CNA Exam

I'm in NC and took our test a few weeks ago. All of the supplies were in the supply closet except the dentures, BP/stethoscope, food. For each skill you had to remember which supplies you needed but if you forgot something you were allowed to acknowledge your error and retrieve what you forgot. It takes away from your time, but it's only a few seconds. Yes, you have a moment to familiarize yourself with the locations of things. We were allowed to ask our examiner where something was, just not how to perform a skill. Since your supplies aren't laid out in a facility they won't be laid out for the test. Good luck!

Are we allowed to see how the equipment works beforehand? I've never used a wheelchair before and I do not know how to operate it.

No, you won't be able to test the wheelchair, or at least we werent. The examiner did show us how to use it (quickly) prior to the skills section. You can no longer challenge the exam here in NC. The one person who was challenging (if you signed up for the test prior to the new rule, you could still challenge it) the exam failed it. I was her partner. She had long, sharp acrylic nails. She was the only one not in uniform. She missed the written exam (30 minutes late and without ID). She didn't remove my gown for the modified bed bath and she barely performed the skill. It was like she was practicing instead of performing. I was nervous about the wheelchair as well, and I'd used it in class and clinicals, but it wasn't on my exam.

Thank you for your help! I haven't gotten the chance to actually perform the skills because I do not have the supplies, but I've been watching videos and practicing the steps in my head. I really hope that will suffice and that I will pass!

Yikes! Can you practice on a friend, a stuffed animal.or family member? Depending upon your state the videos may not be accurate. The first time I watched them was between the written and skills tests. It was drilled into our heads that, unless they were made in our state and recent, they may be wrong. Do you at least have a candidate handbook to review? It would have the steps in the right order, although it won't tell you what supplies you need.

Yeah I've been practicing on some people here and there, but it's just difficult to work with inanimate supplies/objects. I've been watching the Red Cross videos from Sacramento and yes, I also received a handbook that includes the list of skills and their steps. Just wondering, through which organization did you take the test?

I didn't take the test through an organization, or NNAAP (is this an organization? o.o). I didn't pass my first time because I was just too nervous! My second time I barely study, but I was a lot calmer and I passed! ^-^ The instructor will tell you where everything is and how to use all the items at the testing location. Like has been said you will not be allowed to ask the instructor or your partner for help, doing so would void both of your test. You do not need to be in uniform, but it may help, just remember to wear something comfortable. Show up early to the examine, about 30 minutes before. You may have time in between for you to practice or you may be first up. If you have time read the book! You can take it with you to the testing location, but not look at it during the examine. As for having all the correct supplies it is pretty easy to remember what you need for which skill. If it's a water skill you will need: water, towels, wash cloths, soap, and gloves. For some skills the instructor will actually give you the supplies, I was given the supplies for the PPE skill, and the food. (I didn't have to scoop food from anything. Just grab a tray and complete the skill.) You can repeat missed steps as long as you do not say "Skill complete." After that you may not go back and repeat. Remember when in doubt grab it! I save my own butt by getting a clothing protector. Good luck on your exam!

I took my exam at a private company but the examiner worked for the state (full or part time, I don't know).

I'm just nervous that I will forget some supplies and will have to keep going back for a certain skill like grabbing more gloves or washcloths. Thanks for the help! Congrats on passing :)

Thank you for the help! Will be taking my test tomorrow and I hope I pass!

Good luck! Really use that time between the written and skills part to review. And if you're 2nd, you get to witness your partner which may be helpful too.