How to Take Certified Nurses Aide Test from Red Cross

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By alohagems
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Once you decide to become Certified Nurses Aide (CNA) to work in a nursing home, hospice, long term care facility and others; you should assess yourself first if you really like to do this kind of job. Being a CNA you are expected to be patient, problem solver, treat the resident with respect and dignity, able to perform all the skills in taking care of the patients or residents. Below are some tips based on my experience on how to pass CNA (skills and written test).

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Complete a Certified Nurses Aide Training or course. Some facilities are offering CNA courses for their employees and other community workers who are interested in CNA. If you are already working in a facility (as a care assistant, activity aide, housekeeping, maintenance and other related jobs), it is free for employees as long as you will render services at least one year after passing the course. Some facilities varies. For those who are not yet employed, the student will pay at least $1200 (plus the other fees for Red Cross Test) depending on the facility guidelines.
Step 2

While taking the course, do not cheat in answering your workbook. Read and answer assignments a day before the lesson. Do not copy from your classmates. You will find it useful during quizzes, exams and even the Red Cross test.
Step 3

Be aware of the number of required hours for the course in your State and avoid missing classes as much as possible.
Step 4

Follow procedures and instructions during clinical hours.
Step 5

Practice all the required skills as many as you can. Your instructor will provide you the skills being tested. There are 3 mandatory skills (hand washing, blood pressure and transfer from bed to chair), 2 random skills and 60 items written test. If you fail in one of the mandatory skills (taking blood pressure for example), you can no longer take the written test. Wait for 30 days and apply for another test.
Step 6

You will not be tested for the things that you did not learn. So be confident and don't panic. Just master the skills with your classmates and other family members.
Step 7

Listen the instructions given by the examiner.
Step 8

Your instructor will give you information on how to apply for the CNA test. Submit applications before the deadline. Wait for the application receipt in your mail box and bring it during the test. Don't forget to bring the requirements specified such as Social Security Card and any valid photo id, such as passport, driver's license and others.
Step 9

Have a good rest and breakfast. Bring foods, you might not be allowed to explore outside the testing room.