Challenging the CNA exam in Florida

Meaganfn · Apr 28, 2014

What helped me was talking through the steps as I did them. That helped me to not miss critical steps. If you do make any errors, be sure to tell the prompter the correction. You have to make sure to do the correction before you state your skill is complete. Once you declare you are finished with that skill, you cannot go back to fix errors. Remember critical steps SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY! Make sure you lower the bed and provide privacy.

Ash1121 · Apr 28, 2014

I challenged the boards too. I also watched YouTube vids. Hand washing is always a tested skill so make sure your waist doesn't touch the counter; you will get dinged for that. Always verbalized that you have closed the curtain to provide privacy and that you've placed the call bell within reach and bed is in lowest position before leaving the room. Good luck!

funtimes · Apr 28, 2014

I hated the CNA test, it was just about the most nitpicky thing I've ever done, to the point we were supposed to grab a specific number of wash cloths and towels when we did a bed bath. How much of that mattered for passing the test I don't know, but we had it ingrained in us to do everything perfect or risk failing. A lot of it depends on the RN testing you. Some see themselves as the gatekeeper of the profession. When I did my state test the RN failed the 2 people before me and they had no clue why they failed.

One hint I was told to do was wear scrubs to the testing site to give the impression I was already working in the field(in my state they allow someone to begin working as a CNA as soon as they finish school as long as they pass the test within 60 days.) I think it helped because after she passed me the proctor asked me where I was working and seemed surprised when I said nowhere yet.

If you do screw something up or do it out of sequence Its probably best to verbalize that and maybe start over if you can. As long as it wasn't something safety related theyd probably let it go if you acknowledge the mistake.

Cynt87 · Apr 29, 2014

Thanks everyone I was told to wear scrubs, be very verbal and to be confident and you will be ok. Sounds like ill rack up some more hrs watching youtube and practicing on the mannequin at school.

Siaryyy · Apr 30, 2014

I'm on the same boat when it comes to the skills part. I just finished cna but we don't even have a set date to test. -_- so in the mean while I have to just keep studying. And as for what was said earlier my teacher also tried to drill us all to doing everything the way she says. But it was too little time for all that. I'm hoping that every thing goes well for me.

LaurenJulia · May 2, 2014

Im with funtimes, the test is insanely nitpicky! I wore scrubs too- if nothing else it makes you feel more confident. :) I'd also suggest practicing on a live person if you have someone who will let you. Practicing on a live person made more of an impression on my memory than practicing on a dummy ever did.

nolelove · Jun 2, 2014

My test for challenging is tomorrow and I'm getting a little nervous while reviewing the skills I remembered the woman who helped me with test prep told me that the water from peri/cath care goes into the bedside commode because it was used "down under", but every review video I have watched shows them dumping in a sink. I can see the reasoning behind both sides. Is it better off for me to dump in the commode just to be on the safe side or is it perfectly acceptable to dump the water in the sink?

WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN · Jun 8, 2014

My test for challenging is tomorrow and I'm getting a little nervous while reviewing the skills I remembered the woman who helped me with test prep told me that the water from peri/cath care goes into the bedside commode because it was used "down under", but every review video I have watched shows them dumping in a sink. I can see the reasoning behind both sides. Is it better off for me to dump in the commode just to be on the safe side or is it perfectly acceptable to dump the water in the sink?

I got dinged for dumping in the sink. I failed the first time because of catheter care. It was ridiculous.

My brother failed his test because he forgot to set the scale to 0 before he weighed his patient. The CNA skills exam is ridiculous. I'm an RN now, and even after passing the NCLEX is STILL feel the CNA skills exam was one of the hardest things I've ever done!

SweetSouthernLove, ASN, BSN · Jun 16, 2014

I also challenged and I practiced on literally EVERYONE I came into contact with. I bought a doll that would move and that I could use for specific skills. I also used my DOG believe it or not for a few steps in the ROM skills. I know, not the BEST but I was desperate to run through the motions at least each once per day. Also, explain everything. If you wipe a butt cheek - speak loudly enough that the evaluator can hear you and explain you are wiping a butt cheek. I know it is really excessive but that is what the state is expecting from you. Go get the Skills Checklist from your state website and it will outline all the checkpoints you need to pass. Also, youtube videos are a lifesaver because they keep reminding you about every thing you need to do even when you may forget. I hope you make it on the first try & good luck!

Cynt87 · Jun 20, 2014

My test for challenging is tomorrow and I'm getting a little nervous while reviewing the skills I remembered the woman who helped me with test prep told me that the water from peri/cath care goes into the bedside commode because it was used "down under", but every review video I have watched shows them dumping in a sink. I can see the reasoning behind both sides. Is it better off for me to dump in the commode just to be on the safe side or is it perfectly acceptable to dump the water in the sink?

Did you pass? Im still waiting on my letter to test.

nolelove · Jun 20, 2014

Yes I passed! That was the most nerve wrecking day I've had. There were 7 of us and my written test was at 9 am and I was in the last pair to do skills at 2 pm. So I had all day to sit there and listen to everyone else talking each other through certain skills. Try not to pay attention to that because I heard a lot of wrong advice in there. I did end up getting catheter care as one of my skills and figured better to be safe than sorry, and dumped the used water and rinse water in the commode. My letter to test took about 2 weeks from my application date and once I received the letter, my date to test was another 2 weeks from then. The best advice I can give is to pay attention to infection control (the girl I tested with never once put on a pair of gloves) and to just stay calm and talk yourself and your patient through the skill. Good luck!