Challenging CNA exam in a few weeks. NERVOUS

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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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!

Congragulations on passing. Just be aware that working as a CNA can be a difficult job. It's harder than it looks, especially as a brand new CNA. If you havent gone through a CNA class or done any clinicals the learning curve is going to be even steeper. It's not rocket science to be sure, but if youve never been shown how to use mechanical lifts, or experienced taking care of multiple people who cant do anything for themselves, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Hopefully you can find a place to work that has an extensive orientation so you can learn a lot of this stuff before they set you loose on your own. Or maybe a CNA thats willing to mentor you a little. Just be aware that impatient coworkers who are training you at the same time they have to take care of their own people arent going to be the best instructors, thats why its better to have someone instruct you who is being paid to teach. Then again my CNA instructor was even less patient than my coworkers were lol

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.
Congragulations on passing. Just be aware that working as a CNA can be a difficult job. It's harder than it looks, especially as a brand new CNA. If you havent gone through a CNA class or done any clinicals the learning curve is going to be even steeper. It's not rocket science to be sure, but if youve never been shown how to use mechanical lifts, or experienced taking care of multiple people who cant do anything for themselves, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Hopefully you can find a place to work that has an extensive orientation so you can learn a lot of this stuff before they set you loose on your own. Or maybe a CNA thats willing to mentor you a little. Just be aware that impatient coworkers who are training you at the same time they have to take care of their own people arent going to be the best instructors, thats why its better to have someone instruct you who is being paid to teach. Then again my CNA instructor was even less patient than my coworkers were lol

Thank you for your comment! :up:I really appreciate it and take it to heart. I was thinking of volunteering in the hospital for a few months, maybe 3. At the same time I would go over all the skills in detail without rushing. What do you think? I've been going to the hospital everyday now and have been able to participate in my uncle's care(open heart surgery & today he got his gb removed). Could you advise me as to who I should talk to on the floor? I wouldn't even mind just shadowing for a bit.

In the end I would like to keep growing in the same hospital.... as a PCT, Nurse Tech and then an RN. I really want to put my foot in the door from the beginning you know?

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Well if you plan on volunteering at a hospital for a few months, it probably wouldnt hurt to take some course at the same time, either an EMT course or a CNA class, or at least a BLS and first aid class. If you want to be hired as a PCT or CNA, especially at a hospital, any medical education is helpful, Maybe try taking an anatomy and physiology class.

It used to be that CNAs learned everything on the job, there was no formal school or certification. That may still be the case in some states, I dont know, but its definitely not where I live. As for volunteering, I dont think you would be able to be involved in any patient care, or be allowed to shadow anyone who is. Call the hospital and ask them what they have available.

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.
Well if you plan on volunteering at a hospital for a few months, it probably wouldnt hurt to take some course at the same time, either an EMT course or a CNA class, or at least a BLS and first aid class. If you want to be hired as a PCT or CNA, especially at a hospital, any medical education is helpful, Maybe try taking an anatomy and physiology class.

It used to be that CNAs learned everything on the job, there was no formal school or certification. That may still be the case in some states, I dont know, but its definitely not where I live. As for volunteering, I dont think you would be able to be involved in any patient care, or be allowed to shadow anyone who is. Call the hospital and ask them what they have available.

Great advice... I am kind of tight on money right now which is why I couldn't take the CNA or EMT courses =/ But I've been BLS certified for like a year now and was planning to take an EKG course in March.... it wouldn't hurt lol and I see CNAs in local hospitals doing EKGs all the time. I've already taken all my nursing pre-reqs, just waiting to get accepted... :heartbeat

I see what you're saying about the volunteering. Yeah I am going to call my closest hospital to ask them a few questions. I'm really hoping something works out!

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What textbook did you use in your CNA training classes? I am thinking about challenging the exam and hopefully working as a CNA while I am finishing up nursing school. I have a couple of links for videos, but I'd like to buy a textbook off of amazon, but am not sure which one to get. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

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The library has Nursing Assistant/ Nurse Aid Exam books. Also online there are many videos from different countries that show the practical skills part. Taking the exams from the library books and studying the chapters really helps.

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I'm doing the same thing as you did, Silver. I'm challenging the test. I didn't think that I would be able to take the exam, so I didn't study and didn't have the materials to study thoroughly anyway. Therefore, when they sent me my Admission to Test letter, I wasn't prepared. I extended the date of my exams though, giving myself around 2 weeks to study and prepare. I test on the 11th. I'm nervous. I've been studying every chance I get. A friend (well, not really a friend) agreed to help me study, since she took the exams a matter of months ago and passed both. She gave me books, cheat sheets for the skills, etc. But she hasn't been responding to my messages about helping me, so I'm doing most of it on my own. I've been watching the YouTube videos as well, and they've been very helpful. I'm hoping that I can challenge the test and pass just like you did with the little amount of time I've had to prepare. I'd like to know what you're doing now though, to see if you've furthered in the career, etc. I'm worried about not being able to get hired as a CNA after I pass the exams (hopefully) because I have no training.

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The site won't let me PM anyone, so I have to continue the conversation on here. I'm new to the site, btw. I'm taking the test in Florida.

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

This is an old post babyturtle but I am glad you posted. I also challanging the exam. On youtube search 4 your cna , she has all the skills its what i using to practice. Mine is around same timeas yours. I am a nursing student so I'm focusing on skills part. Download the skills check list from prometric which highlights important steps and practice practice.

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