Talking to self during exam

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi Everyone!

I have been coming to this site and reading lots of posts the last few months but this is my first posting :)

For anyone who has taken the CNA exam skills portion; did you talk to yourself or talk your way through doing each skill? I noticed for me that while I'm practicing it's easier for me to remember important steps and materials if I talk along while doing each skill.

Thanks in advance for response

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Sure I don't think that it is a problem at all. In fact for the hand washing I was told, and encouraged to voice it so that the tester knew I understood and washed all the parts of my hands that I needed to, and it was harder for the tester to say I did not see you wash between your finger or your nails. I am washing the backs of my hands I am scrubbing my palms I am washing inbetween my fingers I am washing underneith my nails. I am rinsing my hands making sure I do not touch the sink or facet head. Extra.

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Thanks alot! That makes me feel more comfortable :f:up:

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Yeah, verbalizing the skills as you do them is helpful to both you and the instructor grading you for the state exam. I wouldn't question anything out loud ("Oh, do I do it this way, or this way?") because it doesn't show confidence and you might get marked down on it anyways, so simple steps to get yourself through a technique ("first I turn on the sink, then I...") will be more beneficial than an entire narrative of your self-doubt. Don't let them see you sweat! ;)

Good luck!

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

:welcome: to allnurses! Best wishes on the exam!

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Specializes in None yet..

Yes, I talked my way through every skill! I was being tested in a small room where another applicant was also being tested at the same time. The examiner was, of course, only human. I didn't want to take a chance on her missing me doing a critical step... or even several noncritical steps that could add up to a fail... when she was distracted by the other examinee... or examiner... or looking down to mark something or the gazillion other possibilities.

Plus, I found talking through the skill was calming and reassured me that I knew what I was doing. Last but not least, explaining a skill out loud is good practice for the real world. I find patients are reassured when I explain every step, including checking the bed locks and guaranteeing privacy.

Do what lets you perform well and best of luck to you!

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Yes talk your way through the skill even on hand washing...it also distracts the Procter a little. Good luck!!

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