Nursing assistants who specialize in providing home care are known as home health aides (HHA). Measuring vital signs, bathing and other personal care, assisting with medication administration, preparing small meals, and light housekeeping are all common responsibilities. A nursing agency frequently places home health aides in the homes of patients, and their care is occasionally overseen by a registered nurse (RN) supervisor. Most home health aides in the United States must be certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who have passed a two-part test consisting of a written exam and a clinical test. Reviewing the class textbook, retaking completed class tests, practicing required clinical procedures, and taking one of the many online practice tests are all good ways to prepare for this evaluation and the home health aide test.
Starting early, at least a few weeks ahead of time, is the first step in preparing for a home health aide test. Testing centers advise students to review the textbook used in their subject classes and pay special attention to the topics that were also emphasized during class lectures. Students should also keep a written list of unfamiliar or ambiguous vocabulary, which they can transfer to flash cards for easy study. It’s also a good idea for students to retake the tests they took in class to reinforce the important concepts that will undoubtedly appear on the official exam.
Students should also put their clinical skills and procedures to the test. It’s often beneficial to have a partner or classmate observe your actions and compare them to the textbook’s recommended procedures. On the Internet, there are numerous online tests to use for practice. Practice tests sponsored by the certifying organization that sponsors the home health aide test are particularly useful.
As previously stated, the certified nursing assistant exam is the de facto home health aide exam in most states. In addition to the more common CNA exam, some organizations and employers have begun to require one of several home health aide tests. The growing recognition of the extent to which home aides work independently and without constant supervision is one of the primary reasons for the push for additional preparation, education, and certification via the home health aide test. A successful completion of a separate home health aide test in addition to a CNA certification almost conclusively proves that a home health aide is capable of performing all of the functions of a certified nursing assistant on an unsupervised basis.