How to Pass the HHA Skills Demonstration

1. Turn on water to a comfortable temperature
2. Wet hands and wrists thoroughly
3. Apply soap — at least a dime-sized amount
4. Scrub all surfaces (palms, backs, between fingers, thumbs, wrists, under nails) for 20 seconds
5. Rinse from wrists to fingertips — water flows away from clean to dirty
6. Dry with a paper towel — use it to turn off the faucet
7. Discard the towel without touching the bin with your hands

1. Explain procedure to client, obtain consent
2. Position arm at heart level, palm up, sleeve rolled up
3. Center the cuff over the brachial artery, 1 inch above the elbow
4. Inflate to about 180 mmHg (or 30 above expected systolic)
5. Release slowly at 2–3 mmHg/sec
6. Note systolic (first sound) and diastolic (last sound)
7. Record the reading accurately
8. Report abnormal values to supervisor

1. Explain procedure, provide privacy (close door/curtains)
2. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves
3. Gather all supplies before starting
4. Test water temperature (105°F/40.5°C)
5. Wash in clean-to-dirty order: face (inner eye outward) → neck → arms → chest → abdomen → legs → back → perineal area last
6. Keep client warm and covered except the area being washed
7. Change water when cool or soiled
8. Pat dry — do not rub
9. Apply lotion to bony prominences
10. Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, document care

1. Explain procedure to client
2. Raise bed to working height, lock wheels
3. Place wheelchair on the client's stronger side, at a 45-degree angle, lock brakes
4. Assist client to sitting position at edge of bed (dangle)
5. Apply gait belt if applicable
6. Have client lean forward, stand on count of three using their leg strength
7. Pivot slowly toward the chair — never twist your back
8. Lower client slowly into the chair
9. Ensure client is properly positioned, remove belt, lower footrests
10. Document

1. Explain procedure, provide privacy
2. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves
3. Position client supine with knees bent
4. Use separate area of washcloth for each stroke
5. Wipe front to back (urethra to rectum) — NEVER back to front
6. Separate labia majora and clean inner folds front to back
7. Clean the anal area last
8. Rinse and pat dry thoroughly
9. Reposition, remove gloves, perform hand hygiene
10. Document care

Narrate every step as you practice — "I am now washing my hands for 20 seconds..." Evaluators can't read your mind, so verbalizing shows your knowledge.

You need a "client" for transfer, bathing, and vital signs practice. Ask a family member to be your practice client.

Print out the skill checklist for your state and have someone check off steps as you perform them. Identify gaps before exam day.

Aim for confident, fluid execution. Nervousness during the real exam causes people to skip steps they know. Muscle memory is your friend.

The written exam tests your knowledge of procedures. If you understand why each step matters, you're less likely to skip it under pressure.