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Writer's pictureSarah Cummingham

Ace Your CNA Exam: Mastering Hygiene Skills

Updated: Sep 27

Getting ready for your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to mastering those all-important hygiene skills.


As a CNA, keeping your patients clean and safe is a big part of the job, and showing you can do this well is key to passing your exam. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential hygiene practices you need to know, offering practical tips and easy-to-follow advice.


Handwashing: The Basics 🧼

When it comes to the CNA exam, one of the most fundamental skills you'll need to master is handwashing. Trust me, the examiners are watching closely!

Hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection, so understanding and demonstrating proper handwashing technique is non-negotiable.


CNA hand washing


Why Handwashing Matters 🧴

First things first, handwashing is going to be graded during every part of your CNA exam. It's like the punctuation in a sentence – small but mighty important! Here's the twist: no one's going to tell you when or how to wash your hands.You've got to know this by heart. The golden rule? If you're about to touch a patient or perform any skill, wash your hands before and after. It's all about keeping things clean and safe and showing you've got what it takes to ace this part of the exam!


Supplies You Need 💧🧼

Before you begin the handwashing process, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:

Water: Access to running water is essential.

Soap: Preferably antibacterial, but any soap will do.

Paper Towels: These will be used for drying your hands and for turning off the faucet.

Watch or Clock: To keep track of time, ensuring you scrub for the required duration.



CNA Hygiene Skills


The Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Handwashing 💧

Turn on the Faucet: Start by turning on the water. Adjust the temperature so it's comfortable to the touch.


Wet Your Hands: Place your hands under the running water to get them wet. This prepares your skin to absorb the soap better.


Apply Soap: Pump or rub a sufficient amount of soap onto your hands to create a good lather.


Scrub All Surfaces: Rub your hands together vigorously. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of your hands, including:

🫧 The fronts and backs of your hands

🫧 Between your fingers

🫧 The tops of your wrists

🫧 Under your fingernails and cuticles (a good trick is to rub your nails along the palm of your opposite hand)


Time It Right: Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to ensure you're scrubbing long enough is to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.


Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hands under the running water, keeping your fingertips pointed downward to avoid water running back onto your clean hands. Be careful not to touch the inside of the sink or faucet.


Dry Completely: Use paper towels to dry your hands thoroughly. It's important to dry all areas to prevent any bacteria from thriving in moist environments.


Turn Off the Faucet: Use a dry paper towel to turn off the faucet.


Handy CNA Hygiene Tip 🖐️

Use Dry Paper Towels Only: Turn off the faucet using a dry paper towel. Wet towels can easily tear, contaminating clean hands.


CNA Hygiene Tip


Conclusion

So, there you have it! Handwashing might seem like a small part of the CNA exam, but it's a huge deal. Now go wash those hands and practice like your career depends on it—because it kind of does!


Ace Your CNA Exam: Mastering Hygiene Skills
CNA Hygiene Skills

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