I failed my CNA twice

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I failed my CNA exam for the second time today. I even cried at the testing center. The sad part is the I passed everything except the radial pulse. On the form it says " Does not record resident's pulse rate on measurement form within +/- beats per minute of nurse's measurement", "Does not count pulse for one minute" (I did). I know I probably got the number wrong though. However, I wasn't sure if the nurse was checking because she kept staring at the clock the whole time. Is there an easier way to calculate radial pulse? I am considering filing an appeal because they said I can do that in state of Florida but I'm not sure if it will change anything. What do you guys thing an do you know any tips on how to better next time?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Move to CNA forum?

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Yes please thankyou.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Thread moved to CNA forum.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I doubt appealing will do anything. For my exam I was also given radial pulse and it was very nerve-wracking considering it was the hardest skill for me to feel confident about. Make sure your fingers are aligned with their thumb. It takes me a minute to feel around for it but I know the spot is right beneath their thumb. When I did this skill I was unsure of myself the first time and the tester let me try again. I ended up getting the same number so I figured it was correct. Me doing it a second time helped a lot. You can take your time on what you need to as long as you don't go over the time limit. You're the one taking the test.

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I doubt appealing will do anything. For my exam I was also given radial pulse and it was very nerve-wracking considering it was the hardest skill for me to feel confident about. Make sure your fingers are aligned with their thumb. It takes me a minute to feel around for it but I know the spot is right beneath their thumb. When I did this skill I was unsure of myself the first time and the tester let me try again. I ended up getting the same number so I figured it was correct. Me doing it a second time helped a lot. You can take your time on what you need to as long as you don't go over the time limit. You're the one taking the test.

I just hope this is not a prediction of how bad I'm going to do in nursing school. This really destroyed my confidence and I probably will not be retaking because I fear I might fail again.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Keep in mind that the RN observer is human too. It is possible that their number was slightly off, then your number was slightly off and that difference is what failed you. Also, if they marked you as not counting for a full minute, it is possible that the start and stop time were not clear to the observer. Did you say start and stop? And honestly, while pulse rate is very important, it is not indicative of how you will do in nursing school. I failed twice as well. I failed once for running out of time from being so nervous and a second time for incorrect BP. I am actually very good at manual BP, but owell. I passed the third time. I would say to give it at least one more try. You could pass next time. I am going into 3rd block nursing school. My two CNA skill failures have definitely not impeded my nursing school ability. GL

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Keep in mind that the RN observer is human too. It is possible that their number was slightly off, then your number was slightly off and that difference is what failed you. Also, if they marked you as not counting for a full minute, it is possible that the start and stop time were not clear to the observer. Did you say start and stop? And honestly, while pulse rate is very important, it is not indicative of how you will do in nursing school. I failed twice as well. I failed once for running out of time from being so nervous and a second time for incorrect BP. I am actually very good at manual BP, but owell. I passed the third time. I would say to give it at least one more try. You could pass next time. I am going into 3rd block nursing school. My two CNA skill failures have definitely not impeded my nursing school ability. GL

Thank you, is there a way I could practice taking Radial pulse, Blood pressure, and Respiration at home?

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I just hope this is not a prediction of how bad I'm going to do in nursing school. This really destroyed my confidence and I probably will not be retaking because I fear I might fail again.

I don't think this is an indicator of your success as a future student nurse. When I was doing the CNA test, I got so nervous that the feel of my own pulse made it hard to count a patient's pulse. I would say just practice that skill a lot on friends and family. Make an appeal because it can't hurt. And keep trying. You'll get it :)

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