I need California CNA Advice

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I have been a RMA for 13 years, kept up on my ceus, did a 2 year job in a skilled nursing facility setting.

Now the RMA course is more intensive than the CNA and RMA includes phlebotomy, injections and EKG, not mention all of the lab procedures.

:banghead:

Can I challenge the CNA exam? Some say I can, others say I can? I found the Amer. red cross in long beach, you can challenge. Can't seem to find a chapter up here in Northern Ca.

Then of course, I researched the internet.....I am so lost and don't know what to do??

Any advice? :eek:

If I didn't have 4 kids, one with severe Autism, I would just go to the local JC and take it. But it seems to be a waste of time and money if I already have what is needed.....

Thanks.

Christina

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Hello,

I'm challenging the CNA exam through the Red Cross in Northern California (I've taken nursing fundamentals). The California Department of Public Health sent me a Red Cross brochure that gives basic information for how to sign up for the exam, including phone numbers of different branches that test, e.g.:

San Jose or Sonoma Red Cross: (323) 780-7627

Sacramento: (916) 368-3120

Santa Cruz: (831) 462-2881

Yuba City: (530) 673-1460

They also say that Red Cross has testing locations in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Redding, but no specific phone numbers are given. The main Red Cross informational phone number that's listed in various places is for the LA location: (323) 780-7627. I've called them and received useful information in the past. If you are able to reach an actual person, they could probably tell you whether or not you are eligible.

Also, the DPH has information:

http://ww2.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/Documents/hs283b.pdf

The second page of this document has some information about who can challenge, and a Sacramento phone number to call with questions.

(At this moment, I'm frustrated and recommend against testing with the Red Cross, as they quickly cashed my check and sent me an appointment to take the test, but didn't tell me what skills I should expect to be tested on, and what their standards of testing are, what to bring, etc. My exam is in less than 48 hours and they haven't returned my calls after a week. The optimist in me says that this is just a mistake and that things will be all right...)

Okay, enough out of me. Good luck!!!!

es

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Thank you so much for the info!!

Check the state website for a study handbook...I saw one and can't remember where......

http://www.4cnas.com/id7.html

I haven't thoroughly read the material on this site but it was recommended by another site that has been approved by the state of california to do online ceu's

Good luck and let me know how it goes!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!!

Christina

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I tested with the Red Cross from Santa Cruz. It was ridiculously simple. I wouldn't stress it at all.

We all had to test on hand washing and vital signs and then we each were assigned three other "skills." I got "using a bedpan", "passive ROM", and "making an occupied bed."

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Thank you guys. I feel a little better :)

I'd hate to walk in there and get asked to perform a skill that I haven't studied for (I took fundamentals almost a year ago).

And then there are things I feel really in the dark about, e.g.: I don't know how in-depth I should do passive ROM. And, I haven't been trained in CA standards of how to dress a person, so I'd hate to go in there and yank off someone's clothes, then find out I was supposed to cover them with a bath blanket or something, and fail the ($55) test...

Anyway, thanks again....

es

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Good evening all! Sorry, I couldn't find anywhere else to post this but I too need California CNA advice. Does anyone have any info about the "newer" school College of Medical Arts in Anaheim, CA? I am going to barely be able to get onto the RN program waiting list at Cypress College next year..then it's another 2 years wait. I was thinking of becoming a CNA and getting some experience while I wait. The school in Anaheim seems good but I can't find any good info (as in students currently attending/previously attended). Any info about the school would be great. Thanks for your time everyone and I hope you have a great night.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

My experience with CNA class was that it's so rudimentary that I'd be surprised to hear much about "quality" of the class. Personally, I'd either go for the cheapest option or the quickest option. I opted for the latter.

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Hello,

I'm challenging the CNA exam through the Red Cross in Northern California (I've taken nursing fundamentals). The California Department of Public Health sent me a Red Cross brochure that gives basic information for how to sign up for the exam, including phone numbers of different branches that test, e.g.:

San Jose or Sonoma Red Cross: (323) 780-7627

Sacramento: (916) 368-3120

Santa Cruz: (831) 462-2881

Yuba City: (530) 673-1460

They also say that Red Cross has testing locations in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Redding, but no specific phone numbers are given. The main Red Cross informational phone number that's listed in various places is for the LA location: (323) 780-7627. I've called them and received useful information in the past. If you are able to reach an actual person, they could probably tell you whether or not you are eligible.

Also, the DPH has information:

http://ww2.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/Documents/hs283b.pdf

The second page of this document has some information about who can challenge, and a Sacramento phone number to call with questions.

(At this moment, I'm frustrated and recommend against testing with the Red Cross, as they quickly cashed my check and sent me an appointment to take the test, but didn't tell me what skills I should expect to be tested on, and what their standards of testing are, what to bring, etc. My exam is in less than 48 hours and they haven't returned my calls after a week. The optimist in me says that this is just a mistake and that things will be all right...)

Okay, enough out of me. Good luck!!!!

es

Were you able to challenge CNA exam? How did you do? Did you only have Nursing Fundamentals? And did you have medical experience in the military?

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Yeah. After I received their card with place/date/time, I just showed up and passed.

I agree with others: it was easy. However, since small mistakes can make you fail, I still think you should be able to have more communication with the testing vendor ahead of time. As I said, Red Cross didn't return my calls or anything, so I took the test blind, and happened to get very easy skills:

  • handwashing--everyone got ("How would you wash your hands when you first come on your shift?")
  • pretending to shave a client's face (at this station, my partner got brushing client's teeth)
  • turning a client in bed (at this station, someone got passive ROM exercises for lower extremities)
  • measuring a client's height (at this station, my partner got helping a client with a bedpan)

I took the test after doing 1 year of a 2-year RN program. So, I had Nursing Fundamentals + another semester of practice/information. Aside from my clinical rotations, I didn't have any medical experience. It's definitely possible to pass with just Fundamentals, as long as you have an idea of what you're getting into--I prepared using the materials other testing vendors provided me :)

Take care! :)

Were you able to challenge CNA exam? How did you do? Did you only have Nursing Fundamentals? And did you have medical experience in the military?
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I am also a midstream LVN student with a need to work. After some digging around I was refered to the California Department of Public Health. They handle the certification process. I called *****. I believe it is in Yuba City. They are sending me an application form which I am to return by mail to them with copy of my school transcripts. They will (in2-3 wks) send me information on when and where to test with further details. Without their blessing you cannot be tested. The Red Cross requires a 283BC form from them to be able to test you. I will post again with further details. Good luck.;)

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