pre-CNA student scared to death of the clinicals and the clinical exam

[bobbysgirl927]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum. I am starting a CNA program at the beginnning of November.

I have been reading a lot on this website and I am sooooo scared of doing the clinicals and clinical exam.

I am 35 years old but having someone over my shoulders watching my every move makes my heart race even now thinking about it and I havent even taken the class yet. Any help would be appreciated.

[lalah]

Hello, I just finished and got certified this month. Dont be scared but dont be over-confident. during clinicals, ask questions. they dont let you do anything unless you're comfortable with it. always remember the most important thing is the comfort and safety of the residents during clinicals. As for the state exam, practice, practice, practice! ! ! the proctors are not there to make you fail. they are there to make sure you know what you're doing. remember key points for every skill. ex. ambulating = non skid soles and orthostatic hypotension. you'll be okay, make sure you dont rush any of the skills tests. breathe and focus. always keep in mind comfort and safety! ! good luck! ! you can do this! ! !

[Tim92]

Hello,

I just got my STNA in Ohio and I think you will do great. When I went to clinics I was terrified and I thought I would fail the skills and written exam when I got state tested. If you just ask questions and pay attention there is no doubt you will do awesome. Good luck, relax, and have fun! =)

[Ytellu]

I'm older than you and I just finished and passed my state exam. During the clinical exam just remember safety and comfort of the patient along with the standard steps and you will be fine.

[scrubasaurus]

Clinicals sound a lot scarier than they are. You gain a lot of great patient experience (whether it is good or bad). I found that after the first couple of days I was very comfortable with my patients and environment. The best thing about clinicals is that you learn so much more than you do in class and your instructors are there if you don't know what to do. The worst thing that happened to me was a patient started pooping while I was showering them and the best thing that happened was my patient telling me how much she appreciated me talking to her. The main things you need to remember are patient safety and comfort. Always put the bed rails up etc. If you can I would practice making an occupied bed and dressing a patient as much as possible because those were the most awkward skills on a real patient. Things just do not go as smoothly on an elderly person who has trouble moving their arms as they do on a younger classmate! Good luck!!! I'm sure you will do great! :)

[northernguy]

Just remember the point of clinicals is to learn. No one should expect you to do everything perfect. Dont sweat the small stuff. If you are struggling with something or make a mistake life goes on. Short of dropping someone on their head theres really not much harm you can them in the short time you are working with them during clinicals. Too often when working in a long term care setting you have people who try to turn every molehill into a mountain. These people really need to put things in perspective.

Just do your best and be friendly and understand that you will make mistakes or be confused at times.