Nursing Assistant Training in VR 

Becoming a nursing assistant is a highly enriching profession where CNAs make a real difference in the daily lives of patients. To become a CNA, you must pass the state exam which includes a multiple choice theory section and a skills section. The skills are described as the most difficult part by more than 65%of test-takers, hence why they must be trained to perfection.Training for the nursing assistant skills can be performed with a mannequin or a fellow student, and your instructor providing feedback. There are other innovative methods such as practicing CNA skills with virtual reality.

Training Nursing Assistant Skills with VR

Training for the nursing assistant skills can be performed with a mannequin or a fellow student, and your instructor providing feedback. There are other innovative methods such as practicing CNA skills with virtual reality.

Which skills should I train for the nursing assistant exam?:

All nursing assistant skills can all be trained with VR. While there is no way to know which skills are tested, the most common skills tested in the CNA exam are:

  1. Hand hygiene 
  2. Taking vital signs
  3. Providing catheter care 
  4. Taking care of bedpans
  5. Completing in-bed bathing
  6. Ambulation using a transfer belt
  7. Feeding and assisting with mouth care 
  8. Putting elastic support stockings on patients
  9. Helping with body positioning and motion exercises
  10. Moving the patient from a wheelchair to a bed using a transfer belt

How to train nursing assistant skills in virtual reality?

CNA skills in virtual reality can be trained as if you were practicing them with a real patient. Virtual reality technology enables you to visualize a real patient and interact with them. In VR, you can proceed to wash your hands, explain the procedure to the resident, provide privacy, grab the materials and perform the skill you were asked. 

CNA VR training programs allow the student to practice the skills with a “learning mode,” which contains different panels that guide you through the steps, in order to interiorize them better. There is also an “examination mode” which randomizes which skill you need to practice. For both modes, there are real-time analytics of what was performed correctly and why, and what needs to be improved and how.

What is the advantage of training nursing skills in VR?

When preparing for the CNA state exam, students often feel they haven’t had enough real practice. 

  • Train at your own pace and practice the skills as many times as you need
  • Train from anywhere without commuting or scheduling time in the lab
  • Practice the skills without any extra equipment, just a VR headset.
  • Obtain real-time objective analytics on what has to improve and how
  • Start feeling more confident about passing the exam and becoming a CNA

How to get started with training nursing skills in VR?

Reach out to MetaMedicsVR, the medical training software company leading the development of these ultra realistic and interactive scenarios. It is worth noting that the software has been developed in collaboration with South Central Service Cooperative in Minnesota, who has been delivering quality through cooperation since 1976. 

Practice material and resources for the CNA exam

Every state has different requirements for the CNA exam. While you do not need to hold a degree, you just need a high-school diploma, it is important to check the requirements and fees that apply to you, you can do so here

Being a nursing assistant is a highly rewarding profession where you get to care for and improve patient’s lives daily. We wish you the best, pass your exam and become qualified!