One of the most complex but fulfilling jobs is nursing. It gives a unique chance to improve the lives of others. Therefore, as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), you are in charge of your patient’s health and quality of life. But you must pass the CNA practice exams first.
The CNA exam tests your abilities and skills in a variety of areas. But the good news is that you can prepare for the exam with the proper guide.
In this article, you’ll learn what to expect and how to prepare for the exam. Thus, reading this guide, you will feel calmer and ready when it’s time to take your nursing practice exam.
So, if you’re taking your first exam or need a review, this article is for you.
What is a CNA Practice Exam?
A report shows that 1,314,830 nursing assistants get employed in the United States. Another report shows that the job outlook for CNAs will grow to 8% from 2020 to 2030. Unfortunately, you have to pass the CNA exam to get employed.
The CNA exam is a way of evaluating the nursing skillset of nursing assistants. It is the last test of a nursing assistant’s skillset.
Also, the CNA exam measures a nursing assistant’s know-how, skills, and ability levels. It is a way to ensure that they carry out their duties properly.
The group that set up the CNA exam program was the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. It comprises a written or oral section plus a practical aspect. As a result, to get their licenses, nursing assistants must pass both parts of the exam.
One beautiful thing about CNA exams is that you don’t need to retake both exams if you pass one aspect. Instead, you retake the section that you failed.
Tips to Help Nursing Beginners Pass the CNA Exam
Preparing for the CNA exam is vital, so you feel secure because no one wants to have to retake it. Retaking this exam only takes more of your time and money.
Therefore, it is best to prepare for the CNA exam. But you won’t get there by only reading the CNA courses and making notes.
As such, you must put effort into mastering your courses. Here are some study tips that have worked well for the CNA exam.
Take Free CNA Practice Test
If you want to learn more about the layout and style of the exam, you can start by taking free CNA practice tests. The free CNA practice test helps you determine the area you know very well. This helps you study the areas you lack.
Finally, it gives you a sense of how much time to devote to each section by timing yourself.
Make Study Aids
After making notes from your textbooks, pick out the main ideas from your review of the material, and read them aloud. Ensure to repeat the points as many times as you can. Also, you should use study tools like:
- Simple flowcharts.
- Capsule summaries.
- Virtual slides and many more.
This approach is very beneficial to nursing students.
Articulate Your Answers
Explaining your answers to others and your reasons behind them is a terrific method to gauge how well you understand the subject. As such, you can use your friends, parents, or siblings as study partners if you don’t already have one.
Create Study Time
Passing your exam on the first try is essential, so don’t leave it till the last minute. Ensure that you establish a calendar and regard study time as a crucial event.
Therefore, you must try to cut any distractions. Also, ensure you’re calm and able to concentrate.
Create or Be a Part of a Study Group
Make an effort to gather with other nurses who are also getting ready for the test. Study groups can be a productive strategy to get ready if you remain focused on the subject for the specified time.
Also, you can find exam-passers willing to speak with you if you can. They can offer helpful advice and information.
Topics Covered in the CNA Exam
There are about 18 areas where the written exam questions will come from. They are:
- Aging process.
- Safety.
- Role and responsibility of CNA.
- Medical terminology.
- Body mechanics.
- Anatomy and physiology.
- Personal care.
- Range of motion.
- Vital signs and testing.
- Client rights.
- Ethical and legal issues.
- Cultural and spiritual needs.
- Mental health.
- Nutrition.
- Daily living activities.
- Infection control.
- Communication.
- Data collection.
There are different duties you will get tested for in the clinical practical skills exam. Below are some of those skills.
- Handwashing: The handwashing technique is a must-have for any certified nursing assistant. An automatic failure will occur if you don’t wash your hands for 20 seconds.
- Fowler’s Position: It involves moving the patient’s bed into a semi-sitting position, which may be vital if they are having trouble breathing.
- Using a Gait Belts: For patients who find it hard to work, a gait belt helps transfer them from bed to chair. Also, the patient’s bed must be in a semi-sitting posture.
- Cleaning dentures: Patients with dentures may need help cleaning them with a toothbrush.
- Mouth hygiene: It is crucial for preventing infections, mainly in unconscious patients.
- Giving a Back Massage: Back massages serve as an alternative therapy for pain remedy.
- Female Perineal Care: Female perineal care about bathing is vital to maintaining personal hygiene and warding off infections.
- Shaving: Although it may appear to be a pure cosmetic task, it is a clinical skill nursing aides should have. It is very beneficial in assisting a patient in maintaining their appearance. However, it can also be risky because it involves using a razor.
How Long Can a CNA License last?
The CNA license lasts for the 24-month before renewal. Some states need you to put in at least 8 hours of duty over the previous 24 months.
Also, you may have to undergo a skill evaluation test if you didn’t work at least 8 hours during this time.
How Much Will It Cost to Take a CNA test?
The cost to sit for the CNA test will vary between states. For example, some states request $80 to $100 for both sections of the CNA exam. But states like Connecticut need you to pay $118.
Bottom Line
Healthcare workers must have empathy, devotion, and a never-ending desire to learn. As such, you need to learn specific courses and pass the exams to determine your qualifications for the job. Therefore, you must prepare for such exams. That’s the purpose of this article.
Above is the information you need, from the tips you need to pass a CNA test to the exam cost. So, as a first-timer, go through the information and begin to prepare for your nursing practice test. Good luck.