Guidelines for Improving CNA Clinical Skills

Choosing a career as a CNA can be a good and rewarding career move. Majority of individuals begin their career in the nursing field by working as a CNA. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants is rising and it will continue to rise. According to BLS, it has been predicted that there will be a 35% rise in jobs for CNAs by 2017, while the supply of CNAs will be less comparatively. Hence, there's a scope for the salaries of CNAs also to rise due to shortage of supply.

In order to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you need to clear the CNA certification exam. The exam consists of 2 sections – one is the theoretical section while the other is the practical section. The theoretical section consists of several multiple choice questions, while the practical section tests your clinical skills. 

It is important to remember while enrolling for the CNA program that the training program needs to be accredited by the state's health department. You need to obtain the program verification document that needs to be submitted while applying for the CNA certification exam. If you do not possess the verification document, you will be disqualified from the exam. The accredited CNA program consists of a minimum of 75 hours, out of which 24 hours are for the practical or clinical training. The clinical training ensures that you develop all the necessary clinical skills to pass the CNA clinical skills exam.

Guidelines to improve your CNA Clinical Skills and clear the Skills Test 

• The CNA clinical skills test is usually supervised by a Registered Nurse or any other qualified examiner. During the test, you need to pay attention to the instructions given to you and perform the medical procedures that test your clinical skills. In case you fail to listen to the instructions, clarify your doubts by asking the examiner again. Do not do any tasks without getting the proper instructions, as you will not utilize your clinical skills properly and do the task with precision.
• Make sure that before and after doing any task, you wash your hands properly. The examiner will also evaluate you on the basis of your hand washing technique to see that you clean your hands properly. You need to follow a proper procedure for washing your hands – wet your hands at least for 20 seconds and then apply the hand wash or the medicated soap. Clean your fingers as well as wrists properly. Then, you can turn off the tap with the help of a paper towel. Then throw away the paper towel and dry your hands with another towel.
• Make sure that before performing any duty, you introduce yourself in a very polite way to the patient. Also, ask the patient for his/her name and address them correctly every time in a polite manner before starting your task.
• Make sure that you adhere to proper code of actions and maintain decorum. The examiner will evaluate you on the basis of every step that you take, hence make sure that you follow a professional approach while doing your duties. If you want to enter the patient's room, make sure that you take permission by knocking on the door. Before starting with the procedure, make sure that the patient has a clear idea about the same and is comfortable with it. Make sure that you respect the privacy of the patients and don't forget to draw the curtains before starting with any medical procedure.
• You may be tested on various set of clinical skills. You may require to help the patients in combing their hair, bathing, dressing, feeding as well as moving them. You may also need to measure and record the patients' vitals such as their blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and use the medical equipment properly. You may need to change linens and help the patients move from their bed to the wheelchair and vice versa. Remember that these skills will be improved with practice, so ensure that you have practiced them before actually taking the test. If you practice these procedures in the presence of a senior nurse, it will be even better as it will help you in your evaluation and in correcting any mistakes.
• When you are practicing for the clinical skills test, make a list of the best possible methods for each procedure. Keep in mind all the instructions given to you during the CNA training and perform each step in a proper and accurate manner. Make sure you wear gloves if you are coming in contact with the patient. You can skip wearing gloves while feeding the patients.
• You need to be aware of all the safety procedures and measures to be taken while doing your duties. The patient needs to have easy access to the call bell. The gait belts should be properly made use of while transferring the patients. You need to make sure that the wheels of the wheelchair are locked as and when essential. You also need to ensure that all the medical equipments and instruments are sanitized properly after every use. 

The above mentioned tips will help you in preparing for the CNA clinical skills test. The clinical skills are an important parameter on which the candidates are evaluated during the exam. So make sure that you practice the CNA clinical skills properly before you appear for the exam.