5 Essential Tips for Studying for the CNA State Board Exam

Going back to school while managing work, family, and daily responsibilities isn’t easy. Some days can feel like a race against the clock—trying to study, show up to class, handle errands, and still find time to rest. If you ever feel stretched thin, you’re not alone. Many Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and healthcare students balance multiple responsibilities while training for their future. The good news? With a few simple habits, it’s possible to stay organized, focused, and less overwhelmed. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we encourage students to remember that success isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about managing your time wisely and taking one step at a time. Here are practical tips to help you stay balanced. 1. Plan Your Week Ahead Trying to remember everything in your head creates stress. Writing things down creates clarity. At the start of each week: List your classes and work shifts Note important deadlines Schedule study time Plan personal tasks Seeing your week on paper helps you stay in control instead of feeling rushed. 2. Break Big Tasks Into Small Steps Large tasks feel overwhelming. Smaller tasks feel manageable. Instead of saying: “I need to study everything tonight,” Try: Review one chapter Practice one skill Study for 20–30 minutes Small steps make progress feel easier and more achievable. 3. Prepare the Night Before A little preparation saves a lot of stress in the morning. Simple habits like: Packing your bag Laying out your clothes Preparing lunch or snacks Checking your schedule can make your day start smoothly and calmly. 4. Use Your Time Wisely Not all studying has to happen at a desk for hours. Use small pockets of time throughout the day. For example: Review notes during a break Listen to lessons while commuting Practice skills whenever possible These small moments add up quickly. 5. Don’t Forget to Rest Trying to do everything without rest leads to burnout. Your mind and body need time to recharge. Make space for: Sleep Short breaks Meals Quiet time Rest isn’t wasting time—it helps you perform better. 6. Give Yourself Grace Some days won’t go perfectly—and that’s okay. Life happens. If you miss something or fall behind, adjust and keep going. Progress doesn’t require perfection. It requires persistence.  Balance Is Built One Day at a Time Balancing school, work, and life isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most each day. Stay organized, take small steps, and trust yourself. You’re capable of more than you think. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training One step at a time, one day at a time—that’s how success is built. 💙

Many people think they need years of experience or special knowledge before starting a career in healthcare. They wonder, “What if I’ve never done this before?” or “What if I’m not qualified enough?” But here’s something important that often gets overlooked: Skills can be taught. Compassion comes from within. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we train students every day who start with little or no healthcare background. And time after time, we see the same thing—the students who succeed most aren’t the ones with experience. They’re the ones with heart. Because in caregiving, compassion matters more than anything else. Here’s why. 1. Kindness Builds Trust Clients and patients don’t just need assistance—they need comfort, patience, and understanding. A warm smile. A gentle tone. A listening ear. These small acts of kindness help people feel safe and respected. That kind of connection can’t be taught from a textbook—it comes naturally from who you are. 2. Empathy Makes You a Better Caregiver Empathy helps you understand what others are feeling. It allows you to slow down, notice details, and respond with care. When you genuinely care about someone’s well-being, your actions become more thoughtful and attentive. That’s what great caregivers do every day. 3. Training Teaches the Rest The technical skills? Those come with practice and instruction. During HHA or CNA training, you’ll learn: Safety procedures Hands-on care techniques Professional responsibilities Step-by-step skills You’re not expected to know everything on day one. That’s exactly what training is for. 4. Everyone Starts as a Beginner Every professional caregiver was once new. Everyone had a first day. Everyone had questions. The difference isn’t experience—it’s the decision to start. Once you take that first step, confidence grows quickly. 5. Heart Creates Purpose Healthcare isn’t just about tasks—it’s about helping people live with dignity and comfort. When you lead with compassion, your work feels meaningful. And meaningful work brings pride, fulfillment, and motivation that lasts. You Might Already Have What It Takes If you’re patient, caring, and willing to learn, you already have the most important qualities needed in healthcare. Everything else can be taught. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training Experience can be learned. Skills can be practiced. But a caring heart is what truly makes a difference. And you might already have it. 💙