CNA Skills
CNA Skills
CNA Skills
MAY 2009
This manual will serve as a guide to understanding the Illinois Nursing Assistant Training
Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). An individual who has successfully
completed an approved Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program (BNATP) in Illinois or
has been granted an equivalency based on training as outlined in Section 300.663 of the
Skilled Nursing and Intermediated Care Facilities Code (77 Illinois Administrative Code
300) is eligible to be competency tested. There are two components to the competency
examination: a performance skills evaluation and a written examination.
This manual also describes BNATP instructor qualifications including the role of an
Approved Evaluator. This manual includes instructions for administering the
performance skills portion of the NATCEP. The 21 Performance Skills that must be
demonstrated according to established standards by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
as part of the NATCEP are identified and outlined.
All training program instructors are responsible for assuring that their CNA students are
competent to perform the performance skills listed on the clinical skills checklist of each
respective BNATP. This clinical skills list shall include, but not be limited to, the 21
Performance Skills identified in this manual.
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BNATP INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Each course instructor shall be a registered nurse with a minimum of two years nursing
experience, who has no other duties while engaged in the training program. An Instructor
shall be required to have one year of experience as a registered nurse in one or both of the
following areas:
• Teaching an accredited nurse's training program.
• Caring for the elderly or for the chronically ill of any age through employment in
a nursing facility, extended care unit, geriatrics department, chronic care unit,
hospice, swing bed unit of a hospital, or other long-term care setting.
• Each instructor shall be a registered nurse, who has no other duties while engaged
in the training program.
• Each instructor shall also possess at least one of the following qualifications:
- At least one year of experience providing services for patients with
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and at least one semester of formal
teaching experience.
- Documentation of completion of a specialized workshop, course, seminar or
other training for instruction in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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Requirements for CPR Content Instructor
Each CPR Content Instructor shall possess current documentation of training at the health
care provider level or health care provider instructor level from a nationally recognized
program. This is the minimal level necessary for approval to teach the required four
hours of CPR content in BNATP. Examples of documentation are valid cards from:
• American Heart Association: BLS for Healthcare Provider
• American Red Cross: CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
Documentation of unexpired CPR certification at the appropriate level must be
maintained and provided to the Department.
Special Content Instructors in a BNATP must have at least one year experience in their
fields of expertise. These would include, but not be limited to, registered nurses, licensed
practical nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, social workers, sanitarians, fire safety experts,
nursing home administrators, gerontologists, psychologists, physical and occupational
therapists, activities specialists, speech/language/hearing therapists, and resident rights
experts.
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ROLE OF APPROVED EVALUATOR
One of the roles of the Approved Evaluator is to ensure that the competency level of the
CNA students’ clinical skills meets the standards of performance according to this
manual. An individual seeking employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois
shall successfully complete an approved Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program and
pass the Illinois Nursing Assistant Training Competency Evaluation Program which
consists of two components:
1. The written examination
2. The performance skills evaluation
Each BNATP shall have an Approved Evaluator who conducts the performance skills
evaluation for each student by hands-on return demonstrations. This person can be one
of the course instructors who is also an Approved Evaluator. This evaluator shall
evaluate each student on ALL 21 Performance Skills.
If the BNATP is facility-based, the facility must engage an Outside Approved Evaluator
who has no fiduciary connection with the facility in which the student is employed or will
be employed within 30 days of the evaluation. This Outside Approved Evaluator is
required to follow the guidelines developed by the IDPH Nursing Assistant Advisory
Committee and is detailed in this manual.
An Approved Evaluator is also able to evaluate the performance skills as part of the CNA
Recertification Process according to the established guidelines. This process is detailed
later in this manual.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADMINISTERING THE
COMPETENCY SKILLS EVALUATION
Process Evaluation
All performance skill evaluations are process evaluations. The focus is on accurate and
positive outcomes for the resident.
Process evaluations are used to determine how well a task is performed, so it is necessary
to observe each step of the task in order to ensure that it was done correctly. Successful
performance of the task should result in positive outcomes for the resident. For example,
the process of performing hair care should result in the resident being comfortable while
the activity is being performed; the outcome is that the resident looks nice.
Additional Resource
Illinois Occupational Skill Standards Nursing Cluster
(http://www.ioes.org/illinoisoccupationalskillstandards.html)
Although not mandated, this tool is highly recommended by the Illinois Department of
Public Health (IDPH) to expand the current tool. It can be used to teach and test
additional performance skills. Although there are 56 skills listed for nursing assistants,
the Department only requires competency testing on 21 of those skills. One of the 21
skills is not listed separately; it is “dressing a client” which is included as part of morning
care.
The test is administered on a one-to-one basis. This means that an evaluator cannot test
more than one student at a time. If the Performance Skills are evaluated in the classroom
or laboratory setting, the time is counted as theory. Only skills performed on actual
residents can be counted as clinical hours. NOTE: The use of mannequins for the
purpose of competency testing is not allowed.
Resident rights and preferences are to be observed at all times. It is not acceptable to ask
residents to leave their room in order to administer the skills portion of the competency
examination. Visitors may be asked to leave the room but are not required to do so.
Basic principles for resident care are the same for both portions of the test. They are
safety, infection control, and resident rights. It is possible for a student to fail although
every step of a skill was followed. In this case, the reason for failure must be written on
the evaluator’s report form.
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Three examples follow:
• A student drops the spoon being used to feed a resident. The student picks
up the spoon and continues to feed the resident. The student fails because
this is a violation of infection control procedures.
• While making an occupied bed, the student leaves a window open. The
temperature outside is very cold and the air is blowing directly on the
resident. The student fails because this is a violation of safety.
The student has a total of three opportunities to pass each performance skill evaluation.
If a student fails any of the Performance Skills, the evaluator shall not sign the class
roster with that student’s name on it.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR OUTSIDE EVALUATORS FOR FACILITY BASED
NURSING ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAMS
For facility-based programs, the Clinical Instructor shall evaluate the students on all 21
Performance Skills according to the established standards. The facility must engage an
Outside Approved Evaluator who has no fiduciary connection with the facility in which
the student is employed or will be employed within 30 days of the evaluation.
This Outside Approved Evaluator is required to evaluate the Performance Skills using the
method stated below.
The first skill all students must successfully demonstrate before the evaluation
of any other skills from Group A or Group B is WASH HANDS.
Three skill sets must be selected from Two skill sets must be selected from
Group A in the table below. Group B in the table below.
Group A Group B
The student has a total of three opportunities to pass each of the selected performance
skills evaluation. If a student fails any of the above skills, the evaluator shall not sign the
class roster with that student’s name on it.
The program sponsor is responsible for assuring that the Approved Evaluator uses
the standardized tools and the IDPH instructions for administering the exam
contained in this manual. Also it is the responsibility of the program sponsor to
assure that the Approved Evaluator meets the requirements as defined in Section
395.50 of the Long Term Care Assistant and Aides Training Programs Code.
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RECERTIFICATION PROCESS INFORMATION
FOR THE APPROVED EVALUATOR
Since April of 1999 the Department has approved a “testing only” process for the nursing
assistant to recertify if he/she has NOT provided a minimum of eight hours nursing or nursing-
related services for pay within a consecutive 24 month period. The Approved Evaluator
providing this service must be knowledgeable of the overall process. This document explains this
process of recertification including the responsibilities of the nursing assistant seeking
recertification and the responsibilities of the Approved Evaluator performing the evaluation.
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If an individual fails the state written competency exam three times, he/she must successfully
complete a Department approved BNATP before taking the exam again.
Contact information: Health Care Worker Registry, 525 W. Jefferson St., Fourth Floor,
Springfield, IL 62761; Phone: 217-785-5133; Fax: 217-524-0137
The evaluation of the 21 performance skills must be conducted in compliance with the “Nursing
Assistant Training Performance Skill Evaluation Standards”. The skills must be performed
according to established standards including the use of an acceptable facility site and appropriate
residents/individuals on whom the skills are performed.
The results of the testing must be reported to the Department on the designated form. The
Approved Evaluator will complete a Performance Skills Verification Form and promptly mail it
to the Registry. The Approved Evaluator must have an Instructor Code.
The Approved Evaluator may establish his/her own fee for this service.
It is recommended that prior to the performance skills testing, the nursing assistant present an
updated ISP Criminal History Records Check done in accordance with the Department policy to
the Approved Evaluator. Having this document is required before the recertification process is
complete. The facility site utilized for recertification may require proof of a non-disqualifying
criminal background check prior to allowing the nursing assistant to be evaluated in the facility.
The Registry provides the contact information according to the Approved Evaluator
Authorization Form to the nursing assistant seeking recertification.
The forms, CNA Recertification Process Approved Evaluator Authorization and CNA
Recertification Process – Performance Skills Verification Form – Code 9996, found on pages 9
and 10 can be copied and used as needed.
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Date: ___________________
From: _____________________________
Approved Evaluator
As an Approved Evaluator, I wish to participate in the performance skills evaluation process to evaluate
nursing assistants as part of the recertification process. I have read the requirements and understand my
role and responsibilities in this process. I further agree to follow the established guidelines in
administering the performance skills evaluation.
I have completed the information section below so that the Department can provide my name and contact
information to those nursing assistants seeking recertification.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Provide all contact information for Department purposes; please mark
which contact information area(s) to be released to the nursing assistant seeking recertification.
Please fax this completed form to Health Care Worker Registry at 217-524-0137 or mail to:
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CNA Recertification Process – Performance Skills Verification Form – Code 9996
The following is the name of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who is currently on the Illinois Health Care Worker
Registry in good standing with no disqualifying conditions according to an Illinois State Police Criminal History
Records Check that is less than a year old. Since this individual’s most recent completion of a competency test,
there has been a continuous period of 24 consecutive months that the individual has not provided nursing or nursing-
related services for pay.
As an Approved Evaluator, I have verified this by (mark the one that applies):
locating the CNA on the Health Care Worker Registry website http://www.idph.state.il.us/nar/home.htm,
OR
calling the Health Care Worker Registry at 217-785-5133 and receiving the requested verification of status.
__________________________________________ _________________________________________
Performance Skills Evaluation Site Name Performance Skills Evaluation Site
Address
___________________________________________ ____________________
Approved Evaluator – Print or Type Name Instructor Code Number
___________________________________________ _________________________
Email Address Phone number
I verity that I have administered the Performance Skills Evaluation to the above named individual in compliance
with the “Nursing Assistant Training Performance Skill Evaluation Standards” dated October, 2007. This person
has demonstrated competency of all 21 of the Performance Skills.
___________________________________________ ______________________
Approved Evaluator – Signature Date
Distribution
Original to: Illinois Department of Public Health
Health Care Worker Registry
525 W. Jefferson St., Fourth Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
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Selected Manual Performance Skills
The selected 21 performance skills have been identified through the federal legislation that gives
guidance to the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. A separate performance skill
checklist is provided for each of the following skills:
Performance Skills 1, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 can be performed in a lab setting.
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Beginning and Completion Tasks
Performance skills 2-21 have “Beginning” and “Completion” tasks as
defined below. Refer back to this page as necessary for the steps of those
tasks.
BEGINNING TASKS
1. Wash Hands.
2. Assemble Equipment.
3. Knock and pause before entering.
4. Introduce self and verify resident identity as appropriate.
5. Ask visitors to leave.
6. Provide privacy for the resident.
7. Explain the procedure and answer questions.
Note: Let the resident assist as much as possible and honor preferences.
COMPLETION TASKS
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Performance Skill # 1
WASH HANDS
While equipment may vary, the principles noted on the competency exam must be
followed at all times.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
3 Wet wrists and hands; kept hands lower than level of elbow
throughout procedure.
6 Rinsed hands and wrists well under running water with fingertips
pointed down.
9 Used dry paper towel between hand and faucet to turn off water.
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Performance Skill # 2
PERFORM ORAL HYGIENE
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
2 Positioned resident.
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Performance Skill # 3
SHAVE A RESIDENT
The student is assigned the task of shaving a resident’s (preferably male) face. The
evaluator must obtain a list of residents who need to be shaved and for whom shaving is
not contraindicated. Example: Residents taking anticoagulants should not be assigned.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
2 Positioned resident.
3 Shaved resident:
A. Non-Electric Shave:
OR
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Performance Skill # 3
SHAVE A RESIDENT (CONTINUED)
B. Electric Shave:
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Performance Skill # 4
PERFORM NAIL CARE
IMPORTANT: Do not assign residents with diabetes to students for nail care. Facility
policies may vary in the area of nail care; at all times, facility policies must be observed.
NOTE: CNAs are not to trim the toenails of residents.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
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Performance Skill # 5
PERFORM PERINEAL CARE
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of the step when it is performed
according to the standard.
9 Turned the patient on their side facing away. Cleaned anal area by
washing from front to back.
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Performance Skill # 6
GIVE PARTIAL BATH
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
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Performance Skill # 7
GIVE A SHOWER OR TUB BATH
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of the step when it is performed
according to the standard.
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Performance Skill # 8
MAKE OCCUPIED BED
The person must be in bed with the side rails up (if applicable) while the bed is being
made. If side rails are not available, an alternative safety measure shall be used. When
side rails are used as a safety measure during this procedure, care must be taken to
prevent personal injury.
Dirty linen is defined as linen that contain no visible body fluids. Gloves may be worn
when handling dirty linen. Soiled linen is defined as linen that may be contaminated with
body fluids. Gloves shall be worn when handling soiled linen.
At the completion of this task the bed must be left in the appropriate position with side
rails up or down as indicated by the needs of the individual (if side rails are available).
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
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Performance Skill # 8
MAKE OCCUPIED BED (CONTINUED)
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Performance Skill # 9
DRESS A RESIDENT
Clothing should consist of undergarments, dress, or shirt or blouse and pants, socks and
footwear.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
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Performance Skill # 10
TRANSFER RESIDENT TO WHEELCHAIR USING A
TRANSFER BELT
This skill requires that a resident be transferred from the bed to a wheelchair with the use
of a transfer belt which is also referred to as a gait belt.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
4 Locked brakes.
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Performance Skill # 11
TRANSFER USING A MECHANICAL LIFT
STANDARD: TRANSFERRED PERSON SAFELY UTILIZING A MECHANICAL
LIFT.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of the step when it is performed
according to the standard.
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Performance Skill # 12
AMBULATE WITH TRANSFER BELT
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of the step when it is performed
according to the standard.
7 Ensured the person stood erect with head up and back straight, as
tolerated.
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Performance Skill # 13
FEED A RESIDENT
The student should be assigned to feed someone without any special feeding techniques
required.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
2 Prepared the resident for the meal (i.e. allowed resident to use toilet
and wash hands).
7 Noted temperature of food and liquids to avoid food that is too hot
or too cold.
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Performance Skill # 14
CALCULATE INTAKE AND OUTPUT
The student is to measure intake and output in cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (ml).
The student may be told the fluid capacity of the containers (glasses, cups, bowls).
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
2 Wrote down the intake and output amounts in the units used to
measure the intake and output quantities (i.e., cc=cubic centimeters,
ml=milliliters, oz=ounces).
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Performance Skill # 15
PLACE RESIDENT IN SIDE-LYING POSITION
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right or each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
a. Behind back.
b. Under head.
c. Between legs.
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Performance Skill # 16
PASSIVE RANGE OF MOTION
The body part to be exercised must be supported. The student is not to force a joint
beyond its present range of motion or to the point of pain. The student is required to name
the exercise being performed (e.g., abduction, flexion). The approved evaluator will
verify the number of repetitions for the selected ROM exercise with the student.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
e. Opposition.
f. Internal/External rotation.
3 Supported the proximal and distal ends of the extremity or the joint
itself.
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Performance Skill # 17
APPLY AND REMOVE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of the step when it is performed
according to the standard.
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Performance Skill # 18
MEASURE AND RECORD
TEMPERATURE, PULSE, AND RESPIRATION
The evaluator must simultaneously count the rate for the length of time specified by the
student and determine the correct rate.
Pulse and Respiration can not be a combined procedure; they must be measured
separately.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of the step when it is performed
according to the standard.
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Performance Skill # 18
MEASURE AND RECORD
TEMPERATURE, PULSE, AND RESPIRATION (CONTINUED)
4 Placed fingers over radial artery. Student does this first, then
evaluator locates pulse on opposite wrist.
7 Recorded the pulse rate within + or – two beats per minute of pulse
rate recorded by evaluator.
MEASURE RESPIRATION:
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Performance Skill # 19
MEASURE AND RECORD BLOOD PRESSURE
STANDARD: MEASURE AND RECORD BLOOD PRESSURE TO WITHIN + OR –
4MM OF THE EVALUATOR’S READING USING DUAL
STETHOSCOPE.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
4 Made sure the room was quiet; turned down loud TV or radio.
5 Selected the appropriate size cuff and applied it directly over the
skin, above the elbow.
6 Positioned the stethoscope over the brachial artery.
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Performance Skill # 20
MEASURE AND RECORD WEIGHT
STANDARD: MEASURE AND RECORD WEIGHT TO WITHIN + OR – ½ POUND.
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
3 Weighed individual.
OR
B. Individual who is weighed by wheelchair or bed scale:
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Performance Skill # 21
MEASURE AND RECORD HEIGHT
Directions: Place a “p” for PASSED in the column to the right of each step when it is performed
according to the standard.
2 Measured height.
A. Individuals who are ABLE TO STAND:
OR
B. Individuals who are UNABLE TO STAND:
a. Position individual on side or back without shoes.
b. Used appropriate measuring device.
c. Read height measurement.
d. Recorded height measurement and converted appropriately
to be compared with the height measurement recorded by
the evaluator.
e. Repositioned individual, as necessary.
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Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois
P.O. #469077 600 5/09