Certified Nursing Assistant Examination
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a two part examination and is made up of a written test and a practical test. A certified examiner will be on hand to grade you on the clinical part of the test which is usually done after the written exam. The one good thing is that you will know whether you have passed or failed your CNA examination once the clinical part is completed.
The first part of the exam is pretty easy and zeroes in on the medical concepts and procedures you had learned during the CNA training courses. By enrolling in one of the many Red Cross’ CNA classes you will be helped along to pass the CNA test.
A Certified Nursing Assistant course can last up to 12 weeks. You will attend classroom training sessions and then a few practical training sessions. The student nurse learns clinical applications and how to apply them; this is done under the supervision of a RN staff and with the ability to work with real patients.
Most students will tell you that the written test is easy but it is easy only if you studied the nursing manuals provided during the CNA course.
The second part of the exam is based on a clinical setting and is usually harder. An escort is usually brought with the student and will act as the model for the student. The student will use the escort as the “patient” and will need to demonstrate any number of clinical skills acquired during the attendance of the CNA course.
The examiner observes and evaluates every step of the CNA skills test. Forgetting to wash your hands before entering into the patient’s room or something as simple as knocking on the patient’s door prior to entering their room can result in failing this part of the CNA exam.
The student’s demeanor will also be observed by the examiner who will want to know if the student can maintain a calm exterior under stressful conditions. It is best to always remain calm, composed and preserve the patient’s dignity; those are important qualities for a CNA to demonstrate in a real live setting.
The state examiner will be the one who will supervise the CNA exam. Mock cases may be included; for example the “victim” may be having a heart attack. Under those circumstances, you may be asked to get the “patient” out of bed and the examiner will be watching carefully how you transfer the patient to a wheelchair. Correct procedures will always need to be followed and the ability to pay attention to small details followed.
As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will have a great career ahead of you but only if you pass the CNA examination. That is followed by obtaining your state certification and only then will you be able to practice your profession a mere few weeks after graduating from high school. Already a job landed before your classmates begin attending a school of higher learning.
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