• taking care of their personal hygiene
• checking their vital signs
• examining them for any injuries
• serving them their meals
• aiding them with reposition when they are bedridden
• transporting them in their respective rooms in hospitals

1. You need to complete a state-approved training program or CNA classes. It is usually completed at least four to sixteen weeks. You have to first check with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or your state health’s agency on whether the training program or classes you have picked is accepted. These are also usually found in these places: Hospitals, Community Colleges, Vocational Schools, and Red Cross. 
2. You need to take the CNA state exam. The requirements to take it to differ in each state. You have to research about what you need to submit to be eligible. Most training programs will provide CNA practice tests for their students. The instructors may also help with finding and making appointments in testing centers. 
3. You need to get your CNA certification. Most states in the U.S. require that their candidates pass the certification exam to become a certified nursing assistant. 

1. You must fill out your state application form, which can be accessed online. You can choose three different sites to access, depending on your state’s regulation. You can register at your state’s Board of Nursing website, Pearson VUE, or Prometric. 
2. You must submit your fingerprint so that they could run a criminal background check
3. You must also pay the fees for taking the exam. They differ from state to state. Note that the important thing is to search for your state’s requirements at its official website. 

Format and Content of the Exam

• You need to show how to take blood pressure or any of the vital signs. This is one of the common skills of being a CNA.
• You should know how to communicate and how to prioritize your patient.
• You must be able to bathe and prepare the meal for your patient.
• You need to make your patient feel comfortable and safe. 
• You must be knowledgeable about infection control.
• You must always demonstrate that you wash your hands. Otherwise, you’ll fail the CNA clinical test. 

Psychosocial Care Skills

1. Remove soil and promote an increase in skin moisture.
2. Promote relaxation of the resident and decrease need for mobility.
3. Increase circulation and decrease incidence of pressure ulcers.
4. Remove harmful bacteria and promote well-being.

1. “I will gladly apply the medication as soon as I dry the skin.”
2. “I don’t have the time to do your job and mine too.”
3. “As a nursing assistant, I can’t apply medication without a nurse present in the room.”
4. “Applying medication is not part of my role as a nursing assistant.”

1. The thermometer is placed in the mouth under the tongue in the sublingual pocket.
2. Wait 10 minutes if the resident has consumed any hot or cold liquids.
3. The normal oral temperature is 96.6°F.
4. Thermometer covers are used on all residents.

Specialized Care

1. Keep the call light within easy reach.
2. Keep an overhead light in front of the resident.
3. Speak loudly when addressing the resident.
4. When assisting residents to walk, stand in front of them and hold their hand to guide them.

1. Speak loudly and clearly.
2. Smile and turn on the television.
3. Write out all communication.
4. Sit next to the resident and speak into his or her ear.

1. Provide oral care more frequently.
2. Provide the resident supervision while smoking.
3. Encourage fluids.
4. Provide careful skin care around nares.

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Frequently Asked Questions