much for responding.

[shay&lynn, ASN, RN]

Each state has their own guidelines.

This might answer some of your questions. If not, I would contact the facility in which you are testing.

http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/NATD/NrsAidTrgPrgInf.HTM

[sebig001]

For the handwashing skill, I took of my watch per my instructor's advice because it was considered a hygiene issue If it was not removed. During handwashing, you are supposed to wash your wrists as well. After handwashing, feel free to wear your watch for the rest of your skills.

[DreamChaser81]

I wore my watch the entire time and I am in Oklahoma. It is not a big deal in my state......You may want to be sure though, good luck to you, fellow CNA :) P.S. the written is soooooooooo easy compared to the skills!

[IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN]

Here in CA, the gist of the skills test is that it's a simulation of how you would do these skills in the "real world". So - if you'd normally be wearing a wristwatch, wear one. If you need to take it off for a skill - remove it. If the rails are supposed to be up - keep 'em up. Rails down? Put 'em down.

Not trying to be a smart-aleck, but I get the impression that a lot of people get into trouble by over-thinking the skills test, and end up making it a lot more stressful than it needs to be. Just relax & focus on patient safety/infection control issues - do that, and you should do just fine.

----- Dave