Failed the CNA test on the first try

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Rehab.

I graduated CNA school in April and decided to take the Georgia CNA exam in May. I passed the written portion but failed the skills part. I had handwashing, blood pressure, turning on side position, dressing with affected right arm and ROM of knee and ankle. I passed the first three skills and failed the last two, which were easy but I guess I got nervous and missed a few steps.

I am new to the website and I want to know YOUR CNA test experience. How did you prepare for it in order to pass? I'm retesting on June 16th and need some studying tips. I want to pass!

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Hi!

I had the same experience, going through classes, and doing well on the written exam and then failing the skills exam. (I failed the ROM of Knee/ankle as well). Since I was hired as a NAR before taking the exam I took the opportunity of work and volunteering in a hospital to ask the techs/other CNAs for advice and focused on doing my skills right. I also used some youtube videos to freshen up skills (they aren't 100% accurate if you are from a different state but close enough to review), and spent a lot of time with my study guide. I went back and took the skills test again and passed. On my retest date over half of us were retesters for skills test with only a few people on their first try after having taken the written in the morning. I think needing to retest on skills is unfortunately very common.

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Rehab.
Hi!

I had the same experience, going through classes, and doing well on the written exam and then failing the skills exam. (I failed the ROM of Knee/ankle as well). Since I was hired as a NAR before taking the exam I took the opportunity of work and volunteering in a hospital to ask the techs/other CNAs for advice and focused on doing my skills right. I also used some youtube videos to freshen up skills (they aren't 100% accurate if you are from a different state but close enough to review), and spent a lot of time with my study guide. I went back and took the skills test again and passed. On my retest date over half of us were retesters for skills test with only a few people on their first try after having taken the written in the morning. I think needing to retest on skills is unfortunately very common.

I practiced a lot with my husband---who is a difficult patient lol. I studied with YouTube videos partially under R Mayer. My CNA school is now shut down and so I am left to study on my own. I can't even get a hold of the instructor...Oh well I guess the best thing to do is study and practice with the videos.

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Have you rescheduled the skills portion?

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Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

I failed the first time too! The second time around I went over each and every skill and memorized them back and front. The second time I got much easier skills.

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Specializes in Pulmonology.

Don't feel bad. I forgot to wash hands after mouth care on my first skill :(. I had mouth care, side lying position and ROM I can't remember to which limb. But I failed my skill obviously and passed my written. I'll be retaking it soon. I was so mad at myself ! Don't be discouraged !

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Rehab.

Yes I did and I passed!!! But now I am trying to find a job...

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Rehab.
Don't feel bad. I forgot to wash hands after mouth care on my first skill :(. I had mouth care, side lying position and ROM I can't remember to which limb. But I failed my skill obviously and passed my written. I'll be retaking it soon. I was so mad at myself ! Don't be discouraged !

Did you pass it?

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Rehab.
I failed the first time too! The second time around I went over each and every skill and memorized them back and front. The second time I got much easier skills.

Second time was easier. I had modified bed bath, handwashing, putting on and removing gown, input and output, and feeding. I missed a few minor steps but the nurse passed me anyway. Sometimes I think it depends on who you get as a tester.

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Specializes in Pulmonology.
Did you pass it?

I haven't retaken the clinical portion yet. I've spent my summer studying for my teas! But I hope to retake my CNA clinical next month !

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Specializes in Geriatrics and Rehab.
I haven't retaken the clinical portion yet. I've spent my summer studying for my teas! But I hope to retake my CNA clinical next month !

I wish you the best of luck on your TEAs test. Did you want to be a CNA just to work through nursing school or was it a requirement to get into the program?

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Specializes in Pulmonology.
I wish you the best of luck on your TEAs test. Did you want to be a CNA just to work through nursing school or was it a requirement to get into the program?

I wanted to do it work through nursing school. Right now I work at a hospital but in ER patient registration. I want more hands on experience.

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