Did you guys read your CNA course textbooks front to back?

[NotQuiteAntonio]

I'm curious, did many of you guys read the textbooks in your CNA programs in their entirety? Did you take a bunch of notes on the material as well?

I'm thinking that it would be a good idea for me to do it anyway, regardless of the response I get here, because it'd probably help me learn a bit more.

Though, it is rather long, and part of me would rather spend more of my available time on practicing the skills.

That said, should I read it all? Take notes?

Like I said, I'm probably gonna anyway, but I'm just wondering if there's a chance I could get by with skimming through it (not to say I'm not committed, just that I am a lot more worried about being able to memorize the skills as opposed to the book material).

If you could offer a brief moment of your time to give me a little input, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!

[cmac21, BSN, RN]

Nope I didn't really read outside of class. However, this is because I found that the lectures we had in my class were straight for the text and covered everything we would need to know. I took the occasional notes but for the most part I would follow along in the book for class and highlight what I thought was important, but again I didn't open it outside of class. I had a good teacher in my lecture though so it probably depends.

I found that my class stressed the skills a lot more. The written portion of the CNA test is pretty easy and almost everyone passes it from what I've heard. It's the skills I was really told to focus on just because depending on the person testing you depends on how lenient they are when you miss a smaller step. Obviously the bolded steps on the skills you must get to pass.

[hookyarnandblanket]

I did, but that is because I am that type of person. I know many who never eve cracked the book open or purchased the book.

It is all individual preference.

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

Nope. I opened mine occasionally, but not enough to make a difference. Practicing was what helped me the most.

[aWiiPeanut, ADN]

I did, but I was forced because the daily homework came straight from the book and it really required you read it in its entirety to get all the answers. I do think it helped because there were little things in it that maybe we didn't discuss in class. I do like details though and I enjoy the "why" behind things.

[NotQuiteAntonio]

Thanks for the responses! Apologies for the delayed response - been very busy these past couple days.

Yeah, I've been in contact with another group of current/past CNA students, and the consensus seems to be that, while looking at the book would increase a person's chances of doing well on the written portions of the class, so long as you pay attention during the lectures and possess a little common sense, you should be fine.

I'm typically a "do what I have to" sort of person as well, opting to look in the book, but with this course.. I feel I should dedicate more time to learning the skills. It'd take me a lot of time to read through and take notes on the book, time I'd rather spend on the skills, if possible, especially being that my memory is not the best.

I don't know what the heck I'm gonna do - the skills book we were given is so intimidating. There are so many steps to some of the skills. Plus, it doesn't help that I'm the sort of person that better learns things by repeated exposure, failing, making mistakes, being corrected, etc.

I can't just look at these lists and have them sink in. I've read the first two (handwashing and gloves) like a hundred times, and I still cannot recite them perfectly. Granted, they're the easy ones, I was able to learn them easily. I don't need to remember the steps. I just do them naturally.

I'm not even gonna bother with repeating the rest over and over, with some having like 30 steps. They won't stick in my memory.

It's one of the 75 hour courses as well, so I dunno how much time we'll get to practice the skills in class, and I am not sure if my college offers a "skills lab," as I have heard others say they had the option to use. The class doesn't start 'til Monday, so I'll find out then.

I'm really hoping so though, 'cause I'm probably gonna fail otherwise. Of course, I'm going to practice what I can at home, with my grandmother, or someone, but some things just aren't possible (perineal care, two person moving of a resident, etc.. the obvious ones). I need to be able to do them over and over.. and, like I said, fail, have someone be like.. that's wrong, before I can do it right.

I really hope I don't have to achieve that process by retaking the class one or more times. That'd suck. Plus, I'm on academic suspension from not doing so well a few years ago before dropping out, so.. I'm not sure what will happen if I fail a class. I had to sign a couple appeals and some performance agreements. I don't think I'm "allowed" to fail.

ANYWAY.. sorry for complaining. WOE IS ME.

Gonna do my best.

Thanks again!