CNA SKILLS testing, study the correct way

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Hello everyone

I start school in two weeks for CNA certification and have been studying for the written part of it (which I think I can pass that part) but have been reading about people failing in the skills part of it.

I thought I would get a jump on studying the skills part by going to Youtube but leery about Youtube not being correct after reading the comments under the Youtube skills videos because someone seems to always comment (are most of the time anyway) by saying that it was done incorrect.

I don't want to learn or study the wrong way so I ordered a free (NNAAP)Texas Nurse Aide Candidate handbook but they sent me one that has a old date of June 2011 on it.

My question is, does anybody know of a accurate way to study for the skills testing for CNA for Texas.

I just want to make sure I pass the first time by studying the correct way.

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My teacher told us not to go to on YouTube because different states to the skills differently. I studied the guide given to us in class and passed the first time. Hope this helps. Good luck!

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I agree with ashbrock. Each state has there own skills sometimes, and how you are suppose to do it. Sometimes it is better to just wait and take your classes with your instructor. Once you have started to take you classes it will be easier to maybe go to Youtube and find out which ones might help you. I live in Michigan, but there is someone that is from florida that does a great job at showing the skills I feel accurately. 4yourCNA helped me a lot.

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The best way to study is find out what you have to do in order to not fail. In my state of California, we had to make sure we were maintaining dignity, safety, and following contact precautions. An automatic fail would have been not locking the wheelchair when transferring the patient, for example. I passed it just fine, using giant flash cards with the list of steps for each skill. I would practice with my family and friends, and they would look at the card while I was doing the skill to make sure I didn't miss anything. Never watched youtube the entire time I was studying. Hope that helps.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Cardiology..

Provide privacy always. And talk to the patient step by step of what you're doing and are about to do. Those are important. And practice your skills at home.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

Your state should have a skills book with all of the steps included.....get very familiar with it. If you remember safety first, always you should be fine. Every skill usually starts with Introduction, hand washing, providing privacy and informed consent. Every skill should end with call bell in reach, bed in lowest position. Remember you can't miss a step highlighted in bold (in the skills book) and still pass the test, but if you forget a minor step or reverse them you don't necessarily fail.

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, IMCU, ED, med-surg.

If your program uses the Mosby Textbook for Nursing Assistants (or something similar) and it came with a CD-ROM, check that out. The Mosby CD featured skills demonstrations. . .was very useful for prepping for my CNA state skills test. Good luck on the test! Remember cleanliness, safety and locking the brakes on the bed and wheelchair during transfers!

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Hello,

I took my tests for CNA/GNA Jan of this year with the American Red Cross and passed. In my opinion, the written test was quite easy. I think nerves get the best of most students when it comes to the skills testing. I'm in Maryland and I found the youtube videos helpful, although some videos showed minor differences than what was in my study guide. I suggests not showing the tester that you have any hesitations or doubts...basically even if your unsure of a skill step...show confidence and move through skill at a steady pace.

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I am currently in a CNA course in Wisconsin and i just got word that they are changing the booklet the first of July and I have to test the skills part at the end of July...I have no idea what changes are being made and it really stinks that if I got taught the skills correctly and all of a sudden this and that changes.....I'm about to go crazy!!! ...I would see if your state will be updating the booklet first. Good luck!

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