Have my test date and I am very nervous

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2011

A few days before, my CNA instructor called us all in & we did a practice test, and also practiced all of our skills. It helped SO much. 7 of us took the test, and we all passed except for one girl.

I would just suggest going through your skills & reviewing your book, b/c most of the questions are similar to the ones you see in your book.

Kitsey · Feb 16, 2011

My class ended Nov. 10th and my test date was on Jan 4th. I was surprised that we did NOT go over our skills in class again after the initial labs, really wish we had! I planned on setting my room up like a residents room and practicing my skills that way, but it just didn't work for me. What DID work was watching the skills on YouTube over and over. I wrote the name of each skill on a note card and grouped them in order of difficulty. Once I'd watched the skill enough I would pull a card and say the steps to myself.

I pulled ROM of knee and ankle, pulse, assist to ambulate with transfer belt, and occupied bed. And yes, I passed :) You just need to find the way of learning that works for you and go with it :)

Also-I did NOT study for the written portion at all. I hadn't cracked my book open for two months prior to the test and had no problem. I studied well in class so I knew I'd be ok.

Lanesmama · Feb 16, 2011

I just watched all of the skills on Youtube the night before. Plan about 2 hrs for that. I also got lucky enough to be in a group of 3 and I was the last to go so I got to be the pt 2x before drawing my card- and 2 of the skills were ones the NAs had just tested on on me and 1 was handwashing.

Just remember NOT to say anything to the tester working on you- if you do, you will fail. I almost screwed up there because one of the first tester was doing a partial bed bath on me and didn't wash my arm pits and I almost said "don't forget my pits..." yikes!

Elvienm · Feb 16, 2011

What I did was: made flash cards with each skill and practice specially memorized what item needed for ea skill once I knew what to use its very easy to remember how to use on the skill, one week before the test. I practice with my classmates facing the cards down, exactly the same way when you picked the card on the test day. This helps me a lot, and on the writing test, our instructor gave us a practice test of 150 questions and when I took the writing test it was very, very similar to the practice test. But No matter what you do Or what I did the nerves are ALWAYS THERE.. and what my TA suggested, she said the night before the test just relax, don't open the book and don't worry about the skills, just relax, take a shower, go to sleep early and fresh your mind..I did as what she told me and everything come out GREAT! oh another tip. Before you take the skills test or writing test eat a piece of Dark chocolate, this will make you relax (well thats what I was told, I did it and it really helped. :) ) Good Luck and I know you will be good.

mamayogibear · Feb 17, 2011

I plan on practicing all the skills on my kids a couple of hrs a day for the week prior to whenever in the future my test gets scheduled for. I've all ready started making a mit out of diaper wipes when I assist my baby with a brief change and peri care;)

cna23 · Feb 17, 2011

We did practice tests. When you go for yours, make sure you wash your hands at the very beginning. Automatic failure if not. If you have and recording skills, make sure you record. I don't think its an auto fail, since one of my classmates got points taken off for not writing it down. It's going to be natural to be nervous, but don't get too nervous as the procter will eat you alive, some procters are nice however. It just depends on who will be testing you. Another classmate forgot to give a pt toilet paper for the bed pan skill, and she said something without deducting points. When you go in there, tell yourself u got this, and that u know you're a Cna, and that you're just getting a paper stating u can work as one. I did it, so can u. Good luck! :cool:

Callie Martinez · Feb 17, 2011

Thank you guys so much! I will take all the advice and try to use it. I asked my teacher if she would open the class room up for me so I could study the skills. Cause she has all the equipment. She said she would but then said I don't need it that she knows I will pass so that made me feel better.

Chamorrita671 · Feb 18, 2011

As long as you have studied and worked hard throughout the whole CNA course, then you should do fine. It's healthy to be nervous about it, but do not go and stress your self out. Taking your State Boards is a chance for you to apply the skills that you have learned. Knowledge is only power when you apply it. Your instructor will probably have SB review prior to taking your actually test. This will help you become more confident and prepared when it is time. I am wishing you all the best. Remember you must pass both the written examination and skills evaluation in order to earn your credentials as a CNA. :)

northmississippi · Feb 20, 2011

watch some videos on youtube and the like,especially the one on cleaning dentures and how to put new clothes on someone.

know that counting pulse and counting respirations is not the same, i got confused on that because our teacher told us to hold their wrist and pretend like we are counting pulse so that the patient wont be nervous and breath faster.... i nailed everything else thanks to videos.... don't forget that you wear gloves when cleaning something....

also, have all your stuff together including a wheelchair,,dont spend time going to get stuff...

its easier than you think.