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Why Hand Washing is So Important That it Can Mean a Pass Or Fail on the CNA Exam By Suzanne Sweezy
After you've finished the written portion of the CNA Exam, the pressure will continue to mount - physically, mentally, and emotionally. And there will be one task left to accomplish. Aside from respecting the resident's privacy, and providing safety and comfort, hygiene is a top priority. Why? To prevent the resident from getting sick, as well as preventing the spread of illness to others. Infectious diseases, many of which are spread by unclean hands, remain the leading cause of death worldwide and the third-leading cause of death in the United States.
You will be part of the health care team. Health care workers' main objective is to ensure the resident's safety, dignity, and privacy. Test takers are expected to wash their hands before and after physical contact with the resident. CNA test takers already know the importance of hand washing because it is taught by class instructors during training. However, many CNA test takers failed the clinical exam either because they do not follow the correct procedure for hand washing, or they are so pressured and nervous to the extent that they forget important details of hand washing. It is normal to feel nervous and pressured during the exam, but you must stay focused and think keep in mind your training.
Reminders!
Avoid using acrylic nails and other 'fake' nails, such as tips, which are not permitted anymore in most health care settings, due to the fact that they harbor germs. Remember that lathering the soap and washing your hands with clean water should take a maximum of 20 seconds. Some state evaluators are very particular about hand washing and thus require it to be performed within 20 seconds. Based on the real life experience of one person who took the CNA exam, she didn't pass the skills exam because she only washed her hands for 15 seconds. How unfortunate that was for her. It is therefore not possible to anticipate the standard for every state evaluator. Hand washing is a relatively simple procedure, but if not performed correctly, it could end up becoming the reason for your failure. So to be on the safe side, wash your hands for 20 seconds. In any case, there's no harm in taking a few more seconds to complete the procedure.
For Hand Washing: (Do not forget!!!)
- Set aside some paper towels before you begin
- Turn on the water and use a fair amount of soap
- Wash hands thoroughly, up to the wrists and under your fingernails for at least 20 seconds
- Make sure fingernails are positioned downward for water to drip off of, then tear off paper towels and dry your hands
- Use a paper towel to turn the water on and off. Although these steps may seem detailed and petty, the examiner will be watching for each of them, so don't cut corners
- Keep fingernails trimmed. Long nails harbor germs!
The best way to master this skill is through practice. You can practice this skill at home. Make your own simulation and study. Washing your hands properly lets your examiner know that you care about maintaining cleanliness and preventing the transfer of germs to your patients or residents.
Suzanne is the CNA dedicated to http://cnatestcoach.com/ - A great resource for information on how to become a CNA, CNA training, and CNA State exam study prep.
Sign up for her newsletter here and receive 25 flash cards and practice questions for the CNA State Exam.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Sweezy
