The Skill Evaluation

Skills Evaluation Overview – NNAAP® North Carolina

What to Expect

• The evaluation simulates a real caregiving environment with all necessary equipment.
• Conducted by a Nurse Aide Evaluator who will show you how to use the equipment before the evaluation.
• Arrive 30 minutes early and plan to spend the entire day.

Who Will Act as the Client

• A candidate volunteer will play the role of a weakened elderly person.
• You should speak to the volunteer as you would to an actual client in a caregiving setting.
• No help is allowed during the evaluation, and you must communicate in English.
• If help is given or received, or if a language other than English is spoken, the evaluation will be stopped.

Candidate Volunteer Requirements

• As a volunteer, you will act as a nursing home patient.
• Wear:
  • Flat, slip-on, non-skid shoes
  • Loose-fitting top with short sleeves (that can be rolled up) or a tank top
  • Loose-fitting pants (that can be rolled up)
  • A gown over your clothing
• No removal of clothing down to undergarments is allowed.
  • Inform the evaluator about:
  • Any food or latex allergies
  • Sensitivities to skin soaps or lotions
  • Any physical limitations (range of motion)
• No open wounds or sores should be present on the skin. If so, reschedule the evaluation.

The Skill Tasks

• The NNAAP® skills list in the handbook includes tasks you may need to demonstrate.
• Critical Element Steps (highlighted in bold) are vital steps for passing a skill. Failing to complete these correctly means failing the skill.
• 5 skills will be assessed in 30 minutes, including hand-washing.
  • One skill will be a measurement skill (e.g. blood pressure, weight, etc.).
• You must perform the skills in the order listed on the instruction card you are given.

Correcting Mistakes

• If you make a mistake, admit it and say which step needs correction.
• Exceptions:
  • Failing to properly put on or remove gloves after a reminder will result in no credit for that correction.
  • If an order-dependent step is corrected incorrectly (without specifying its sequence), no credit will be given.
• You cannot go back to correct previous skills once you begin a new skill.

During the Evaluation

• The evaluator will not answer questions during the evaluation.
• You may not receive help from anyone.
• After completing the evaluation, you will be asked to wash your hands, though this will not affect your score.

Recording a Measurement

• A Recording Sheet for Measurement Skills will be given to record your measurement results.
• Measurement skills include:
  • Electronic Blood Pressure
  • Weight of Ambulatory Client
  • Urinary Output
  • Radial Pulse
  • Respiration

Make sure to accurately record your measurement after performing it.

Tips for Success

• Perform the skills as if in a real nursing home setting.
• Water usage: Use running water when required.
• Hand Hygiene: You will need to perform this skill. You don’t need to wash your hands after each skill but should tell the evaluator when you would do so.
• For measurement skills, you must perform the measurement and record it correctly.
• Know how to use both digital and non-digital scales for weight measurement.
• Do not bring your own equipment (e.g., transfer belts) to the test site.
• Place the call signal within the client’s reach whenever you leave them.