CNA Test

You will need to take a CNA test in order to be certified as a Nursing Assistant. The testing will include both a written portion as well as a practical portion where you will be observed in the environment. When studying for the CNA test, you should brush up on the following areas. Pay close attention to safety measures as you will be tested and watched carefully in this area while having the practical portion of the test.

How to Care for a Patient

Review basic care instructions for looking after a patient. Such aspects as bathing, grooming, dressing, changing, and turning a patient will need to be reviewed for the CNA test. You will also need to familiarize yourself with recognizing special situations of a patient's health and behavior and then respond to them accordingly. e.g. Alzheimer's, dementia, etc.

Sciences

Basic anatomy, biology and chemistry will need to be reviewed. Make sure you know the proper names for the human body and how different organs function.

Medical Terminology

Familiarize yourself with common medical terminology. Review your textbook and get a hold of a medical dictionary for your bedtime reading prior to your CNA test.

Taking Vital Signs & Measurements

Make sure you can accurately take blood pressure, a pulse, weights, height measurements, and a temperature of a patient. If possible, practice on friends or on classmates.

Emergency Procedures (CPR)

Know CPR and other emergency procedures inside out. Read up on standard medical procedures for handling each emergency situation.

Safety Measures, Infection Control and Patient Privacy Considerations

Review common safety measures such as hand washing, wearing of gloves and masks, putting up bed guard rails, and pulling patient's curtains. Be sure you can put into practice each of the considerations that will be measured in your CNA test.

When studying for a CNA test, there are several ways to help you remember important things. One of the best is to make study notes. Go through your textbooks and jot down point form notes pertaining to specific areas of study that you do not know off by heart. Use these notes as your study material. Take them everywhere. Read them on the bus, read them on your lunch breaks, and before bed. Think about what you are reading and memorize information. Think of ways to help you remember certain things. Have someone help you study, by taking your notes and asking you questions on the material.

Another method for studying for a CNA test is to make up queue cards. Put a question or word on one side with the answer on the back. Mix them up and study them in different orders.

A helpful idea for studying for a CNA test is to study with other students. You can start a study group among your classmates or even find an online group on the internet. Look on the message boards for groups in your area of study.

Ask your instructors if they have practice tests that you can use to study with. As well, check the CNA testing page online for your locale and see if there are practice tests and guidelines for students studying for the exam. There will often be an outline of the skills and knowledge that will be required for students to successfully pass the CNA test. Most CNA tests include a written portion which has multiple choice, paragraph answers and other forms of testing. Don't forget that there will also be a practical portion of the test of which you will be observed doing specific CNA functions and tasks. There is no need to be nervous. Just think carefully before you do your work and follow the steps that you have been taught and you will be fine!