CNA skills exam

OceansRose, CNA · Oct 13, 2008

Something that my instructor told us to do during the skills exam was actually talk our way through the skill while we were doing it. For example, if one of the skills you were given was making an occupied bed (if your state uses that), you would actually tell the tester what you were doing (what supplies you were using, how you would roll the person, fold under the sheets, etc.), as you were doing it. I thought it sounded silly when she described it, but it was extremely helpful during the test! It was easier for me to remember the steps if I spoke them out loud rather than just trying to remember them in my head as I went.

Practicing your skills on someone else outside of class helps too. My boyfriend was my test dummy for the entire course, and a small group from my class also got together just before the state test to practice in the lab so we got more comfortable with the setup/supplies and were able to help each other.

Seriously though, I was terrified before I took my test, especially the skills portion (I was taking Pepto pills like they were candy), but afterwards all I could think was, "THAT is what I was worried about?" It was hard to believe back then, but looking back now it was not nearly as terrible and scary as I'd imagined. Good luck!

- Anne

rancelumsden · Oct 13, 2008

Practice! I've written a number of times that many people have difficulty with the skills (I did with some of them).

Get a few people together, come early, stay late, or go to someone's home and practice.

Many classes, including ours, only allowed us to perform a skill once or twice. That was simply not enough for things like BP, occupied bed, ROM.

Muttlover · Oct 13, 2008

Thank you so much! That is great advice that I will use. During class I found that I relaxed when I explained what I was doing for my patient. You're idea is even better. Thanks for your encouragement, too!

omgtehbunny · Oct 13, 2008

I can definitely second talking your way through the skill. Since I was hearing each step out loud, it helped me recognize if I was forgetting something. Also, since you can always tell the test observer if you want to change something you did, as long as you say it correctly, you are given credit for it.

terrajai · Oct 14, 2008

My teacher said the same about talking through the skills...just say EVERYTHING.

I take my test this Saturday...even though I've been working a few months now I'm still pretty nervous...:stone

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2008

In California we took it through the Red Cross...The proctors were very helpful...There was no way they were going to fail you...The only way you'd fail is if they felt that you were going to put the patient in danger...If you miss a step in a procedure they didn't seem to mind, as long as the outcome was the same...You don't have to say something like "I'm going to pull the privacy curtain to give the patient privacy" if you were going to be tested on vital signs...They just focus on the vital signs...They had stations and you picked a card and it gave you a skill that you must perform...If you needed to start over again they'd let you...mind you this is through the Red Cross and in California. I can't speak for other states...Hope this helps....Good Luck!

Muttlover · Oct 15, 2008

Thanks so much for the info. It is greatly appreciated!

cook78 · Oct 17, 2008

I'll be taking my state exam about mid-November. I am a little nervous about it so thanks for the "talk your way through" advice. I think it could really help me even though I'm explaining everything to the Exam Instructor.

FLGIRL01 · Oct 30, 2008

I just wanted to leave a comment detailing my skills exam experience. I know when I was preparing to take the exam I was very nervous and found this forum very helpful. I passed on the 1st try. I was 2 out of 5 that passed. The other girl that passed was taking it the 2nd time. The skills exam is not hard, just thorough. You have to practice every skill and remember the steps. My proctor was professional but nice and some what lenient. I had transfer, change occupied bed, and pulse and respiration. Trust me, I know I got lucky getting these "easy" skills. I made a few mistakes and was very nervous, but the proctor never tried to give me a hard time. Just do everything you know, even if you think you are doing too many steps. It's better to do too much than too little. My partner got feeding and the proctor had me hold a bite of food in my mouth to see if she noticed that I didn't swallow. I felt horrible having to do that. So, just be aware of little things that could catch you off gaurd like that. Hope this info helps. Good luck!

Codeda · Oct 30, 2008

Wait what were you supposed to do if you're the CNA? Ask if she swallowed or not and have her swallow?

yousoldtheworld · Oct 31, 2008

The best advice I can give you on taking the skills test is RELAX. My biggest challenge wasn't knowing the steps, it was performing them under pressure. It's very nerve-wracking trying to remember every little step while someone is scoring you. As long as you study and are well prepared, just remind yourself that you KNOW the material, and remember that the testers do it for a living - they know you're nervous and they've tested thousands of people. Good luck!