Members are discussing their experiences with taking the CNA skills exam, sharing stories of both success and failure. They are providing examples of common mistakes that can lead to failing the exam, such as not following bolded steps, improper use of restraints, and not documenting correctly. Some users are seeking advice on how to improve their skills and prepare for the exam.
I'm taking my CNA skills exam again on Saturday and am really nervous again.
My first time taking the skills exam I did everything perfect, EXCEPT for when brushing the person's teeth I only raised the head of the bed 50 degrees, not 60! and I asked how do you guys measure the degrees? and they only do it by sight.
I got really easy skills too (brushing teeth, ROM, and weight). Now I'm nervous I'll get hard skills ... I'm horrible at blood pressure ...
I was wondering what are some stuff other people have failed the test for?? this way I will know what not to do too .
If you miss a bold step in Ohio it's an automatic fail also.
I take my test at the end of this month. We did a practice exam and we all remembered everything, although, I also poured the "urine" down the sink. In my defense, it was water so....yeah. lol. I started busted out laughing as soon as I did it too. But I wouldn't fail over that. I could just tell them what I should have done, which is what I did during our practice.
Same in Wisconsin, bold steps are automatic fail. I passed, but a girl I know failed because for the weight she didn't set the scale back to zero before weighing the patient.
Actually, I passed! My results show that I missed that step (putting one of the pillows under the arm). Not that I'm complaining about passing, but I was confused as to why I did. I checked the registry just to make sure I was listed and I was. I got to thinking maybe because I didn't just skip the entire step altogether, I provided all the supports except for one of them. Anyway, I decided to check the state website skills handbook to see if it said anything about the bold steps. Then I noticed that specific skill was updated in June (took my test in July), whereas the pillows were no longer a bold step. Apparently, my handbook was outdated, which is why they say you should check the online version for any changes in the skills requirement before testing. So, how lucky is that?! I'm so happy I passed!! Thanks for the responses offering advice, though!
I am in Ohio and I have not taken the test yet, but my instructor says the most failed part of the skills test is the vest restraint because of the secure yet one pull release knot you're supposed to make gets people. It's a bolded step, so, ya know!
I am in Ohio and I have not taken the test yet, but my instructor says the most failed part of the skills test is the vest restraint because of the secure yet one pull release knot you're supposed to make gets people. It's a bolded step, so, ya know!
Well, it is by doctor's order only, and only after lengthy discussion by the care team, including the family and resident. It is in our required skills because they want to know you can tie a knot that is quick release in case of emergency- I am assuming.
Well, it is by doctor's order only, and only after lengthy discussion by the care team, including the family and resident. It is in our required skills because they want to know you can tie a knot that is quick release in case of emergency- I am assuming.
Wow! In my state a vest restraint can't be used....ever. A geri chair can be reclined with a tray (MD order and family approval) but never a vest restraint.
Wow! In my state a vest restraint can't be used....ever. A geri chair can be reclined with a tray (MD order and family approval) but never a vest restraint.
It's funny how state laws vary. My instructor told us that a geri chair, if leaned all the way back, was a restraint and therefore illegal.
They passed OBRA and then all the states went diffent ways....
Congratulations Nobhill! It's such a good feeling to pass...I think I was more nervous for the CNA exam than the bar exam! (because I know I can take written exams, but this is the first time I ever had to perform skills for a test). Have you started looking for jobs yet? I start my first job, which is in a hospital, next week. I'm nervous, but excited!
I have a question I took my test today and test today and I did everything perfect except for I had input and output but I forgot to document it does that mean I fail.
I had my clinical back in oct of 2011... I passed all my skills that were tested during clinicals.... During the end of the day my clinical instructor took me aside and told me she wasn't passing me because I was assurtive enough.... So I ended up taking the class again Jan 2012 and had a different instructor and clinical spot and passed it..
I passed with making an occupied bed, bed pan and feeding on my first try. My proctor asked me, after bed pan, which skill I wanted to do next: feeding or bed. Feed was obvious because Suzy Q was up for breakfast anyways and she may have used the bedpan after and then I could change her sheets(me thinking the way I was trained at work).
happy2learn
1,118 Posts
If you miss a bold step in Ohio it's an automatic fail also.
I take my test at the end of this month. We did a practice exam and we all remembered everything, although, I also poured the "urine" down the sink. In my defense, it was water so....yeah. lol. I started busted out laughing as soon as I did it too. But I wouldn't fail over that. I could just tell them what I should have done, which is what I did during our practice.