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11 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume Samples 2023

Entry-Level CNA Resume

Senior cna resume.

• Specialized CNA Resumes
• Writing Your CNA Resume

You’re a great certified nursing assistant (CNA), but that doesn’t always come across when you apply for a job. Employers assume you’re used to  writing a resume  and know how to write a  CNA cover letter , demonstrating your expertise so well that they  have  to hire you.

If writing a resume makes you break out into a sweat, fear no longer! 

Our certified nursing assistant (CNA) resume samples have helped professionals like you  land jobs at great hospitals, rehab facilities, in-home care companies, and many more!  Use them to inspire you to create your resume and get your next job in 2024!

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Start by including the name of the company and the exact role you’re seeking, even if it’s just a general CNA job.
• Then find keywords mentioned in the  CNA job description  and include a few of those keywords if you can. Don’t cram in too many or you’ll sound suspicious.
• The certificate usually lasts two years, so ensure you include the year you were last certified on your resume.
• Similarly, most CNA jobs require that you’re certified in CPR and first aid, which also lasts for two years. Include the organization that certified you (like the American Red Cross or ACR) and the year.

• Even if you don’t have much nursing experience,  include whatever work experience you have  and focus on transferable skills, like communication, organization, and collaboration.
• Hobbies are great for demonstrating your leadership, and they can show off your personality. Plus, they give you something else to talk about during your interview!

• Your  skills list on your resume  should include both soft and hard skills, don’t forget to add technical skills like “electronic medical records,” “HIPAA regulations,” and “vital signs.”
• If you have other certifications, be sure to include those, too. Anything you’ve done to go above and beyond is a green flag for employers!

Nurse Aide Resume

• Take inspiration from Avery, who, during her stint at KentuckyOne Health Home Health, spearheaded initiatives that saved over $2,500 in pain management and administrative costs, optimized patient appointment management, and mastered tools like CARESCAPE Monitor B850.
• These kinds of career wins make a perfect launching pad for story-telling when it comes time to write a cover letter .

CNA Hospital Resume

• Be it a general CNA certification or a specialized one like CNA II or Medication Aide Certification, the credential adds a stroke of authority to your candidacy by proving your commitment to professional growth and adherence to set industry standards. That way, you establish credibility with the potential employer, increasing your chances with the role.

CNA GNA Resume

• Add a certifications section on your resume to draw attention to your geriatric specialization.

Acute Care CNA Resume

• You can enhance your acute care CNA resume by giving particular attention to ways you’ve successfully monitored and addressed medical emergencies in your past roles.

Hospital CNA Resume

• A list of 10+ skills raises a red flag for employers since it’s likely you’re not an expert in each one. Only include the skills you can demonstrate at a moment’s notice.
• The two most common skills we’ve seen for CNAs are Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Vital Signs (both reading and measurement).
• If you don’t have a college degree, simply put the highest level of education you’ve obtained (usually a high school diploma or a GED).
• Also list any certification training programs you’ve attended.

Home Health Resume

• So when discussing your work history, highlight your experience with home-making tasks like meal prep, housekeeping, and transportation.
• Always check the  CNA job description  for relevant skills to focus your bullet points. You don’t need to include every skill in the job description, but you should use it as a general guide.

Travel CNA Resume

• Tailor your resume to the job with a  resume summary  that clearly demonstrates your aptitude for the job. This is a great opportunity to highlight some of your successes, especially if you can include metrics related to your accomplishments.
• You can drastically improve readability by limiting your work experience to three to four positions with individual bullet points starting with strong action verbs.

Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) Resume

• Don’t shy away from discussing patient satisfaction ratings, how you’ve reduced the risk of patient injury or depression, and how you’ve generally lifted the spirits of patients and colleagues on your floor. 
• We recommend limiting the number of work experiences you include to  three to four . To help with the process, use a  resume template  to keep your content organized and aesthetically pleasing.

Related resume guides

• Medical assistant
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physician Assistant

Formatting Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

You may think that all you need for your CNA resume is impressive content. While it’s true you need relevant skills, how you format your resume can determine whether or not you will land the job.

Therefore, it’s crucial your resume is readable, logical, and only a single page long (while also allowing for some white space for readability). Here are a few popular formats you can use for your resume:

Reverse-chronological format, functional format, and combination/hybrid format

There are  three popular formats  for your CNA resume in 2024:

Reverse-chronological format

• You may need to  choose a different format  if you’re changing careers or have large gaps in your work history.
• Most recruiters prefer this format because it’s easy to skim for pertinent information.
• It’s also the easiest for applicant tracking systems to read, so this format is the industry standard.

Functional format

• You may choose to omit your employment history or place it near the bottom of your resume.
• Functional formats are ideal for people who are changing careers or who have significant employment history gaps.
• However, many recruiters may not be as familiar with this format, so it’s not easy to pass through applicant tracking systems.

Combination/ hybrid format

• However, your work history is not the main focus and won’t take up much space.
• This format lets you highlight what makes you the best fit for the job while still giving the recruiter what they’re seeking.
• The challenge with the combination/hybrid format is that it’s more difficult to read, and the recruiter may have trouble getting it through the applicant tracking system.

Listing name, city, and how to contact

The header of your CNA resume must contain a few things for identification purposes:

• Your name should be at the very top to avoid making the busy recruiter scour for it. You can set it to size 18-22 font in bold, ideally in black.
• You don’t need to include your full address, but we’d recommend including your city and state. No need for anything else!
• Use your most current contact information, including your phone number, email address, and Linkedin profile.

Notice the larger font for the name compared to the job title.

Get through the ATS

Companies widely use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to check applicant qualifications. Therefore, reading the job description carefully and using the exact wording within your resume is advisable. Most ATS systems search for keywords, so avoid using acronyms.

Here are a few ways your CNA resume can pass the ATS:

• Overly-playful visuals can make your CNA resume hard to read.  Don’t use graphics or unusual fonts.
• Use Calibri, New Times Roman, or Arial fonts in either a 10 or 12 font size for your body font.
• Your margins should also be one inch around all the way.
• Arrange your resume contents in a logical order so that the ATS can find important information easily.
• The ATS scans for specific words, so you need to use industry-standard headers.
• Your choice of words is key to the ATS accepting your resumes. Use words mentioned in the job description or industry-specific terminologies, such as “patient care,” or “clinical research.”

Writing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

Writing an effective CNA resume can be overwhelming, but there are plenty of tips we’ve got to help you out. Here are a few things you might need to include on your resume:

When do you need to include a resume objective or summary?

Adding a  resume objective  or a  resume summary  is a way to catch a recruiter’s attention and stand out from other applicants. But what exactly are these optional sections, and how do you use them?

A resume objective is a two-to-three-sentence statement highlighting significant aspects of your character, career goals, and skills. Having a compelling objective makes it easier for the hiring manager to glimpse who you are and your role-related strengths.

A resume summary is a two-to-three-sentence statement showcasing your most relevant accomplishments throughout your career. A good resume summary should include metrics relating to your successes and any specializations you have that could prove valuable to the organization.

Resume objectives can be useful if…

• If you’re considering a career change
• If you’re seeking an entry-level position
• If you’ve recently switched locations/areas of residence
• This is the most important!

In contrast, writing a vague objective statement can work against you.

• This objective defines generic. It lacks any customization for a certain job and is also missing any skills or specific information.

Appeal to potential employers by including detailed qualifications.

• Example:  Compassionate CNA nurse with 10+ years of experience working in three major hospitals. Having graduated from John Hopkins School of Nursing, I look forward to using my excellent communication, expertise, and empathy with all John Muir patients .
• Example:  As a member of the nursing community with six years of experience, I’m eager to collaborate with Kaiser Permanente in helping patients recover and victims heal .

Generally, keeping your resume objective/summary statements concise is best.

A well-crafted summary can be a useful tool in your CNA resume

A poor summary:

• I am a nurse looking for work. I can help your institution grow into a highly-esteemed medical center.

Such a summary statement is vague and fails to illustrate your strengths, lengthy work experience, or why you desire to work for the target business.

Compare the previous yawn-worthy summary with the following on-point examples:

• Three-time award-winning nurse specializing in childcare and emergency services. Highly computer savvy, I’m looking to hone my 12 years of expertise with San Francisco General Hospital. 
• Dedicated registered nurse looking to advance my 11-year labor and delivery career by joining a caring, patient-centered organization like Sutter Hospital.

Work experience

Your CNA resume should also always include a work experience section so employers can determine your abilities and qualifications.

How to write strong work experience bullet points

Before your write your work experience bullet points, take the time to research the work culture and other vital information. Learn about any relevant skills and future responsibilities your employer expects, and try to include some of that information on your resume.

To write a good work experience section, include any skills you cultivated, relevant accomplishments, and awards. We’d recommend only including  three to four bullet points per work experience  (unless you only have two past jobs on your CNA resume, in which case you should have four to five bullet points per job).

On a more detailed note, you should use active voice with consistent verb tenses and punctuation. Also avoid using personal pronouns.

Examples of poor work experience bullets include:

• Took care of patient needs
• Assessed patient conditions
• Assisted co-workers with additional services

Poor job description bullet points reduce your chances of securing employment. Employers can’t get a solid idea of your skills and can’t quantify your performance, which doesn’t bode well for your chances of getting an interview.

Compare the previous job description bullets with the following improvements:

• Assessed needs and implemented appropriate care, providing 17 daily terminal patients with bathing, fresh linens, making their beds, and engaging in conversation to help them live out fulfilling lives
• Assisted 6 doctors and 4 nurses, ensuring they were well-equipped with fresh, sterilized supplies and informed of individual patient progress more than 8 times per day
• Represented the care center’s ideals, morals, and commitment to quality for 20 patients daily

Tailoring bullet points to the job description remains an invaluable tool  for young entrants and experienced professionals. The last three job description bullets highlight why some applicants would succeed over others. The latter offers a detailed description of a CNA’s duties, gives tangible metrics, and implies what management can expect from them.

Add numbers to show your impact

Numbers can have a significant effect on your resume’s appearance and readability. Metrics make your resume easier to read by providing word breaks, making it more appealing to potential employers.

Include at least three to four numbers or statistics in your resume for a more professional touch. You can also use numbers to show data and improve credibility.

Here are some ideas for incorporating numbers within your resume:

• For instance: Attended 16 daily patients, 85% of whom had undergone a successful surgery
• For instance: Impacted team morale and productivity, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue, complemented by a 97% improvement in patient satisfaction ratings
• For instance: Built skills as a CNA specialist for 15 years, enhancing the workplace for a team of 11 other nurses and 60+ monthly patients

The best CNA skills to include

As a CNA, you need a combination of  soft and hard skills on your resume .

Soft skills relate to the interpersonal aspects of your job, such as communication, leadership, and empathy. In contrast, hard skills focus on the technical aspects of your job, such as knowledge of HIPAA regulations, EMR, and obtaining vital signs.

Include a blend of hard and soft skills to show your qualifications and personality traits.

Examples of skills you can include on your CNA resume

• Communication 
• Time management
• Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint
• Knowledge of OSHA 
• Medication administration

Don’t forget to research job ad keywords to determine and include potential skills that qualify you with the recruiter and the ATS.

Education, awards, and certificates

Certifications are a definite means of ensuring credibility. Always include your relevant educational certificates in your CNA resume to show your potential employer that you have the necessary qualifications for the position.

Remember to include your CNA certificate, graduate/diploma certificates, and additional certifications from specialized courses that you may have undertaken.  

Build confidence in potential employers by listing your certs!

Adding projects, interests, hobbies, and activities

Adding hobbies, interests, and projects helps employers understand your traits and measure how you’ll fit into the organization’s working environment. Projects are not particularly important for experienced professionals but can be valuable for entry-level applicants.

Examples of  hobbies and interests to include on your resume  include:

• Led weekly CPR training club for local high school students
• College basketball team captain

Examples of projects include:

• Developed 6-month memory loss study and solutions for 12 aging volunteer patients
• Designed patient-centric care ideas by interviewing and assessing 18 volunteer patients who had undergone recent surgeries and short-term care through local hospitals

Remember to research the job descriptions for keywords that could help align your hobbies/interests and projects with those of your potential employer.

Customizing your resume for each job

If there’s one resume tip we hope you use, it’s  tailoring your certified nursing assistant resume for each job application .  Customizing your resume  to each job shows the hiring manager that you cared enough to research the position and sincerely desire to work with  their  company.

Do someone online research to learn about the workplace culture and expectations. Then you can use that information to  write an enticing resume  with adjusted objectives/summaries, work experience bullet points, and skills to suit what recruiters want.

Notice how you can customize your objective to the target business.

Double-check for any errors

Spelling mistakes, formatting errors, and other minor mistakes can negatively impact the quality and desirability of your CNA resume. Therefore, it’s crucial to  check your resume  before uploading or sharing your resume with recruitment agencies. You can use a spellchecker to help improve punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. 

Secure That Position!

Congratulations! You’re now ready to share your certified nursing assistant resume with the world. Consider the essential aspects to include in your resume while making it as brief but detailed as you possibly can.

Here is what you need to remember:

• Pick a suitable format
• Include your name, city, and contact information
• Outsmart the ATS (applicant tracking system) by making your resume easy to read with relevant keywords
• Know when to use objectives/summaries
• Keep your work experience tailored toward the job description
• Include hard and soft CNA skills
• List education certifications and relevant hobbies/interests when appropriate
• Customize your resume  for each job to which you apply
• Check your resume  for errors before you submit it

Now that you’ve got these resume tips, don’t forget to use our  resume builder  to create a stunning CNA resume with the help of our AI-powered tips.

After everything checks out, share your CNA resume proudly with hiring managers and ready yourself for the next exciting step in your career!

CNA Resume Example (W/ Full Guide & Resume Tips for 2024)

So, you’re a certified nurse assistant.

Like many professionals in the healthcare industry, you probably dream of making a difference by helping people.

And yet, you can’t seem to get a job where you can do that. 

Truth is, getting a CNA certification isn’t enough to land your dream job.

After all, to many aspiring nurses, the CNA position is a stepping stone towards a career in the healthcare industry. Yeah, you guessed it - the competition is tough.

For this reason, whether you’re a newly certified nursing assistant or an experienced professional, you need to stand out from your competitors—and what better way to do it than by writing an effective CNA resume?

So, let us lend you a helping hand and show you exactly how to write a CNA resume that will help you win the job.

In this article, we will cover:

CNA Resume Example

• 8-Step Guide to Build the Perfect CNA Resume
• 55+ Top CNA Skills in 2022

So, let’s dive right in.

Here are all the elements that make the CNA resume example at the top great:

• Reverse-chronological resume format. The CNA resume example above uses the reverse-chronological resume format to highlight the candidate’s work experience. Not to mention, this resume format is recruiters’ favorite!
• Contact information. This CNA resume example contains all the necessary contact details, including the candidate’s full name, email address, location, and phone number. 
• Attention-grabbing resume summary. This CNA resume example contains an impressive resume summary that emphasizes the candidate’s professional achievements.
• Focus on work achievements. The CNA resume example above highlights the candidate’s work achievements, which helps their resume to stand out.
• Concise education section. Higher education isn’t a requirement for CNAs, so this candidate kept their education short by only including their key education details.
• Good use of bullet points. This CNA resume example uses bullet points to structure and present information, making this resume easy to skim.
• Well-structured skills section. Instead of listing all of the candidate’s skills, this CNA resume example only includes the most relevant skills for the CNA position.
• Certifications. The CNA resume example above lists all of the candidate’s certifications in the reverse-chronological order.
• Additional sections. This CNA resume example includes relevant associations and language skills to help the candidate stand out from other candidates with similar certifications and work experience.

8-Step Guide to Build the Perfect CNA Resume 

Now that you know the elements of an outstanding CNA resume, you’re ready to start writing your own job-winning CNA resume.

So, here are the exact steps that will help you create the perfect CNA resume:

#1. Format Your CNA Resume the Right Way 

First things first - let’s address the formatting. 

Generally speaking, you have 3 resume format options:

• Reverse-chronological resume format
• Functional resume format
• Combination (hybrid) resume format

A well-formatted resume will present your information in the most effective way, and for this reason, you want to go with the reverse-chronological resume format .

Apart from being the most popular resume format worldwide and recruiters’ favorite, the reverse-chronological resume format helps you make the most out of your CNA resume by putting your work achievements at the center of attention.

Here’s an example of the reverse-chronological resume format:

This said, choosing the right resume format isn’t all there is to format your CNA resume - you also need to refine your resume layout . 

So, here are all the elements that make an effective resume layout:

• Set the right margins. You don’t want your resume to look cluttered, so the use of white space will increase the readability of your resume.
• Keep your resume short. Having a one-page resume increases the odds of the hiring manager actually reading your CNA resume - after all, recruiters go through hundreds of resumes every day.
• Choose a professional font. To make sure that your CNA resume is easy-to-read, choose a professional font that will look good on both PDF and paper.
• Use bullet points. Using bullet points to organize the information makes your CNA resume look neat and well-structured.
• Save your resume in the right format. Your best option is to save your CNA resume in PDF format . This will ensure your resume looks exactly as intended no matter the device or OS the hiring manager uses to open your resume.

Use a Resume Template (and Save Time) 

As a certified nursing assistant, you’re great at time management and prioritizing tasks.

So, you probably want to focus more of your time and energy on perfecting your resume contents than formatting.

Well, with our resume templates , you can jump straight into filling in your CNA resume contents without having to worry about your resume formatting!

Our resume templates are well-structured and look much more impressive than standard Word resumes - after all, they’re designed in collaboration with professional recruiters.

See for yourself how our free, tried-and-tested resume templates compare to the standard, black-and-white basic resumes:

#2. List the Relevant Contact Details 

Once you’re done formatting your CNA resume, you’re ready to start filling in the contents.

So, let’s start with the basics - first, list your contact information , including:

• Your full name
• Your title (optional)
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Your location 

It’s really that simple!

Here’s an example of the contact information section in a CNA resume:

Certified Nursing Assistant

012-345-6789

[email protected]

Orlando, Florida

#3. Write a Memorable Resume Summary or Objective

You want to catch the hiring manager’s interest from the get-go - and there’s no better way to do it than by writing an impressive resume summary or objective.

In short, both the resume summary and the resume objective are 2-3 sentence paragraphs that provide recruiters a brief (but effective!) overview of your professional background, allowing them to quickly determine whether your CNA resume is worth taking a closer look at.

Luckily, you don’t need to write both a resume summary and a resume objective - here’s how to choose the right one for you:

• If you have relevant work experience , write a resume summary to show off your professional background, skills, and achievements.
• If you don’t have CNA experience , write a resume objective to highlight your skills and share your professional goals. 

Here’s what you need to include in your resume summary to make sure it impresses the hiring manager:

• Your position
• Years of experience
• Your most relevant CNA skills
• 1-2 top professional achievements

And here’s an example of an excellent CNA resume summary:

• Dependable and patient-focused Certified Nursing Assistant with 4+ years of experience in providing top-quality elderly patient care. Skilled and experienced in conflict management, bladder retraining, and denture care. Resolved a long-standing conflict between nurses, leading to a 7% increase in patient satisfaction in Nursing Home X.

Now, if you don’t have relevant work experience, write an eye-catching resume objective by mentioning the following:

• Your certifications, industry-related degrees, and licenses 
• Any nursing-related experience and skills that make you the right fit for the position
• Your motivation to work for the organization or company
• Compassionate, newly-certified Nurse Assistant looking to use interpersonal skills gained from volunteering in a developmental disability center to provide exceptional patient care at Organization X. Experienced in providing care for neurodivergent children and children with learning disabilities.

#4. Highlight Your Work Achievements 

Next, it’s time to focus on the most important section of your CNA resume, which is the work experience section. 

First things in order, start with your latest position and format your work experience section as such:

• Begin each entry with your job title. Make sure that your job title accurately reflects the role you had in your previous/current workplace.
• Include the company's information. Apart from the company name and location, you can also add a brief description (especially if the company isn’t well-known).
• Add the employment date. Use the mm/yyyy format to show the recruiter how long you’ve worked in each company.
• Use bullet points to list your achievements and responsibilities. Ideally, you want to use 5-6 bullet points for the most recent jobs and 2-3 bullet points for older roles.

Now, if you’re looking to maximize your chances of landing the job, follow these tips to make your CNA resume stand out from the rest: 

• Focus on your achievements and make them quantifiable. To show the recruiter exactly what you can bring to the table, make sure to emphasize your achievements over your responsibilities. Moreover, make the most out of your work experience section by backing up your achievements with numbers (e.g. ‘Aided 14 patients…’ instead of ‘Aided patients’).
• Tailor your work experience section. If you have relevant work experience, the hiring manager won’t care you were waiting tables in high school. As such, you’re best off only mentioning the work experience that’s most relevant to the CNA position.
• Make use of action verbs. Starting each entry with ‘Responsible for…’ can quickly get boring, so use action verbs to make your work experience section pop (e.g. assisted, provided, aided, helped, organized, etc.’).

And here’s an example of a work experience section that includes all of the elements mentioned above:

Nursing Home X

05/ 2019 - 04/2022

• Successfully managed 8 CNAs for over a month while the nurse manager was absent.
• Trained a team of 15+ nurses to effectively use a newly implemented EHR software.
• Provided high-quality patient care for 40+ patients monthly.
• Fed, bathed, groomed, and otherwise assisted bedridden patients. 
• Accurately measured and documented patient food and fluid intake as well as their vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate.

What If I Don’t Have Work Experience? 

CNA is an entry-level position , which means that many CNAs start their career without any relevant work experience.

So, if you just got your certification and are looking to land your first CNA job, worry not - chances are, just like you, many of your competitors have little to no work experience .

However, this doesn’t mean that you should simply skip this section. On the contrary, here’s what you need to do to get a winning edge over your competitors (regardless of their work experience!):

• Add any work experience that helped you gain relevant soft skills (e.g. if you’ve worked in retail or customer service, make sure to write it down - these jobs require a ton of patience, teamwork, adaptability, and other skills that are highly valued in a CNA).
• Mention your volunteering experience to show you’re genuinely interested in assisting other people, projects, or organizations.
• List any other experience , such as internships, mentorships, and au pair experience, where you were helpful to others.

Here’s what this could look like on your CNA resume:

Activity Big Buddy

Buddy Program X

09/2020 - 10/2020

• Assisted and supported an 11-year-old Little Buddy with a non-verbal learning disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in participating in basketball and art classes twice a week. 
• Helped the Little Buddy to maintain focus, follow instructions, and improve hand-eye coordination through physical and creative activities.
• Taught the Little Buddy how to navigate the public transportation system, which significantly increased his independence.
• Helped the Little Buddy to meet new people, make friends, and interpret other people’s body language, thus improving his social skills.
• Won the “Outstanding Volunteer Award 2020.”

#5. Keep Your Education Section Concise 

Here’s some good news - writing the education section of your CNA resume doesn’t take nearly as much time and effort as your work experience section. 

That’s because you don’t actually need a college degree to become a CNA, unlike with other nursing jobs. In fact, you can even get CNA training in high school . 

And, speaking of high school, only list it on your CNA resume if you don’t have higher education.

So, keep your education section brief by starting with your latest degree and mentioning just the key education details, which include:

• Degree Name
• College, university, or other educational institution
• Location (optional)
• Attendance years

Additionally, if you don’t have any work experience, feel free to mention any CNA-related high school or college courses that you took (and were good at) in bullet points.

Here’s an example of a short and sweet education section:

BSc in Nursing Studies (Adult) Glasgow Caledonian University 09/2017 - 07/2020

#6. Add In-Demand CNA Skills 

The skills section is another highly important section of your CNA resume as it shows the recruiter your professional abilities. 

Generally speaking, as a CNA, you need a good mixture of soft skills and hard skills. 

Luckily, you’ve likely gained most, if not all, of the necessary skills as a CNA while training for your certification. 

So, all you need to do is simply list your hard skills separately from your soft skills to make your CNA well-organized. 

Other than that, you want to make sure your skills section is tailored to the position. 

As such, you want to only include CNA-related skills in your resume - in other words, if your advanced programming skills won’t be useful for your job, you don’t have to list them on your CNA resume’s skills section. 

Not sure which skills to put on your CNA resume?

Worry not! We’ve compiled a list of 55+ top CNA skills to get you started.

55+ Top CNA Skills in 2024

20 soft cna skills.

• Active listening
• Attention to detail
• Responsibility
• Communication skills
• Conflict resolution
• Interpersonal skills
• Dependability
• Emotional intelligence
• Helpfulness
• Stress management
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Strong work ethic
• Prioritization
• Time management

35 Hard CNA Skills

• Patient positioning
• Perineal care
• Manual and electronic blood pressure recording
• Manual and electronic radial pulse recording
• Manual and electronic respiratory rate recording
• Measuring and recording height
• Measuring and recording weight
• Assisting using a bedpan
• Upper and lower denture care
• Feeding and serving paralyzed patients
• Partial bed baths
• Making unoccupied and occupied beds
• Proper handwashing
• Putting and removing clean and contaminated gowns and gloves
• Back massage
• Assisting in dressing
• Medical terminology knowledge
• Infection control
• Diabetes care
• Elderly care
• Disability care
• Bladder and bowel retraining
• Restraint and side rail usage
• Protective device attachment and management
• Serving supplements, vitamins, and medicine
• Meal and supplement intake recording
• Fluid intake and urinary output recording
• EHR software knowledge
• Indirect care
• Catheter care and maintenance
• Range of motion exercises
• Elastic support stocking application
• Ambulation using a gait belt

#7. Include Your CNA Certifications 

As the title implies, certifications are vital to landing a certified nursing assistant job.

For this reason, make sure to list all industry-related certifications you hold on your CNA resume.

If you have more than one certification, start with the latest one and go back in time to make your CNA resume consistent and well-organized.

Some of the most popular certifications for CNAs include the following:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) certification (only in Ohio)
• Home Health Aide (HHA) certification
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) certification

And here are all the details that you should mention:

• Certification name
• Name of agency
• Year of obtainment
• Location (if applicable)
• Expiration date (if applicable)
• Expected date of obtainment (if you’re still in training)

Here’s an example:

Certified Nursing Assistant (2021-2023) American Red Cross

#8. Take Advantage of These Optional Resume Sections 

Now, if you still have some free space on your CNA resume, don’t let it go to waste and include some additional sections to gain an advantage over your competitors.

As a CNA, consider adding one or more of these optional resume sections:

• Associations and societies as well as your role in them.
• Conferences , such as Nursing World Conference and World Congress on Nursing Care and Healthcare.
• Awards , if any of them are related to nursing.
• Languages , including your language proficiency level.

And here’s an example of how you should organize these additional sections in your CNA resume:

Conferences

• 28th International Congress on Nursing and Primary Health Care (2021)
• World Nursing Congress (2020)

Associations

• National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) (2018 - Present)

#9. Attach a Cover Letter to Your CNA Resume 

At this point, you should have a better understanding of what it takes to write a truly impressive CNA resume. 

But, there’s one more step we need to address - writing a compelling cover letter to back up your CNA resume (and secure the job!).

Essentially, your cover letter should prove to the recruiter that you’re the perfect CNA for their company. 

Specifically, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to:

• Provide more detail on your professional background.
• Mention any important information that you’ve skipped in your CNA resume.
• Explain why you’re interested in working for this particular organization.

If this bit sounds a bit challenging, worry not - you don’t need to be a skilled writer to create a compelling cover letter.

Simply follow these steps and you’ll have a job-landing cover letter in no time:

• Start your cover letter by listing your contact information.
• Address the cover letter directly to the hiring manager (or, if not possible, the company or department).
• Write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph by focusing on your professional achievements.
• Use the body of your cover letter to highlight your skills, experience, and explain why you’d be a great asset to the company, thus proving you’re the perfect fit for the position.
• Effectively close the cover letter with a call to action.

Need more assistance writing your cover letter? Check out our guides on writing a cover letter , cover letter writing tips , and cover letter writing mistakes .

And here’s an impressive cover letter template example :

If you’re looking to leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager, use our cover letter templates to match your cover letter to your CNA resume and show off your attention to detail!

Key Takeaways 

Congrats - by now, you should be ready to write the perfect CNA resume and a convincing cover letter to help you secure your dream job!

Before you go, though, let’s quickly recap some of the key points of writing a job-landing CNA resume:

• Pick the reverse-chronological resume format to put a spotlight on your work experience and skills.
• To show the hiring manager you’re a relevant candidate for the position, write an engaging resume summary (if you have work experience) or objective (if you don’t have work experience).
• Make the most out of your work experience section by focusing on quantifiable achievements.
• Include all of your relevant certifications in reverse-chronological order to make your CNA resume easy to follow.
• To help you secure the job, attach a compelling cover letter to your CNA resume.

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“Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription.” – Val Saintsbury

Nursing assistants play a vital role in treating patients and ensuring their well being worldwide.

More than 1,314,830 nursing assistants are currently working in the United States at an average annual salary of $33,250.

As a certified nursing assistant, you will have to take care of patients and provide care with utmost patience and compassion.

You will need to divert some of these factors in your resume writing to bring forth your best for the recruiters to recognize you as a valuable applicant and raise your chances of being shortlisted for the targeted job.

Here we are elaborating on how to write a CNA resume professionally by answering the following questions:

• Why do you need a certified nursing assistant resume?
• How to write your certified nursing assistant resume?
• How to write professional experience on a certified nursing assistant resume?
• How to mention certifications, awards & recognitions, and additional information?

CNA Resume Sample

Take a look at our complete certified nursing assistant resume sample to know what an ideal resume should look like:

• Rendered quality nursing care and complied to HIPAA standards to gather & manage patient documentations
• Maintained relationship with the co-workers to perform key duties to minimize the supervisor's involvement
• Assisted the supervisor to sustain department operations and Resident Safety Training Program
• Deployed individualized care plans to prioritize the needs and preferences of the residents
• Attended to residents in maintaining grooming , feeding, toileting, proper hygiene and other needs of the individuals
• Communicated with 100+ individuals to gain an understanding of the requirements and re-positioning immobile residents
• Resolved queries and requests raised by family and peers of the residents
• Employed safe work practices and led the training to 5 newly recruited Nursing Assistants
• Adhered to department policies by documenting records for the care provided and other information
• Awarded the " Star Employee of the Month " Jan '17 for deploying risk management practices
• Aided residents by upholding patient dignity & support to minimize patient discomfort
• Utilized assistive devices to help critical residents and commended for clinical skills
• Nurtured patient medication and provided administrative support to physicians and medical assistants
• Ranked among the top 2 % in the class
• Languages : English, Spanish and French
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | American Association of Nursing Assistants | Jun '12

What is a CNA Resume & why do you need it?

[ Back to Table of Content ]

In most cases, your resume for CNA is the first mode of contact between you and the recruiters.

Most recruiters pick the most suitable applicant by using the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) as it is convenient and saves their time.

The ATS filters through the resumes and picks only those resumes containing the recruiters' keywords to describe the targeted job profile.

Your aim here is to write an ATS-friendly resume by using appropriate keywords relevant to the specific job you are applying for.

Also Read: What are the Do's & Dont's while writing a resume?

CNA Resume Sections

Always frame every section in your certified nursing assistant resume with a professional approach to make your resume outshine all other applicants.

Here is the list of all the standard functional resume sections that you can add to your CNA resume:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience

you can also frame the following sections to add value to your resume and grab the recruiter's undivided attention:

• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)
• Volunteering Experience (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

How to write your CNA Resume

To write an effective shortlist worthy resume, you need to follow the three important stages listed below:

• Stage 1: Master CNA Resume
• Stage 2: First Draft of CNA Resume
• Stage 3: Final Draft of CNA Resume

Now, let us discuss these three stages to understand their importance and learn how to apply them while writing your certified nursing assistant resume.

Master CNA Resume

Start by creating the master resume for CNA, which you can use as a master folder for collecting all your details.

This folder will work as the master resume that you can use every time you update your certified nursing assistant resume or build a new copy.

List out all your pieces of information and details in your master resume. It can be any detail related to your professional experience, educational qualifications, and personal information details.

You have to stack all your details and information in your master folder to easily find them whenever you write or update your nursing assistant resume.

Doing so can save your time and help you avoid gathering scattered pieces of information.

First Draft of CNA Resume

In the second stage, you have to create your first draft of your resume by framing the following sections:

Always remember that the standard sections are compulsory to be framed, and the optional sections can be framed if required for the targeted job or if you feel it is necessary to help enhance your resume.

Final Draft of CNA Resume

In the final draft of your certified nursing resume, you should frame the following sections mentioned below:

Key Skills : Curate your CNA resume skills section as the last second step while writing your resume because you have to scan through your resume, pick the most effective skills, and align them in this section.

Summary/Objective : Curate this section as the last step while writing your CNA resume, as you have to give a brief statement of your resume by highlighting your achievements and contribution.

Make sure to read our 2020 Guide on how to write a resume to learn more about resume writing.

CNA Resume: Header

Your resume's header can make you stand out in a sea of resumes if you frame it thoughtfully and professionally.

People often tend to ignore the importance of the header, but you should keep in mind that framing the right and unique header can help the recruiters keep track of your resume.

Read the following points to be implied while framing the resume header of your nursing assistant resume:

• You should write your full real name on the topmost part of your resume.
• It should be written in 16-20 font size , which should be the largest text in your resume.
• If you have a middle name, use only the initial followed by a period.
• Example: Ross James Green should be written as "Ross J. Green"

Below is our sample CNA resume illustrating the ideal resume header for your resume.

CNA Resume: Personal Information

For any possible shortlist, the recruiters would need a mode of contact to get to you, and for that, you should provide some details of your personal information.

Given below is the list of what an ideal personal information section should contain:

• Contact number

Email Address

Pro Tip : Avoid giving details of your marital status, religious affiliation, or political inclination in your resume unless explicitly asked. Most countries have forbidden it by law to mention these things as it may lead to biased hiring.

Contact Number

Some recruiters may want to interview you over the phone or want to get your confirmation for scheduling interviews verbally.

For such cases, you should provide your active number that is functional 24x7 so that you do not miss any calls from the recruiters.

Also, avoid making careless mistakes while giving out your contact number, like missing out a number or giving out the wrong number, which can be very inconvenient.

The correct format for writing your mobile number is documented below:

• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code
• Eg: +1 42695 82170

Pro Tip : If you have 2 or more mobile numbers, make sure that you accurately mention only that mobile number on which you are available 24x7. If the recruiter cannot get in touch with you, there is no point in penning down your contact number in your details. Hence, be extra sure that you write it correctly in your resume.

Emails can be considered the most convenient means of communication between you and the recruiters as it is professional and saves time.

Provide your email ID that has been created solely for official purposes.

Your official email should have your real name. (Create one if you do not have an official email ID)

Example:[email protected] or [email protected]

Strictly avoid giving out casual email IDs with a fancy name because it can make you seem like an applicant who is not serious about one's career.

Example: [email protected] or [email protected]

Pro Tip : Since your email ID is a professional communication channel between you and your recruiter, you should write it professionally. For example, use your real full name/first name in your email ID. Avoid using fictitious nicknames while drafting your email address in your resume.

Current Location

Keep the following points in mind and apply them while giving out your current location on your resume:

• If you are looking for a job in your own country, simply mention the city and state of your residence. On the contrary, mention your city and country of residence if you are looking for a job in another country.
• Avoid giving out your house number, street number, and locality name, as those details are unnecessary. You should also avoid giving out any address of your past residence or workplace.

Take a look at our sample CNA resume below to understand what a personal information section should ideally look like.

CNA Resume: Profile Title

Profile titles are important in your certified nursing assistant resume as it directly reflects the level of your professional status.

It communicates the following facts to the recruiter:

• Your current designation.
• Your functional industry.
• Your level of seniority in your line of work.

You should follow the below-mentioned guidelines to write your resume profile title :

• It should be the second-largest text in your resume after your resume header
• It should ideally be written in the range of 14-16 font size

Write only the correct profile title and avoid exaggerating your profile title. It will pass off as intentionally cheating the recruiter, and you may lose your chance of achieving the targeted job.

Refer to the profile title section of our CNA resume template given below to know what this section ideally looks like.

CNA Resume: Professional Experience

Your professional experience section is an important feature in your nursing assistant resume that takes a major portion, and you need to curate it thoughtfully.

Make the best use of this section to make the recruiters recognize you as the most suitable applicant for the targeted job.

Listed below are the three important factors that can help enhance your professional experience section:

• STAR format

Framing Points

Bucketing & Bolding

Now, let us discuss these three factors thoroughly to help you understand their importance and learn how you can implement it.

STAR Format

Let us discuss the best format for your certified nursing assistant resume.

STAR describes the following given points:

• S is for describing the situation /backdrop/context of your contributions.
• T is for describing the actual task assigned to you as part of your roles and responsibilities.
• A is for describing the action or the strategy you used to execute the task assigned.
• R is for describing the result or outcome of your action as an achievement figure.

Provide figures of the number to specify your contributions and achievements wherever applicable, as it can help the recruiters to recognize your exact contributions to an organization.

Another important feature that can help enhance your resume is framing your points.

Let us look at the CNA resume examples given below to analyze and briefly discuss the importance of framing points and how they can be applied in your resume writing.

CNA Resume Example 1

"During my employment as a certified nursing assistant in my previous organization, I was required to comply with the HIPAA standards to gather and manage every patient's documentation accurately. Successfully performed key duties with co-workers to minimize the supervisor's involvement and reported key information and any missing items of the residents to the immediate supervisor. Regularly assisted the supervisor for any Resident Safety Training Program and sustained the department operations."

CNA Resume Example 2

Complied to the HIPAA standards to accurately gather & manage documentation of patient Performed key duties with co-workers to minimize the supervisor's involvement Reported key information & any missing items of the residents to the immediate supervisor Assisted the supervisor for Resident Safety Training Program & sustain department operations

Framing Points: Analysis

By comparing the two CNA resume examples, we can see that the resume points (example 2) are more readable than the paragraph (example 1).

Both examples state the same thing, but framing points make your statements more readable and clear.

Writing lengthy paragraphs can make your statements bulky and might fail to communicate your efficient skills and achievements to the recruiters, leading to the rejection of your resume.

Hence, you should always frame your statements with bullet points to make them specific and clear to read and understand.

Bucketing and bolding are other important factors to apply while framing your professional section.

Let us look at the two CNA resume examples given below to analyze and understand how you can implement them.

Complied to the HIPAA standards to accurately gather & manage documentation of patient Performed key duties with co-workers to minimize the supervisor's involvement Reported key information & any missing items of the residents to the immediate supervisor Assisted the supervisor for Resident Safety Training Program & sustain department operations Individualized care plans to prioritize the needs & preferences of the residents Maintained feeding, grooming, proper hygiene & other needs of every individual Resolved queries & requests raised by family and peers of the 80+ residents Employed safe work practices & trained 5 newly recruited nursing assistants Adhered to department policies by documenting records of the provided nursing service Awarded as "Star Employee of the Month" for deploying risk management programs & practices

**Nursing Care & Process Optimization ** Complied to the HIPAA standards to accurately gather & manage documentation of patient Performed key duties with co-workers to minimize the supervisor's involvement Safety Training Program & Operations Sustenance Reported key information & any missing items of the residents to the immediate supervisor Assisted the supervisor for Resident Safety Training Program & sustain department operations Individualized Care & Customer Service Individualized care plans to prioritize the needs & preferences of the residents Maintained feeding, grooming, proper hygiene & other needs of every individual Resolved queries & requests raised by family and peers of the 80+ residents Compliance & Mentoring Employed safe work practices & trained 5 newly recruited nursing assistants Adhered to department policies by documenting records of the provided nursing service Key Achievement Awarded as " Star Employee of the Month " for deploying risk management programs & practices

Bucketing & Bolding: Analysis

The CNA resume examples that we have listed above give us the following insights:

Framing your points alone (example 1) is not enough to hold on to the recruiters' attention throughout your entire resume.

You need to up your game by using the bucketing and bolding, as shown in the second example (example 2).

Create unique headings (bucketing) and write down all the similar points under them to ensure that all the relevant points are listed together.

Then bold the most significant skills and figure of numbers that specifies your contributions or achievements.

Bucketing and bolding make your one-liners readable and organized, making it easier for the recruiters to read and comprehend the resume that can lead to you being shortlisted for the targeted job.

Here is a sample CNA resume showcasing an ideal professional experience section.

CNA Resume: Education

Providing your educational qualifications can demonstrate your worth as an eligible applicant for a specific job profile.

Make sure to validate your educational qualifications only if you possess them.

The education section of your nursing assistant resume should ideally consist of:

• Name of the school/university you have attended.
• Name of the courses you have pursued.
• The location of your school/university.
• Enrollment and graduation dates in the month & year format .

Here is our certified nursing assistant resume example showcasing the ideal education section of your resume.

CNA Resume: Certifications

Listing your certification(s) on your certified nursing resume can add value to your professional experience and educational qualification. A perfectly framed certifications section will make the recruiters recognize the level of expertise as a nursing assistant.

It makes you stand out as a dedicated applicant who went ahead to get certified for practicing one's job as a certified nursing assistant.

The certification section of your nursing assistant resume communicates the following details about you:

• Certification course name.
• Name of the institute of affiliation.
• Location of the institute of affiliation.
• Enrollment and completion date of the course in the month & year format .

You can align the above-given points in the below format:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (month & year format)

Look at the ideal certifications section of our CNA resume template to help you list this section with a professional approach.

Also Read: What are the most demanding CNA skills in the United States?

CNA Resume: Awards & Recognition

If you have been rewarded as "the best employee of the month" or "outstanding performer of the year", make sure to provide them in your resume as it can positively impact your job application.

You can create an "Awards & Recognition" section in your resume and list your recognitions and rewards.

You can also list it under the "key achievements" bucket within each profile of your professional experience section.

CNA Resume: Additional Information

Here is another important section in your resume that can help in making the recruiters take into account while scrutinizing your resume.

In this section, you can add any additional languages you can speak or write (apart from English) and any relevant hobbies that may help enhance your resume.

This section is not mandatory, but you can frame this section if you feel that some of your additional information can help boost your value as a suitable applicant.

The CNA resume sample attached below shows what a perfectly composed additional information section should look like.

CNA Resume Key Sections

These are some resume sections that must be crafted after writing other details. The key resume sections include resume summary/objective and resume skills.

Let us get detailed information about these sections:

CNA Resume: Key Skills

Your CNA resume skills section can help you intrigue the recruiters into going through your resume and raise your chance of being shortlisted for the targeted job.

The plus point is that this section can also help you rank high on the ATS if you pick and write down the most effective keywords.

Curate your CNA resume skills section in the last second resume writing step.

Scan through your resume, pick out the most effective skills you possess, and try to use as many keywords as the recruiters use to describe the job profile you are applying for.

Always use only the keywords that have been justified in your one-liners while framing your CNA resume skills section.

Our nursing assistant resume sample showcases the ideal CNA resume skills section.

CNA Resume Summary

On average, the recruiters may spend between 06-10 mere seconds to go through a resume for the first screening.

Now, apart from your key CNA resume skills section, your summary can make the recruiters recognize if you are suitable enough for the targeted job.

Make every second count by framing the perfect summary of your resume by highlighting the most significant skills you possess and your contributions and achievements.

Given below is a list of what you should follow while writing your CNA resume summary :

• Write your summary at the end as it makes it easier to decide what to put in this section.
• You can start your summary by writing your years of experience and then writing your career highlights from your professional experience section.
• Always try to include the keywords that the recruiter has used in the targeted job description.
• Frame a summary of your resume in only 3-4 lines to keep it brief and specific.
• Write a resume summary only if you have worked for 3 years and above.
• If you have worked for less than 3 years, write a resume objective instead.

Attached below is the ideal resume summary of our CNA resume template, showcasing how this section is ideally framed.

CNA Resume Objective

Writing your CNA resume objective is as important as writing a CNA resume summary.

An objective should be framed instead of a summary if you belong to any of the following categories:

• If you have no work experience.
• If you have very limited work experience of less than 3 years.
• If you are a fresh graduate writing an entry-level resume.

Objectives can help you make up for your career gaps by focusing on the productive activities that you indulged yourself in.

It is more about what you can contribute to an organization and not what you expect from the organization.

Key Takeaways

Building a CNA resume can take a lot of time without expert guidance. You can follow these guidelines to write a professional CNA resume in 2022 and get your targeted job:

• Make a master CNA resume before creating the first draft for a hassle-free resume building experience
• Write points addressing cause-effect relation in your certified nursing resume.
• Start every one-liner bullet in your professional experience section with a power verb.
• Frame your points and apply bucketing & bolding to highlight your most significant skills and achievements while framing your points.
• Write a summary of your resume for your 3 years and above work experience and a CNA resume objective for 3 years with less or zero experience.
• Provide figures of numbers wherever applicable to specify your contribution and achievements.
• Use the month and year format to provide your education and work experience timeline.

These steps will help you smoothen your resume building task. However, you can also ease the process using Hiration's Online Resume Builder .

It is an Artificial Intelligence-powered tool that comes with 24/7 chat support to deliver you an easy user experience. Moreover, you can also discuss your queries with our experts at [email protected]

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2 CNA Resume Examples to Land You a Role in 2023

CNAs are compassionate and dedicated to providing quality care to those in need. As a CNA, your resume should have a lot in common with your work. It should be tailored to the needs of the patient, demonstrate your commitment to quality care, and be held to a high standard. In this guide, we'll review X CNA resume examples to help you make a lasting impression.

Resume Examples

Resume guidance.

• High Level Resume Tips
• Must-Have Information
• Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important
• Writing an Exceptional Resume Summary
• How to Impress with Your Work Experience
• Top Skills & Keywords
• Go Above & Beyond with a Cover Letter
• Resume FAQs
• Related Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on CNA Resumes:

• Assist patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom
• Monitor vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate
• Assist with ambulation and transfers, including the use of wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices
• Provide basic patient care, such as changing bed linens, cleaning and sanitizing patient rooms, and providing skin care
• Assist with range of motion exercises and other therapeutic activities
• Administer medications and treatments as directed by a physician or nurse
• Monitor and document patient progress and report any changes to the nurse or physician
• Provide emotional support and companionship to patients and their families
• Assist with feeding patients who are unable to feed themselves
• Participate in educational activities and in-service training
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for patients

You can use the examples above as a starting point to help you brainstorm tasks, accomplishments for your work experience section.

CNA Resume Example:

• Implemented a new patient care plan that resulted in a 25% reduction in patient falls and a 15% increase in patient satisfaction scores.
• Developed and led a training program for new CNAs, resulting in a 20% decrease in onboarding time and a 10% increase in team productivity.
• Collaborated with nursing staff to implement a wound care protocol, resulting in a 30% reduction in wound infections and a 20% increase in wound healing rates.
• Managed a team of CNAs to provide exceptional patient care, resulting in a 95% patient satisfaction rating and a 10% increase in patient referrals.
• Developed and implemented a new medication administration process, resulting in a 20% reduction in medication errors and a 15% increase in medication adherence.
• Collaborated with nursing staff to implement a fall prevention program, resulting in a 25% reduction in patient falls and a 10% decrease in hospital readmissions.
• Implemented a new patient care documentation system, resulting in a 30% increase in accuracy and a 20% decrease in documentation time.
• Collaborated with nursing staff to implement a pain management protocol, resulting in a 25% reduction in patient pain levels and a 15% increase in patient satisfaction scores.
• Developed and led a patient education program, resulting in a 20% increase in patient understanding of their care plan and a 10% increase in patient compliance.
• Patient care planning
• Fall prevention
• Wound care management
• Medication administration
• Pain management
• Team management and leadership
• Training and onboarding
• Patient education
• Documentation and record-keeping
• Collaboration with nursing staff
• Patient satisfaction improvement
• Patient compliance and adherence
• Process improvement and implementation

Beginner CNA Resume Example:

• Assisted patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, resulting in improved patient comfort and satisfaction.
• Monitored and recorded vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate, ensuring accurate and up-to-date patient information for healthcare providers.
• Provided emotional support to patients and their families, creating a compassionate and caring environment.
• Documented patient information in medical records, maintaining accurate and organized records for healthcare providers.
• Assisted with medical equipment, such as catheters, tracheostomy tubes, and oxygen suppliers, ensuring proper usage and functionality.
• Followed safety procedures and infection control protocols, contributing to a safe and hygienic environment for patients and staff.
• Answered patients' call lights and determined how to assist them promptly, ensuring timely and efficient patient care.
• Participated in continuing education and training programs, staying updated on the latest healthcare practices and techniques.
• Assisted patients in moving in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, and automobiles, promoting mobility and independence for patients.
• Patient care and assistance
• Vital signs monitoring
• Emotional support provision
• Medical record documentation
• Medical equipment operation
• Safety procedures adherence
• Infection control protocols
• Prompt response to patient calls
• Participation in continuing education and training programs
• Assisting with patient mobility
• Compassionate and caring nature
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Knowledge of basic healthcare practices
• Physical stamina and strength
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• Time management skills
• Basic computer skills
• Understanding of patient privacy laws
• Ability to follow instructions
• Patience and understanding
• Cultural sensitivity.

High Level Resume Tips for CNAs:

Must-have information for a cna resume:.

Here are the essential sections that should exist in an CNA resume:

• Contact Information
• Resume Headline
• Resume Summary or Objective
• Work Experience & Achievements
• Skills & Competencies

Additionally, if you're eager to make an impression and gain an edge over other CNA candidates, you may want to consider adding in these sections:

• Certifications/Training

Let's start with resume headlines.

Why Resume Headlines & Titles are Important for CNAs:

Cna resume headline examples:, strong headlines.

• Compassionate CNA with 5+ years of experience providing personalized care to elderly patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities
• Detail-oriented CNA with a proven track record of accurately documenting patient information and administering medications in a fast-paced hospital setting
• Dedicated CNA with expertise in wound care and infection control, committed to ensuring the highest level of patient safety and comfort

Why these are strong:

• These resume headlines are strong for CNAs as they highlight key skills and experiences that are essential for success in this role. The first headline emphasizes the candidate's compassion and experience working with elderly patients, which is a crucial factor that hiring managers look for in CNAs. The second headline showcases the candidate's attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, which are important skills for CNAs working in hospitals. Finally, the third headline highlights the candidate's expertise in wound care and infection control, which are critical areas of knowledge for CNAs to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Weak Headlines

• Compassionate CNA with Strong Communication Skills
• Experienced CNA with a Passion for Patient Care
• Detail-Oriented CNA with a Focus on Task Completion

Why these are weak:

• These resume headlines need improvement for CNAs as they lack specificity and don't emphasize the unique value or accomplishments that the candidates bring to the table. The first headline mentions communication skills, but doesn't provide any context or results, such as improved patient satisfaction or reduced incidents of miscommunication. The second headline highlights experience and passion, but fails to showcase any measurable achievements or certifications that could strengthen the candidate's profile. The third headline mentions a focus on task completion, but doesn't provide any examples of how the candidate has excelled in this area or how it has positively impacted patient care.

Writing an Exceptional CNA Resume Summary:

Cna resume summary examples:, strong summaries.

• Compassionate and detail-oriented CNA with 5 years of experience providing exceptional care to elderly patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Skilled in assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and administering medication. Dedicated to ensuring the comfort and well-being of patients, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate from families and caregivers.
• Experienced CNA with a strong background in acute care, working in a fast-paced hospital environment for 3 years. Proficient in wound care, catheterization, and patient education. Known for exceptional communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, resulting in a 30% reduction in patient readmissions.
• Highly motivated CNA with a passion for pediatric care, working for 2 years in a pediatric hospital setting. Skilled in providing emotional support to patients and families, administering medication, and monitoring patient progress. Recognized for exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain a safe and clean environment, resulting in a 100% infection control compliance rate.
• These resume summaries are strong for CNAs as they highlight the candidates' relevant experience, skills, and passion for patient care. The first summary emphasizes the candidate's compassionate nature and ability to provide exceptional care to elderly patients, resulting in high satisfaction rates. The second summary showcases the candidate's experience in acute care and ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, resulting in improved patient outcomes. Lastly, the third summary demonstrates the candidate's passion for pediatric care and attention to detail, making them a strong candidate for a pediatric care setting.

Weak Summaries

• CNA with experience in providing patient care and assisting with daily living activities, seeking a new opportunity to utilize my skills and knowledge in a healthcare setting.
• Experienced CNA with a passion for helping others and a strong work ethic, looking for a challenging role in a reputable healthcare facility.
• CNA with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, committed to providing compassionate care to patients and their families.
• These resume summaries need improvement for CNAs as they are too generic and do not provide any specific details about the candidate's experience or achievements. The first summary only mentions basic job duties without highlighting any unique skills or accomplishments. The second summary mentions a passion for helping others and a strong work ethic, but does not provide any concrete examples of how these qualities have benefited previous employers. The third summary mentions communication and interpersonal skills, but does not provide any specific examples of how these skills have been utilized in a healthcare setting.

Resume Objective Examples for CNAs:

Strong objectives.

• Compassionate and dedicated CNA seeking a position in a healthcare facility to provide exceptional patient care and support. With a strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills, I am committed to ensuring the comfort and safety of all patients under my care.
• Recent graduate of a CNA program with a passion for helping others and a desire to gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. With a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, I am eager to contribute to a team of healthcare professionals and provide compassionate care to patients.
• Experienced CNA with a proven track record of providing high-quality care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Seeking a challenging position where I can utilize my skills in patient care, medication administration, and vital sign monitoring to make a positive impact on the lives of patients.
• These resume objectives are strong for up and coming CNAs because they showcase the candidates' passion for patient care, their commitment to providing exceptional support, and their willingness to learn and contribute to a team of healthcare professionals. The first objective emphasizes the candidate's attention to detail and communication skills, which are important attributes for a CNA. The second objective showcases the candidate's eagerness to learn and gain hands-on experience, making them a promising fit for an entry-level CNA position. Lastly, the third objective highlights the candidate's experience and proven track record of providing high-quality care, demonstrating their ability to make a positive impact on the lives of patients.

Weak Objectives

• Seeking a CNA position where I can utilize my skills and provide quality care to patients.
• Aspiring CNA with some experience in healthcare settings, looking to further develop my skills and gain more experience in the field.
• Recent graduate with a passion for helping others and a desire to start a career as a CNA.
• These resume objectives need improvement for up and coming CNAs because they lack specificity and don't effectively showcase the unique value or skills the candidates possess. The first objective is generic and doesn't provide any information about the candidate's background, passion, or relevant experience. The second objective hints at some experience in healthcare settings, but it doesn't mention any specific achievements, education, or areas of expertise the candidate possesses. The third objective, although it mentions a passion for helping others and a desire to start a career as a CNA, doesn't elaborate on the candidate's skills or any particular area of healthcare they are interested in, which would make their profile more appealing to potential employers.

Generate Your Resume Summary with AI

Speed up your resume creation process with the ai resume builder . generate tailored resume summaries in seconds., how to impress with your cna work experience:, best practices for your work experience section:.

• Highlight your experience providing direct patient care, including tasks such as bathing, feeding, and administering medication.
• Showcase your ability to work effectively as part of a healthcare team, including collaborating with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
• Emphasize your experience with patient assessments, including monitoring vital signs and reporting any changes to the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of infection control protocols and your ability to maintain a clean and safe patient environment.
• Highlight any specialized skills or certifications you have, such as experience with dementia patients or certification in CPR.
• Mention any recognition or awards you have received for your work as a CNA.
• Use clear and concise language to describe your work experience, avoiding medical jargon that may not be familiar to hiring managers.

Example Work Experiences for CNAs:

Strong experiences.

Provided compassionate care to 15 elderly patients with various medical conditions, including dementia and mobility issues, ensuring their comfort and safety at all times.

Assisted with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, resulting in improved hygiene and overall well-being for patients.

Monitored vital signs and reported any changes to the nursing team, contributing to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.

Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans for 20 patients, resulting in improved communication and coordination of care.

Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities and observations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers.

Provided emotional support and companionship to patients and their families, fostering a positive and caring environment.

• These work experiences are strong because they demonstrate the CNA's ability to provide compassionate care, work collaboratively with healthcare teams, and maintain accurate documentation. The use of specific patient numbers and activities also showcases the candidate's experience and competence in providing quality care to patients with diverse medical conditions.

Weak Experiences

Assisted patients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Monitored patients' vital signs and reported any changes to the nursing staff.

Maintained a clean and organized patient environment.

Helped patients with ambulation and transfer, utilizing proper techniques and assistive devices to prevent injury.

Participated in patient care meetings, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop care plans.

Performed light housekeeping tasks, such as changing bed linens, laundry, and maintaining a clean living environment.

• These work experiences are weak because they lack specificity and do not highlight any unique skills or accomplishments. They provide generic descriptions of tasks performed without showcasing the impact of the individual's work or the benefits brought to the patients or facility. To improve these bullet points, the candidate should focus on incorporating specific examples of how they went above and beyond their duties, highlighting any unique skills or certifications they possess, and providing clear context that demonstrates their ability to provide high-quality care to patients.

Top Skills & Keywords for CNA Resumes:

Top hard & soft skills for cnas, hard skills.

• Vital Signs Monitoring
• Patient Care Planning
• Infection Control Procedures
• Medical Terminology
• Patient Transfer and Mobility Techniques
• Basic Wound Care
• Medication Administration
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Management
• Patient Safety Protocols
• Communication with Patients and Families
• Basic Nursing Procedures (e.g. catheterization, feeding tubes)

Soft Skills

• Compassion and Empathy
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Attention to Detail and Observation
• Patience and Tolerance
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Dependability and Reliability
• Stress Management and Resilience
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness

Go Above & Beyond with a CNA Cover Letter

Cna cover letter example: (based on resume).

[Your Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Today’s Date]

[Company Name] [Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the CNA position at [Company Name]. With my extensive experience in patient care and team management, I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your organization.

As a CNA with [Number of Years] years of experience, I have developed a deep understanding of the importance of patient care and the role of CNAs in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. In my previous roles, I have implemented new patient care plans, developed training programs for new CNAs, and collaborated with nursing staff to implement wound care protocols, fall prevention programs, and pain management protocols. These initiatives have resulted in significant improvements in patient outcomes, including a 25% reduction in patient falls, a 30% reduction in wound infections, and a 25% reduction in patient pain levels.

In addition to my experience in patient care, I have also managed teams of CNAs to provide exceptional patient care, resulting in a 95% patient satisfaction rating and a 10% increase in patient referrals. I have also developed and implemented new medication administration processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in medication errors and a 15% increase in medication adherence.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to [Company Name] and to contribute to your mission of providing exceptional patient care. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

[Your Name]

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you understand the importance of providing compassionate care to patients and going above and beyond to ensure their well-being. Similarly, pairing your resume with a well-crafted cover letter can give you a crucial edge over other applicants and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. A cover letter is an extension of your resume, an opportunity to showcase your passion for the role and highlight your relevant experience. Contrary to common belief, crafting a compelling cover letter doesn't have to be a daunting task, and the benefits far outweigh the effort required.

Here are some compelling reasons for submitting a cover letter as a CNA:

• Personalize your application and showcase your genuine interest in the company and role
• Highlight your experience working with patients and your commitment to providing compassionate care
• Illustrate your unique value proposition and how your skills align with the specific job requirements for CNAs
• Communicate your understanding of the importance of teamwork and collaboration in providing quality patient care
• Share success stories and achievements that couldn't be accommodated in your resume, such as instances where you went above and beyond to ensure patient comfort and safety
• Demonstrate your writing and communication skills, which are essential for effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
• Differentiate yourself from other applicants who might have opted not to submit a cover letter, showing that you are willing to go the extra mile to secure the job.

In summary, submitting a cover letter as a CNA can help you stand out from the competition and showcase your passion for providing quality patient care. It is an opportunity to personalize your application, highlight your relevant experience, and demonstrate your writing and communication skills.

Resume FAQs for CNAs:

How long should i make my cna resume.

A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) resume should ideally be one page long. As a CNA, your resume should focus on your relevant skills, training, certifications, and work experience in the healthcare field. One page is sufficient to showcase your qualifications and demonstrate your ability to perform the job effectively. To keep your resume concise, focus on including only the most relevant information, such as: 1. Contact information: Include your name, phone number, email address, and location. 2. Objective or summary statement: A brief statement highlighting your career goals and qualifications as a CNA. 3. Certifications and licenses: List your CNA certification, state license, and any additional certifications you may have, such as CPR or First Aid. 4. Education: Include your relevant educational background, such as your high school diploma or GED, as well as any specialized training or courses you have completed

What is the best way to format a CNA resume?

The best way to format a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) resume is to keep it clear, concise, and organized, highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Here are some tips for formatting a CNA resume: 1. Choose a clean and professional font: Use a simple, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, with a font size between 10 and 12 points. 2. Use clear headings and sections: Organize your resume into sections with clear headings, such as "Objective," "Education," "Certifications," "Experience," and "Skills." This will make it easy for employers to find the information they're looking for. 3. Start with a strong objective statement: Begin your resume with a brief, focused statement that summarizes your career goals and highlights your most relevant qualifications. This will help employers understand what you bring to the

Which CNA skills are most important to highlight in a resume?

As an AI language model, I don't have personal experience as a CNA, but I can provide some general information based on research. When it comes to highlighting CNA skills on a resume, it's important to focus on the skills that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. However, there are some skills that are generally considered important for CNAs to have, such as: 1. Communication skills: CNAs need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. This includes listening actively, speaking clearly, and writing accurately. 2. Patient care skills: CNAs are responsible for providing basic care to patients, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding. They also need to be able to monitor patients' vital signs and report any changes to the nursing staff. 3. Attention to detail: CNAs need to be detail-oriented in order to ensure that patients receive the correct medications, treatments, and care. 4. Empathy and compassion: CNAs work with patients who may be in pain or distress, and they need to be able to provide emotional support and comfort. 5. Teamwork: CNAs work as part of a healthcare team, and they need to be able to collaborate

How should you write a resume if you have no experience as a CNA?

If you have no experience as a CNA, you can still write a strong resume by highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. Here are some tips: 1. Start with a strong objective statement: Your objective statement should clearly state your career goals and how you plan to achieve them. For example, "To obtain a CNA position where I can utilize my strong communication and caregiving skills to provide exceptional care to patients." 2. Highlight your transferable skills: Even if you don't have direct experience as a CNA, you may have transferable skills that are relevant to the job. For example, if you have experience working in customer service, you can highlight your communication and interpersonal skills. 3. Include any relevant certifications or training: If you have completed any relevant certifications or training programs, be sure to include them on your resume. This can show potential employers that you are committed to the field and have taken steps to prepare for the job. 4. Emphasize your passion for caregiving

Compare Your CNA Resume to a Job Description:

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the CNA job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Related Resumes for CNAs:

Cna resume example, more resume guidance:.