mslulubelle

I had twenty-five minutes to perform five tasks but one of those was handwashing.....the evaluator told me when I had five minutes remaining and Thank Goodness only one task left to finish, it goes fast....just start practicing the opening and completion steps and it'll be something you will just do instinctively...I did see students fail for not putting the bed low, not placing the call-light in reach etc....The evaluator will always ask if you've fully completed a task before going to the next skill which I used as a prompt to make sure I'd covered all the steps..... I was one of the last students to go thru the practicals and I could tell the evaluators patience had already worn a bit....But all you can do is prepare as best as you can, take a deep breath and go for it......I also wore scrubs because they put me in 'work mode' and look tidy.... ....because it can be such a long process I would bring a drink and something to eat, we could bring our study materials too....they just had to be placed in a separate area during the testing.....I also planned something to look forward to later in the day so my mind wasn't just centered around the exams....I could look at the clock and think 'in a few hours I get to eat out with my best friend and then see that movie'...Good Luck!!!

I had both tests on the weekend....I was at the exam site for almost six hours and most of that was spent waiting between my written and skills. There were a few students coming in to repeat their tests and I did see students fail....quite a few....the student I was 'paired' with I'm not sure she even read the handbook....didn't zero out the scale to get a weight, left the bed and rails up after nail care which she just sat on the bed and used the orange-stick and file on my nails with bare hands....no basin, towel or gloves at all...then when moving me to a wheelchair, forgot the brakes and left the transfer belt on me....no clue about PROM either....it was weird, I didn't ask her which school she went too...She was very nice though!! Lovely person...but I was a little stunned...the exams cost almost a hundred dollars and thats alot of money.... I was nervous when it came to my skills and forgot two small steps when feeding my patient...placing a towel and handwiping...but I caught myself before I started the skill and told the evaluator who let me go back and perform both steps....I felt silly because I practiced so much but I guess I just 'started-in' without really thinking ahead...I wasn't sure I had passed so sat outside the skills area waiting for the results....I was so grateful when I peeked at the letter as the evaluator handed it to me and saw 'results: Pass' ....I studied videos online and started practicing on the skills I felt less confident about weeks ago...I also had a little basket and wrote each skill on a tiny piece of paper and would randomly select a few when I had time to practice...I got the 'exam cram' book before I did my cna program and I felt good about my written test...Now all I have to do is decide where to go from here.....? Goodluck to anyone about to take the exam!

Hello...I am just beginning my CNA career but during clinicals I know this was an absolute concern when assisting patients.... You are obviously a very dedicated, compassionate professional and you did your best in this situation. I don't know how it would've been possible to prevent a fall once this patient began to slip without causing you both harm...200lbs+ is alot of weight....Y...ou must continue to believe in your skills and abilities because I know this field needs more CNA's with your level of caring and commitment.....you make a positive difference! you absolutely do.....'hugs' from me!....

Thank-you for the replies! I ended clinicals and it went great! I was amazed at how much I recalled from practicing and studying! it was a really good experience and my patient was very sad to see my clinicals come to an end...I tried my best and also made an effort to help my classmates at the same time....now I have to get thru the state exam but I'm now more confident....Thank-you again! I'm so grateful!!

Does anyone have any advice for surviving clinicals?....I just finished the classroom portion of my course and for the next week I will be caring for a woman with parkinsons and dementia....nobody to 'shadow', just me...and during any skill assessment an instructor will be watching every little thing I do and say (or forget due to nerves!)....I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed and anxious....slightly terrified... I've been doing lots of readings about both conditions and practicing my 'skills' but still I worry about forgetting something...also I have to get in the mindset of making decisions for my patient...I've never been around someone that has these challenges....I want to do well...I worry that my patient will loathe me....My instructors seem to have faith in me but I just haven't built up the experience or confidence yet....I feel alot of "Aagghhhhh!!!"....is this normal???? Thank-you so much! I would welcome any feedback!!