CNA skills test

[kyle33]

Hello, yesterday I took the CNA state exam and failed my skills portion due to missing a critical step on one skill that I performed exactly how all of my given materials and course teacher described the skill to me. The nurse who failed me told me I failed because I made the resident take steps when transferring from bed to chair with gait belt. I was taught that I was suppose to do this and also my CEP form provided to me by the Red Cross stated that this is the proper way to do the skill. I do not understand how they expect someone to pass the test if they arent giving correct information on how to pass certain skills. I filed a greivance but Im sure it wont be granted. Has anyone ever had a similar experience? Failing for performing a skill exactly as they were taught? I'm disheartened and in disbelief that this is a fair result. I do not know how I am suppose to pass if they make me retake it if I'm not given the right information. Very upsetting. Commiseration or advice would be much appreciated.

[kyle33]

I will add that I was taught, given materials to study with by, and tested by the American Red Cross so I'm very confused about the discrepancies.

[Christina_, BSN, RN]

Hi Rosa, so idk how much of it has changed because it has been 6 years since I took the exam. But, I do remember my teacher teaching us that a patient should not take steps when transferring them from bed to wheelchair. The wheelchair should be as close to them as it can be. There feet should be on the ground once they are standing its a quick pivot to the wheelchair. It should be more of a quick "bounce" from bed to chair, not sure if im using the right word there lol. They should not take a step. Its hard to explain what I mean. This video will help explain what I mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdsCbquuoXE Again, I took this 6 years ago and that video was made in 2014, so many things have probably changed. But, since you failed because your patient took steps, i'm assuming that didn't change.

& also what do you mean when you said your patient took steps? Did they have to take steps because the wheelchair was not close to them? Did they take more than 1-2 steps? etc...

[kyle33]

I actually got my test failure overturned. I provided multiple Red Cross materials that demonstrated the resident at least taking a step to pivot and even one to back into the chair which is exactly what I did. I actually retook the test a day before my grievance decision came through so technically I passed twice!

I did significantly worse on my second testing and still passed which really proves my theory that they are out to make money: it’s very sad.