In order to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, you need to clear the CNA clinical skills test as well as the written test. These tests evaluate you based on the nursing skills that you have acquired during the practical training as well as test you on your theoretical knowledge. You need to be thoroughly prepared with the medical terminologies before appearing for the CNA exam. The examiner will tests your skills in handling the patients in hospitals and clinics. It is important that you prepare the theory as well as practical aspects of the CNA training properly before giving the exam.
How CNA Training helps in clearing the CNA Exam
You need to prepare for the CNA test, and it will prove helpful if you enroll for a CNA training program. The CNA training program is offered in various nursing schools, universities as well as community colleges. However, the CNA training program that is offered by the American Red Cross is believed to be one of the best in the medical field. The Red Cross CNA training program is for a longer duration compared to the other CNA courses; but it is worth the time as it really prepares you in the best possible manner to clear the CNA exam.
Typically, the CNA training program lasts for a few weeks. Sometimes, the program may extend to 4 months. The training program consists of classroom or theoretical sessions as well as clinical or practical training sessions. The Red Cross Program for CNA is conducted by Registered Nurses (RNs) and thus the candidates get a chance to deal with the patients and interact with them on a daily basis.
The written as well as the practical sections of the CNA exam are quite difficult to clear. You need to thoroughly study all the given study material and the CNA books to clear the exam successfully.
Theoretical paper
The theoretical paper tests you on all the aspects taught to you in the CNA classroom sessions such as basic anatomy and physiology, body mechanics, diet and nutrition, patient care and basic medical terminologies. You will also be judged on your knowledge regarding the transfer of patients, their admission as well as discharge from the hospitals and all the documentation details regarding these procedures. You need to be thoroughly prepared with all the theoretical subjects.
The theoretical test consists of 70 multiple choice questions. There are also 10 arithmetic questions, followed by an oral test comprising of 60 questions. You will be evaluated on your communication skills as well as your awareness and knowledge about all the medical terminologies.
Practical paper
In order to clear the CNA Clinical Skills Test, you need to demonstrate a couple of medical procedures. You may be asked to get along with you a friend or family member on whom you can perform the mock tests. The clinical test is very challenging and you really need to work hard to prepare for this test. All your nursing skills and ability to handle the patients will be judged in this clinical test.
You should be in a position to perform any of the clinical skills that are required to be performed by you as instructed by the examiner. At times, you will be asked to perform a set of 5 to 6 clinical skills. Some common clinical skills that are tested include, making the patients' bed, measuring and recording the patients' vitals, washing your hands and other basic accessories and so on. You need to practice these skills in advance so that at the time of the clinical test, you are well prepared to demonstrate these skills.
While giving the clinical test, you may have certain doubts and queries while performing the medical procedures. In such cases, make sure that you ask your doubts to the examiner in a polite manner . In this way your people skills and communication ability will be judged. Your basic mannerisms as well as ethics will also be checked. You need to knock the door and ask for permission before you enter the patient's room. You need to address the patients with their correct name and introduce yourself to them politely. You also need to ensure that you stay calm under all circumstances. which reflects your ability to handle difficult and stressful situations.
Various medical procedures such as moving the patients from the wheelchair to the bed and vice versa, helping the patients do their daily tasks such as bathing, feeding and dressing, assisting the patients in motion exercises, measuring and recording the patients' vitals like blood pressure and heart rate will be judged.
The written as well as clinical tests are performed in the presence of the state examiner. You will be strictly monitored and observed to test all your nursing abilities, and hence you need to prepare in an excellent manner before appearing for the CNA exam.
Once you clear the CNA exam, you get the CNA certification to start practicing as a Certified Nursing Assistant. There are several career advancement options available for CNAs and they can later opt for career advancements to become a Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse.
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