Nursing Assistant Study Guide
Nursing assistants who will take certification examinations should take time to prepare. Test requirements vary by state, but the examination is typically divided into two parts. Successful completion of both examinations assures employers that candidates have met state and federal requirements for nursing assistants, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NSCBN).
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Written Exam
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Written examinations are typically multiple choice. They cover patient hygiene, dressing, grooming, nutrition, hydration, elimination processes, rest and comfort. Basic knowledge includes vocabulary, infection control procedures, patient safety, emergencies and collection of data. Assisting nurses with procedures, skin care, room cleanliness and restorative skills are additional topics of study, according to the NSCBN.
Skills Exam
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The skills portion of the examination tests your ability to perform what you have learned in a clinical setting. Some states, such as Oregon, will provide any necessary equipment and the candidate will be asked to perform five skills of her choosing. Clinical skills include patient ambulation, bedpan assistance, meal assistance, nail care and making beds. Taking blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration (vital signs), range of motion, patient positioning, hand washing and collecting specimens are also essential areas of nurse aide study.
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Pre-Employment
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Some employers, such as Louisiana State University Medical Center, require nursing assistants to pass pre-employment testing. The test consists of written and skills tests in addition to a math test. The math portion includes questions about measurement systems such as household, apothecary and metric.
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References
- Louisiana State University Medical Center: Study Guide Nursing Assistant Pre-Employment Screening Test
- McGraw Hill: The Effective Nursing Assistant Student Edition
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing: National Nurse Aide Assessment Program
- Oregon State Board of Nursing: OR Nursing Assistant Candidate Handbook
- McGraw Hill: The Effective Nursing Assistant Vocabulary
- Photo Credit Young doctor in a laboratory image by Andrejs Pidjass from Fotolia.com
