import DownloadCTA from "../../../../components/DownloadCTA"; // ... inside component ...

Top 50 CNA Skills to Master

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), mastering clinical skills is crucial not just for passing your state exam, but for providing safe, dignified care to your patients. The state competency exam usually picks 3-5 random skills for you to demonstrate in front of an evaluator. Missing a "bold step" (critical safety step) results in automatic failure.

Here is the ultimate checklist of skills you should practice.

1. Hand Hygiene (Critical)

Why it matters: Infection control is the #1 priority in healthcare.

• Wet hands
• Apply soap
• Friction for at least 20 seconds
• Rinse with fingers pointing down
• Dry with clean paper towel
• Turn off faucet with paper towel

2. Ambulating a Patient with a Gait Belt

Key Step: Lock wheelchair brakes and check non-skid shoes.

• Explain procedure
• Lock bed/chair wheels
• Apply gait belt snugly over clothing
• Stand on the weak side
• Assist to stand on count of 3

3. Measuring Blood Pressure

Pass/Fail Point: Do not deflate the cuff faster than 2-4 mmHg per second.

• Clean stethoscope earpieces
• Position arm at heart level
• Place cuff 1-2 inches above elbow
• Inflate to 160-180 mmHg (or 30 above estimated systolic)
• Listen for first sound (Systolic) and disappearance of sound (Diastolic)

4. Transfers (Bed to Chair)

Note: Always use a pivot technique; never lift with your back.

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Tips for the Exam

1. Verbalize: Even if you are just washing hands, say "I am now effectively cleaning under my fingernails."
2. Privacy: Always knock, introduce yourself, and pull the privacy curtain.
3. Safety: Always leave the call light within reach.

Practice these skills daily until they become muscle memory!