I failed my skills test.

Published

I was assigned:

  1. hand washing (required)
  2. temperature, pulse, and respirations (required)
  3. female perineal care
  4. bed to wheelchair transfer
  5. positioning supine

Passed all the skills except perineal care. I left the stupid bath blanket on and didn't realize it (I had a feeling I forgot something, but I thought it was something more serious--along the lines of safety or infection control) until I was coming around the corner for my skill after peri-care. I stopped dead in my tracks. "The bath blanket!" I screamed. The observer made a note that I did end up remembering it and I fixed the mistake I made before going on with my skills. It honestly didn't even register that I left the bath blanket on, I was so nervous and the bath blanket and top linens were the same bright, bright white, that I just passed right over it. (But I had the feeling that I had forgotten something that I would normally do. You know that feeling?)

Found out a few hours ago that the scorer decided to fail me because of that. Between the news I received Monday about my uncle's recurrent cancer and failing this test, I am just so horribly bummed out. :o

I really am scared now to retest, I can't imagine failing this a second time. What will happen if I get something more difficult? What will I do wrong then?

---> 10/04/07 - CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE #1 (Hint: I didn't fail it the second time. ;) )

---> 10/11/07 - CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE #2 (The ordeal is officially over. I passed the written test!)

omg, i did not think that was a crucial element on the skills portion! i am about to take that exam...... so now i am worried! i am then moving on to become rn, sooooooo if i am this worried about the cna, then do you have any idea what i am feeling right now walking into nursing school!!! lol ( and i am sure you all do) :lol2: i have to laugh, to keep from crying!!!

i have an idea how you must feel. i was extremely nervous both times i took my exam, and i'm a nervous wreck just thinking about going into nursing school. rest assured, you aren't alone. ;)

good luck with your exam!

What I wrote in a separate thread:

I just got back from the CNA written test (last step after passing the skills) and *drumroll* passed it with 94%.

I had four questions that I was kind of iffy about, so I put down my first thought. When I went back to make sure I had answered every question, what did I do? I changed my answers. All four. Guess how many questions I got wrong? Mmmhmm. Four.

I should have followed the advice that my mom always gave me, test phobia queen that I am, when I had a test: Stop over analyzing everything and just go with your gut reaction.

Mother knows best. *grumble grumble* I have to say, she would be smiling right now if she knew she was right yet AGAIN. :D I managed to graduate with a 4.0 because of that advice, so why didn't I use it this time? *sigh* :rolleyes:

But it's over, and now I'm a CNA, so I'm happy regardless. After I get back from my trip, it'll be time to start looking for a job so I can gain some much needed experience. Then I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and actually apply to nursing school instead of just talking about applying.

----

Thanks to everyone for all the help and words of encouragement! I'm a CNA! :w00t: Can't believe it. :D

For those of you reading this and wondering what to expect with your written, I didn't think it was that difficult. I had a lot of scenario questions, and as long as you don't read too much into them, you'll do fine. I had a few questions that were worded a bit strangely, but other than that they were all pretty straightforward. Luckily, what I had envisioned was much worse than what it turned out to be.

Good luck to all the future test takers out there. Don't forget to remove that bath blanket. ;)

Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.

Congratulations to you!!!

zooz, I've already wished you lots of congrats, and I am really proud of you for not quitting after you failed.

What are your plans now? Are you going to do HH, hospital, or LTC?

Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.

Well here's a funny story. I just got my NA certification back in March. I passed the written with flying colors. Got to the skills...and after the first skill, my mind just went blank. I managed but barely...I killed and I mean literally screwed up on assist client with use of the bedpan. I messed up so bad I was honestly ready to give up. Needless to say, when my partner performed her assigned skills on me, I broke down and was crying on the bed. The adminstrator was like what's wrong...I told her everything I just did was wrong. Fortunately I passed...how I have not the slightest idea but I passed.

Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.
Well here's a funny story. I just got my NA certification back in March. I passed the written with flying colors. Got to the skills...and after the first skill, my mind just went blank. I managed but barely...I killed and I mean literally screwed up on assist client with use of the bedpan. I messed up so bad I was honestly ready to give up. Needless to say, when my partner performed her assigned skills on me, I broke down and was crying on the bed. The adminstrator was like what's wrong...I told her everything I just did was wrong. Fortunately I passed...how I have not the slightest idea but I passed.

That's great news that you passed. Don't worry, bedpans give a lot of people problems and then there is the added stress of an instructor watching you!! Before you know it, you will be an expert bedpan puter underer:uhoh3:!!

Jay

Please help me!!!:confused:

I am going to take my my CNA skills test on the 30th of this month,:crying2: I am having difficulty with one of the skills (bed bath). A freind of mine who took the test before told me not to use water. If this is so how am I able to do this challenge? Do they simulate the water? Also it says to test the water, do I do this with the thermometer or test the water before I put it in the bowl. If someone could help me please reply.:bow: I worry more about the skills test than the written test so any additional help would be great.:):up::up:

Thanks :typing

Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.
Please help me!!!:confused:

I am going to take my my CNA skills test on the 30th of this month,:crying2: I am having difficulty with one of the skills (bed bath). A freind of mine who took the test before told me not to use water. If this is so how am I able to do this challenge? Do they simulate the water? Also it says to test the water, do I do this with the thermometer or test the water before I put it in the bowl. If someone could help me please reply.:bow: I worry more about the skills test than the written test so any additional help would be great.:):up::up:

Thanks :typing

For bed baths, or anything that involved washing the pt. We didn't simulate the water. We used water and wash cloths. You test the water with your gloved hand and pretty much guestimate how warm it is, they don't really grade you on how warm you let the water get just on the fact that you tested the water. BTY, it's a partial bed bath, face, um I think neck, one arm and one leg.

I was so nervous when I took my skills test. Your instructors make you think it's extremely difficult but it really isn't just try to remain calm and I'm sure you'll do fine.

Thank you so much. :D

But I'm still nervous for the skill test. I feel it is weakest area...:crying2:

I am from japan , I have never took CNA program here. so thats why it makes me feel uneasy.:thnkg:I will do mybest tomorrow.

:bowingpurI have one more question about bed bath. When do you prepare the water in the bowl? Before or after you enter the PT room on the skill test ?

Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.

:bowingpurI have one more question about bed bath. When do you prepare the water in the bowl? Before or after you enter the PT room on the skill test ?

We did our skills test at the community college. They have about 8 beds in the room and only two sinks, one of which is in a bathroom and the other in the actual "class room". We used the sink in the room to get our water.

You enter the pt's room, introduce yourself, make sure you're addressing the right patient and tell the pt what you're about to do. Then you prepare your supplies and DO NOT FORGET to provide privacy or to use a bath blanket.

:tku:very much ! I won't forget a blanket! Thanks

Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

When you start your bath make sure you provide privacy, and that you only expose the area you are washing. Dry the area and cover it back up before moving onto the next. Always start up top (face). I'm sending you warm fuzzy wishes for a great test!

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