CNA Clinical Skills Guide

CNA exam is conducted in two parts – written exam and skills test. In this section, we are going to elaborate CNA skills. It is the most significant part of the entire exam and one can score well. In practical exam, you will be required to exhibit 2 or 3 skills to the examiner. These skills are chosen from the skill set that you have already studied in nurse aide classes. An examiner will notice your efficiency in demonstrating the skills along with your consideration and observing power.

For your ease, we have jotted down the CNA skills in brief. Go through them and follow the important instructions so as to come up with the flying colors in the examination. We have described each skill in simple language with stepwise procedure, points that you must consider and expert’s advice. This will help you revise things right before the exam.

Here is the list of skills that are part of CNA practical exam:

1. Washing hands.
2. Application of Anti-embolism Stockings.
3. How to use transfer belt for helping the patient to ambulate?
4. How to assist in using the bedpan?
5. Cleaning of lower and upper dentures.
6. Counting and recording radial pulse.
7. How to record and count respiration?
8. Dressing up a dependent patient.
9. How to remove and reapply personal protective equipment (PPE)?
10.  Assisting patients in eating.
11. How to give a modified bed bath?
12. How to make an occupied bed?
13. Measuring and recording the blood pressure.
14. How to record and measure the - weight and height - of ambulatory patient?
15. How to carry a passive range of motion exercises for one ankle and one knee?
16. Positioning a patient on his side.
17. How to carry out fingernail care?
18. Providing oral care to the patients.
19. How to give peri-care (perineal) care to the patients?
20. Giving catheter care to the female patient.
21. Carrying out foot care on a single foot.
22. How to use a transfer belt to transfer a patient from bed to wheelchair?
23. Communication with hearing impaired patients.
24. How to assist patients suffering from confusions, memory loss or similar understanding issues?
25. How to send messages and start a conversation with a patient?