Possible to pass CNA exams with this book and youtube videos?

heathert_kc · Sep 5, 2011

Personally i took my CNA exam in high school and thought it was almost sad how incredible easy it was and even said that I probably could have passed it without even taking the CNA class through the local community college in partnership with my high school. The issue is that I highly doubt your state agency that licenses CNA, be it the board of nursing or other agency (think it is the department of health&human service in my state) as they have their own requirements set forth for those wishing to that the CNA exam in my state it a minimum of 85 or 90 hours of coursework and clinical experience in an official program that has to be approve by them. Schools have to submit their syllibus and be approve to teach in order for their student to sit for the exam just like with nursing schools.

So perhaps it is possible to pass, but I think the issue will be you are not likely to get the permission to take the exam.

samirish · Sep 5, 2011

You can definitely learn everything you need to know from a book and especially you tube videos.

Most of the things on the cna test, you can figure out just by using common sense. However, where I am located they will not allow you to take the test without first completing an approved cna program.

clubwestpua · Sep 5, 2011

Personally i took my CNA exam in high school and thought it was almost sad how incredible easy it was and even said that I probably could have passed it without even taking the CNA class through the local community college in partnership with my high school. The issue is that I highly doubt your state agency that licenses CNA, be it the board of nursing or other agency (think it is the department of health&human service in my state) as they have their own requirements set forth for those wishing to that the CNA exam in my state it a minimum of 85 or 90 hours of coursework and clinical experience in an official program that has to be approve by them. Schools have to submit their syllibus and be approve to teach in order for their student to sit for the exam just like with nursing schools.
So perhaps it is possible to pass, but I think the issue will be you are not likely to get the permission to take the exam.

oh sorry, I forgot to mention an important point!

I am in Florida, so I can just take the test as a challenger, so the eligibility is out of concern. I was just worried because prep programs are at least 7 days long and cost $400, and other prep books were 300~800 pages long while mine is only 122 pgs.

merlee · Sep 5, 2011

Take the course. You can't learn hands on activities just by watching them done by someone else.

Black Jade, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2011

As far as I know, the only time that you can challenge a CNA exam is when you already finished your first semester in the RN program. After that, you can work as a Nursing Assistant in the hospital. In California, they have Regional Occupational Programs to get your CNA where you just pay for your books and your uniform.

Don't you also need to accumulate clinical hours prior to getting your CNA license?

clubwestpua · Sep 5, 2011

As far as I know, the only time that you can challenge a CNA exam is when you already finished your first semester in the RN program. After that, you can work as a Nursing Assistant in the hospital. In California, they have Regional Occupational Programs to get your CNA where you just pay for your books and your uniform.
Don't you also need to accumulate clinical hours prior to getting your CNA license?

I did contact Florida Health Dept, and they were saying that I could just pass the exam and get CNA certification, and I also have met someone, who works at Hospice care center after taking an online course and finish it in 1 week. So in FL, things are pretty lenient. :)

I did volunteering at several hospitals for 500+ hours. I took intakes, bp, pulse, diabetes test, and etc w/o training at homeless clinic too and volunteered there for 3 years.

CAPPYBARA BREAKFAST · Sep 5, 2011

I'm sure it's possible to pass the exam using only a book and youtube videos, but do you think that will prepare you to be the best CNA you can be? If being a CNA is not something you intend on putting a genuine effort in, I would not even bother. It's not worth it to the people you care for. The lack of interest will ultimately come through in your work. If you will take your position as a CNA seriously, I recommend looking into community or technical colleges that offer the program or government programs that will pay for the program completely.

blackbird singing · Sep 5, 2011

Wow, lucky you can take it without the class. Given your experience, I definitely think you could pass with just the book and the videos. I would also encourage you to practice, step by step, reading each step outloud, with a friend, bf, gf, family member, or a large stuffed animal haha. It definitely helps! Don't just watch the videos, do the hands on practice, too. But since you have such a large amount of experience, I have no doubt you could do it. Honestly, all the skills that I use on my job came from on the job training... I mean, I had learned them already, but it's not like these skills take too long to pick up on. I mean, use a washcloth, change the surface for each wipe... :)

there are other skills haha, i'm just giving an example.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide and how it goes!!

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 5, 2011

OK- Florida tolerates partial education....Really?

I taught CNA classes and there were minimum required hours of classroom that had to be documented. Miss a class, and no chance of taking the test (TX- circa 1993).

I'd really check into this more. Getting an education on line with videos is half-a@@ed for initial entry into a position. If your goal is to just get by, employers are likely to see that as your work ethic.

But, hey- if that's good enough for you and FL, settle for questionable mediocrity. :) Good luck!

The volunteering will be helpful- but it's not the same as having 10-15 residents who you are responsible for in much more intense care. Do you know how to transfer someone, prevent someone from falling, go baths/showers/cath care/etc- it's not all about watching a video. If I watch some videos of Celine Dion can I get a Vegas gig? The practical stuff is really important to learn in person, since it's about taking care of real people- not a virtual one :)

Black Jade, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2011

I'm still not sure about your plan. If I were the employer and see your resume, I'd still want to know where you did your CNA studies. Just my :twocents: .

As far as the youtube videos, I wouldn't rely on them since some of them are not legit or are evidence based. You might want to buy books that come in combo with DVDs or videos. I bought a DVD on critical care and it helped me for my clinicals. Also, there is a thread about CNAs and nursing skills on video that you might want to check it out. Just do a search on it.

clubwestpua · Sep 5, 2011

I'm still not sure about your plan. If I were the employer and see your resume, I'd still want to know where you did your CNA studies. Just my .
As far as the youtube videos, I wouldn't rely on them since some of them are not legit or are evidence based. You might want to buy books that come in combo with DVDs or videos. I bought a DVD on critical care and it helped me for my clinicals. Also, there is a thread about CNAs and nursing skills on video that you might want to check it out. Just do a search on it.

what! Are you saying that there are videos are this forum? If there are then I would definitely use them as vital sources!