CNA state test jitters

uhohbube · May 19, 2011

I'll be testing in june and I have my clinicals this weekend. Im kind of nervous...lowering and raising the bed and the bed rails and locking the bed and wheel chairs always gets me. also in class we never actually practice how to talk to the patient...we just do the skills...I dont think Im anywhere near prepared. but goodluck..im sure you will do fine (:

nursology · May 19, 2011

I took the test in December. The main issue I had was trying to be too thorough and almost running out of time on one of the skills. Also, I think on that skill I forgot to lower the bed at the end. If you've practiced in class and run through them on your own, I think you will be fine. Good luck!

Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN · May 19, 2011

When you finish your skill, take a step back and look over everything to see if you have forgotten anything. I've read that if you tell them you forgot something, they may let it slide. Didn't have that experience though.

When talking, just tell your patient what your going to do next. You don't have to talk about the weather or anything. :)

The best thing you can do is practice. All the time, even if you just go over the skills in your head.

BkCNA · May 21, 2011

I agree with Dondie...once you are finish with the skill take a look and go over everything in your head to make sure you fulfilled the skill completely! Good luck!

blackandyellow · May 21, 2011

I was very nervous when I took mine not to mention I was sick the day of the test with a 102 degree fever probably half of it was due to nerves. It ended up not being as hard as I thought. Take a deep breath you will do fine!

pickled_tink · May 21, 2011

i'll be testing in june and i have my clinicals this weekend. im kind of nervous...lowering and raising the bed and the bed rails and locking the bed and wheel chairs always gets me. also in class we never actually practice how to talk to the patient...we just do the skills...i dont think im anywhere near prepared. but goodluck..im sure you will do fine (:

i think we all get the 'jitters' before taking exams. lol during clinicals, team up with someone in your class with whom your comfortable with. this makes it more fun during clinicals. working as a team is always effective. reminder: you are there 'as a student'. you are not there to do the staff cna's job! it is always a great idea to introduce yourself to the staff cna's and offer them assistance when needed. if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask! if you feel uncertain, consult with your instructor. in some cases, the staff looks at you as if you are in the way, however, you are there to help! sometimes you might observe the staff cna 'taking shortcuts', do not accept a shortcut because come time to take your skills test, it will need to be more thorough, as your state examiner is observing you. having a great sense of humor, talking to the resident, making them comfortable, and taking care of their needs is a rewarding experience. i wanted to complete my list of tasks asap so that i could enjoy a sense of 'ease' making rounds in last week of clinicals. i believe practice makes perfect, even though you feel unprepared, just keep in mind you are doing the best you can. keep a positive attitude and know you can do it! ~godspeed~

It's_Me · Jun 28, 2011

Thank you for all the great replies, I'm sorry I'm so late checking back in. I've been without a computer for awhile now.

Thankfully, my test went very well, and I passed! :yeah: I had good skills, I drew the supine position, unconscious mouthcare, and bedpan. And handwashing, that was first. I only had a partner for the positioning, for the others I used the mannikin.

I was so nervous because we were there all day, and I was in one of the last groups to test. I thought I failed for sure when one of the testers asked me, "Are you SURE you did everything according to the six principles of care?" (I did, she wanted to make sure I knew, she said.)

So now I'm pounding the pavement, oh, and I got my certificate in the mail today, so it feels more official now.

uhohbube, did you have your test yet? If you did, how did it go?

michleboost123 · Jun 30, 2011

I do agree with other person. But you should try your best of overcome it and take your state test.

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