Challenging CNA exam in a few weeks. NERVOUS

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

Hi guys, I recently decided I wanted to be a CNA to get some extra money and experience. Yesterday I was informed I would be getting tested on Jan. 3. I am so scared because I am challenging the exam having never taken any clinicals or classes.

I picked up two books, "Being a CNA", and "Textbook for Nursing Assistants". I got a workbook too, and am watching videos on youtube. The thing is, I feel like some of the skills aren't being drilled into my head because I haven't got anything to practice with.

Also, I don't know exactly how the CNA skills exam is set up. I heard recently its like a scenario and they give you all your supplies. Is this true? Like it means we don't have to gather the supplies ourselves, right? Please tell me your experiences with the skills test because I don't want to be surprised when I get there!!!! Thank you!

[chorkle]

Cannot speak to practical skills tests. Am in Illinois--course instructor certifies to the state that s/he has satisfactorily observed your adequate performance of the required skills.

For the written exam--have a look at www.nurseaidetesting.com for a sample test. This is an Illinois affair. I think the sample test goes up to 130 questions. You can do it on-line in any arrangement you like--10 Q at a time, 37 Q, 82 Q, whatever. I think you can select the whole magillah (sp?), and print it.

It has been said--by an applicant I met at a N.H., filling out an appl.--that it is all basically common sense, anyway--altho different from the on-line test available.

PM me if you should need more info. I am in the interim phase of having completed CNA course, unable to take state certifying exam for another 6 weeks.

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

Thank you so much. It looks super handy. If I think of anymore questions to ask you, I'll PM you. Thanks again. :)

[chorkle]

The Illinois site mentioned also has some (rather abbreviated, I would say) skills demos, with commentary.

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

Yes, I just noticed them! Thank you. They are rather short but its nice to look at as a small review.

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

I passed the FL exam! =D I got measure weight, ambulate, and bed pan.

[BabyGirlx3]

Look on youtube for skills. I took my CNA class and had clinicals but I was still nervous for my exam. Youtube will have all the skills and show you the right way to do them as well. They do supply all the supply's for you for your test. Good luck and try not to stress. I overly stressed and I had a panic attack before I went in to do my skills test haha. But I passed :) Good luck!!!

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

I took it this morning!!!! :) :) :) I was the first one--well, my partner and I were the first ones.

I am SOOOOOOOOO happy I passed! I couldn't believe it. I thought I was going to fail! But the youtube vids were helpful for sure. Thanks for your advice-- I hope other challengers see everyone's advice as well as "IF I CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU!" lol :) :)

[BabyGirlx3]

Congrats!!! I was for sure I was going to fail too. Even after doing my skills, I knew I forgot a lot of things, but I passed haha. Feels good huh? lol

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

Thank you!! LOL it sure does!!! :) finally step 2 of my nursing career--now to get a job, hehehe. good luck in your career! =)

[northernguy]

So anyone can just take the CNA exam in Florida, no class required?

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

So anyone can just take the CNA exam in Florida, no class required?

Correct. You can challenge the exam without going through training. I passed and was only barely to study for two weeks or so due to a family emergency... I don't suggest it though. If you decide to challenge it, give yourself a month or two to study from a textbook and watch videos daily. I was able to assist in my uncles care while in the hospital so I got to watch the nurse and n.a perform skills that would be on the exam... If you have any questions, I hope I can answer them for you!