Failed CNA skills, afraid to re-test!

[aprildanielle]

A couple of weeks ago I finished up my CNA training class and passed the written exam with flying colors. To be completely honest, I wasn't really that worried about the skills portion of the test because I had an awesome group of future nurses that allowed me to practice, practice, practice on them. I passed all of my skills except the radial pulse. I felt like it was such a piece of cake that I didn't really practice on more than a couple of people. The problem I found with it was that the partner I had, had a really faint pulse and I could count it for about 10-15 seconds and then I would lose it. I had a few tries and after the first try I became more and more nervous and could actually feel MY heart beat over her radial pulse. It was HORRIBLE.

I'm not really that nervous to re-take the skills test again this week, but I am afraid to get the radial pulse again (& I know I will) because I failed so miserably on it before.

I know I'm being hard on myself, but I was just wondering if any of you MA's, CNA's, LPN's or RN's have any tricks or tips for me for patients that have weak, faint, irregular pulses? I'm sure I can't be the only one that has trouble with this, but it just feels like such a no brainer!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I'll look forward to your responses!

[Pat2012]

Do you have to have the same partner for the re-test? I just ask because maybe you could use someone who has an easy pulse to find. I know when I did various testing, I'd also want an easy partner that I knew I could find it on. I've also found for weak, irregular pulses, if I press down too hard on the radial it will block it out. Sometimes I have to press lighter to feel it. Also, how do you hold the radial pulse? I've also found that using 3 tips/pads of fingers together helps me find it better. Good luck!!