Starting My Cna Class!

[Ateal17]

I already took cpr/first aid. I've been in a couple college classes like math and computers...But I'm nervous to start my CNA class on Wednesday. I've heard alot of different things about it and I just want to do well in the class. I don't really know what to expect. Being a nurse is a dream of mine, and I just love volunteering in the nursing home. However, The videos and study work is not what I'm worried about. Its the clinicals and state exam. I don't want to mess up on anyone, yeah know. I plan on to become an LPN...I can't even imagine how stressful that is. Any pointers on what to do before class and during my clinicals. What kinds of things did you do during them also. How hard was the State exam?

[bethin]

I didn't do anything to prepare beforehand. Pay attention, try to picture in your head what the instructor is saying, i.e., if he/she is telling you how to turn a patient.

You will do turns, baths, etc hands on. Pay attention to how others do it and if the instructor corrects them.

Honestly, I thought the class was simple as well as the clinicals. Maybe because I had a great instructor. If you're having problems do not be afraid to ask for help.

The state exam wasn't hard. The written was very basic. Mostly questions like on which side should you stand if a pt's bad side is the right. Do you take dentures out at night? Things like that. The clinical portion is nerve racking but take your time as there is no time limit on that part.

Also, if your instructor is willing, ask for a refresher before the state test to go over procedures.

I remember feeling so blessed the day I took my state test seven years ago: the state rep had a stack of cards. We picked one card and each card had three things we had to do. I got really lucky. I drew the card with denture care, backrub, and ROM.

Good luck!

[CTPCTstudent]

Hi - I started reading the book and watching the accompanying CD before I started the class. That way I was already familiar with what we were going to cover for that particular class. I did this with most of the classes and also reread it after the class was over. Repetition was the key for me! Good luck!

[sonomala]

Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the class. Its actually a lot of fun once you get into it. You'll do great :)

Bethin, you didn't have a time limit? In NC we have to do 5 skills, handwashing, one measuring and three other random ones all in 30 minutes. If we didn't have a time limit I wouldn't stress it but the possibility of bed bath or occupied bed has me worried.

[mizfradd, CNA]

Everyone above has given you great advice. All I can think of to add is that everybody feels tense the first few days and then once you've become accustomed to your classmates & instructor, you'll feel more relaxed.

Everyone is there to learn & work as a team toward the same goal. My instructor did a practice clinical & written test on all of us before our state exam.

You'll do fine!

[rancelumsden]

It sounds like you have good study habits --- you will have absolutely no problem with the book side of the class. And the state test, as I and others have posted, that is the EASIEST part. The state tests are so basic, they're humorous.

Everyone struggles with clinicals to one degree or another.Many of us, as myself, had difficulty with occupied bed. Many really have a tough time with BP's. If you can do math and computers, you will have no difficulty with i/o's --- some people just cannot get the concept of cc's rather than ounces.

As others stated relax, get to know others in class. When it comes to clinicals, you'll help one another (hopefully) with the skills.