New here, nervous about my state test

yousoldtheworld · Nov 18, 2008

The skills test is nerve wracking because you're being watched, but remember that it's the same skills you've gone over and practiced a ton of times.

Before the test, practice at home the best you can. Say each step out loud as you do it...this will help your memory.

At the test, first, remember that these people see these things being dne every day, and they WANT you to pass. Breathe and relax. Just like when you practiced, say each step out loud as you do it. If you forget a step, tell the tester what you forgot then go back and do it. If they see you starting ot forget smething, they might give you a hint, so pay attention to anything they might say.

I was super nervous too, but you'll find that it's over quickly. Good luck!

keithswife99 · Nov 19, 2008

Just finished my state test last Friday, and thank goodness, I passed! (Pending job offer! No pressure!) :yeah: It is nerve-wracking to say the least. The tester was very intimidating. :nono: Two things to remember above all else - SAFETY and COMMUNICATION. We weren't graded so much on the order of things done, etc., but safety was definitely the key issue. 7 people tested on my day, only 3 passed. Those that failed, failed because of safety issues (leaving bed rail down, leaving the shower room to get something off cart, not supporting ankle properly during ROM). Just focus on the task at hand and talk, talk, talk to your patient. Good luck to you and let me know if I can answer any other questions :)

deemarys · Nov 19, 2008

Yes Safety is key and privacy. If there is a curtain be sure to close the curtain when you are with the patient/dummy. If there isn't a curtain there tell the tester "Now I am closing the curtain for patient privacy". I am not sure about the whole bed rails thing, I was told that these days that bed rails are seen as a restraint so with that said I would find out if your state has any regulations in regards to it.

Good Luck and take your time, you will do fine.

keithswife99 · Nov 19, 2008

Yes Safety is key and privacy. If there is a curtain be sure to close the curtain when you are with the patient/dummy. If there isn't a curtain there tell the tester "Now I am closing the curtain for patient privacy". I am not sure about the whole bed rails thing, I was told that these days that bed rails are seen as a restraint so with that said I would find out if your state has any regulations in regards to it.
Good Luck and take your time, you will do fine.[/quote
It was taught to our class (in Texas) that yes, bed rails could be seen as a form of restraint. In the case of the person failing the skill because of not putting the rails back up, it was a total care patient that was being given a bed bath. In this case, the bed rails are strictly used for safety, not restraint. Guess I should have clarified that :nuke: Sorry! Didn't mean to confuse!

shaiko3 · Nov 19, 2008

Thank you to everyone. You've been most helpful in calming my nerves. I sometimes feel like I have a really good handle on things, then, I tell myself not to get too overconfident. I guess I'll just go in there, show what I've learned, and hope for the best.

Congratulations to all who have passed the test before me!

Thanks again,

Sue