STNA practical exam

CoffeemateCNA · May 24, 2010

Find a big stuffed animal (teddy bear probably the best), lay it in bed, and practice skills with your procedure sheets [i would suggest a human, but most family and friends aren't as cooperative or comfortable with your practicing such intimate things on them].

Verbalize what you are doing as you are doing it.

You will feel silly at first (and other people will think you are acutely psychotic) but work through it.

Turn teddy, give him peri care, a pretend bed bath with washcloths, maybe put some clothes on him, etc.

Practice, practice, practice.

The more you practice now, the more comfortable you will be when taking the real exam.

Safetymouse, LPN, LVN · May 24, 2010

We got a brochure that had EXACTLY what we needed to do spelled out for us for each of the possible test skills. I just looked over that booklet and watched some videos another teacher in my state made and posted online. Though you may feel silly, I wholeheartedly encourage you to talk outloud as CoffemateCNA mentioned about what you are doing. It helps you to focus (and possibly relax) and remember what step you are on and can help you in catching a mistake BEFORE you make it. Overall just relax, they aren't actively trying to fail you...just take a deep breath, think about what you would want if the roles were reversed (you definitely want an explanation and to check the water temperature before someone starts to bathe you, etc), and talk your way through the motions you already know!

Ev1987 · May 25, 2010

http://www.youtube.com/user/jtduncan56#p/u

Study the videos and your handbook. This helped me pass my exam the first time. Some people are visual learners.

daimere · May 28, 2010

I think the most important thing is to raise the rails, lower the rails and give the call light! I know that KY gives * beside the most important steps in all the skills. I don't know if yours does. And always verbalize. And wash clean to dirty!

Dresdenchick · May 28, 2010

We have the critical elements highlighted, they are the skills that you CAN'T miss. It's a good way to know which ones you can't forget.

CoffeemateCNA · May 28, 2010

Do you have the same 5 skills (or whatever #) listed at the beginning of each procedure sheet [knock on door, introduce self, gather supplies, wash hands, provide privacy, explain procedure, etc.]? I found it much easier to memorize those as a block and then "forget" about it when studying the sheets. I knew that it would be necessary to perform them each time and decided it would be less "clutter" to look at them each time on each sheet. I came up with a mnemonic to help me remember them in order. I don't remember the exact one I used, but it can be anything, nonsensical or not.

Kevin's [Knock]

Ice-skating [introduce]

Giraffe [Gather]

Whole-heartedly [Wash]

Perturbed [Privacy]

Everyone [Explain]

(Athletic zoo animals tend to do that) :)

fryj3675 · Feb 20, 2011

hi I am new to this, I too just toke my STNA exam in Ohio and have a question about it. I did every step that I was suppose to except I know I missed one critical step on one skill. Does anyone know if that will automatically fail me or are you allowed to miss at least one? Please respond quickly if anyone knows.

Than you

karamarie91 · Feb 20, 2011

http://www.youtube.com/user/jtduncan56#p/u
Study the videos and your handbook. This helped me pass my exam the first time. Some people are visual learners.

Jtduncan56 on youtube is awesome with the cna skills videos. I'm in GA and I notice that although jtduncan56 is for North Carolina aides, the steps are very similar. But make sure you keep in mind the steps that YOUR state requires.

I have a mock exam next Sunday and clinicals begin tommorrow. I will most likely use a teddy bear for most things because my sister keeps playing around too much and making me laugh. :yawn:

Best wishes.

Laurab14 · Feb 20, 2011

hi I am new to this, I too just toke my STNA exam in Ohio and have a question about it. I did every step that I was suppose to except I know I missed one critical step on one skill. Does anyone know if that will automatically fail me or are you allowed to miss at least one? Please respond quickly if anyone knows.
Than you

Yes, unfortunately, if you missed a bold print (critical step) then you will not pass your skills test. No matter if you did everything else perfectly.

Laurab14 · Feb 20, 2011

Though the skills seem to make students more nervous... Do not underestimate the written test. Currently only 76% pass the first time vs. 80 something % for the skills. Read and know your red handbook from D&S backwards and forwards and you will do fine!

fryj3675 · Feb 21, 2011

I guess it isn't a critical step but I'm not too sure the step was underlined not in bold. If you miss one step but they say you have to get an 80% on it then I don't get it if they fail you...I'm confused...