Nursing Assistant Test Guide

The Nursing Assistant Test Summary
What: This exam is the final step a nurse aide must take to be listed on the nurse aide registry in a state.
Who: Anyone who wants to become an entry-level nurse aide.
Where: The nursing assistant program can be taken at nursing homes, vocational schools, private schools, and community colleges.
When: At the end of a nursing program.
How: There are two parts: A written or oral exam, and a hands-on skills training.
Type: The exam is multiple-choice and written; but a candidate may request an oral exam if they feel more comfortable. Depending on the state, it may be taken on a computer or on an answer sheet.
Why: The exam is required for the certification of a nurse aide.
Time: The clinical exam takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The written or oral exam is two hours.
Language: English
Preparation: Various practice exams and videos are available online.
Cost: The fee varies depending on the state and facility where the course is taken.

By: Pamela Jordan, Tests.com Contributing Writer

If you do not have four years to acquire a nursing degree but want to work in the healthcare industry, becoming a certified nursing assistant may be the right career choice for you. By taking only one course and passing the CNA or Nurse Aide Assessment Examination you can become a certified nursing assistant.

The first step to becoming a nursing assistant is enrolling for the nursing assistant course. This course can be taken at nursing homes, vocational schools, private school and community colleges around the country. Check with your local facilities to see where it is offered. The length of the class varies depending on the state and facility, but according to state regulation each class must have at least 75 hours of instruction, with 16 hours of hands-on clinical practice. Each student must complete the clinical and classroom components before taking the exam. Enrolling in the course is relatively inexpensive compared to other healthcare classes, but fees vary depending on the facility and state. If an individual successfully becomes a CNA and obtains a job with a nursing home within one year of their certification, they are eligible for reimbursement for the class.

At the end of the nursing assistant program all candidates must take the CNA examination. The exam is created by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and consists of two parts: a written exam with approximately 70 multiple-choice questions (depending on the state), and a hands-on clinical examination. Each state has different exams, but all states have some common questions. If a candidate asks in advance, the written section may be taken orally. The written or oral exam lasts two hours.

During the clinical section, the individual will be monitored and asked to perform five duties typically performed by a nursing assistant. They will have approximately 20-30 minutes to complete this section. These five skills will be randomly chosen from a list of 25 skills, and students should practice and know all 25 skills before taking the exam. The written or oral and clinical exams will be taken on the same day in the same facility.

The 25 skills include:

“Wash hands
Apply one knee-high elastic stocking
Assist to ambulate using transfer belt
Assist with use of bedpan
Clean dentures
Count and record client's radial pulse
Count and record patient's respirations
Donn and remove gown and gloves
Dress client with affected (weak) right arm
Feed client who cannot feed self
Give modified bed bath
Make an occupied bed
Measure and record blood pressure
Measure and record urinary output
Measure and record weight of ambulatory client
Perform passive range of motion exercises for client knee and ankle
Perform passive range of motion exercises for client shoulder
Position client on side
Provide catheter care for female client
Provide fingernail care
Provide food care
Provide mouth care
Provide perineal care for female client
Transfer from bed to wheelchair using transfer belt”

To apply for the nursing assistant program the individual must contact a local school that offers the program and ask for an application. Some schools offer applications online.

To successfully complete the CNA exam it is important to come prepared. Various free practice tests, skills videos and tutorials are available online.

To find test preparation materials, see our Nursing Assistant Test Directory.

Sources:

http://www.cnatips.com/cna-test.php