Connecticut CNA common mistakes
Connecticut CNA · Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
Starts a skill station without performing hand hygiene, or performs it only at the end of the task.
Nervousness and time pressure make candidates treat hand hygiene as a formality while focusing on the visible procedure.
What to do instead
Make hand hygiene the first and last action of every skill: state that you are washing your hands, rub for at least 20 seconds, and do it before touching the resident or supplies and after removing gloves.
Begins care without checking the resident's identification band or confirming name and date of birth.
Candidates assume the person in the test room is the assigned resident and skip ID to save time.
What to do instead
Verbalize the ID check before any contact: compare the name and date of birth on the band with the assignment and ask the resident to state their name.
Does everything for the resident instead of letting them participate in ADLs.
Candidates believe doing more looks thorough and fear the resident will perform the task incorrectly.
What to do instead
Ask what the resident can do and allow them to wash their face, brush their teeth, or hold the basin; assist only with the parts they cannot manage.
Starts a procedure without explaining it or seeking the resident's agreement.
Attention is on memorizing task steps, so communication is treated as optional.
What to do instead
Before starting, introduce yourself, explain each step in plain language, and ask whether the resident is ready; repeat explanations as the task proceeds.
Leaves the bed elevated, wheels unlocked, or side rails in the wrong position after care.
Candidates finish the main task and forget cleanup and safety steps.
What to do instead
At the end of every bed skill, lower the bed, lock the wheels, set side rails according to the care plan, and place the call light within reach.
Contaminates supplies during perineal or catheter care, such as wiping back to front, reusing a washcloth, or touching a sterile tip.
Rushing and not visualizing the clean-to-dirty direction causes technique errors.
What to do instead
Use a new wipe for each stroke, clean front to back, keep clean supplies off the bed, and narrate aloud that clean supplies never touch dirty areas.
Chooses a written-test answer in which the CNA administers medication, changes a sterile dressing, or gives medical advice to a family.
Candidates pick the most helpful-sounding action instead of the action legally within the CNA scope.
What to do instead
Memorize the CNA scope: assist, observe, report, and document; do not administer medications, perform sterile procedures, or give medical advice.
Fails to report a change or mistake promptly, or says they will 'just watch it.'
Fear of getting in trouble or a wish to solve the problem alone delays reporting.
What to do instead
State the exact report: tell the charge nurse immediately, describe what was observed objectively, and never promise to keep a change or error secret.
Exposes the resident or leaves the door or curtain open during personal care.
Candidates concentrate on completing the task and do not think of privacy as a scored behavior.
What to do instead
Close the door or curtain and drape the resident before exposing any body part; verbalize that privacy is being provided.
Leaves the call light, water, glasses, or personal items out of reach after finishing care.
Task completion focus causes candidates to forget the resident's ongoing safety and independence.
What to do instead
Before leaving the room, place the call light, water, glasses, and phone within reach and tell the resident how to use the call light.