2 CNA Resume Examples & Writing Guide
Create a resume that gets you hired as a CNA with these 2 resume examples and step-by-step writing tips. Learn what skills, experience, and qualifications to include, and see how to structure your resume for maximum impact. Use these examples and guide to build a CNA resume that showcases your best qualities and lands you the job.
Creating a strong resume is an important step in landing a job as a CNA. However, knowing what to include and how to structure your resume can be tricky. Many CNAs struggle to showcase their skills and experience in a way that grabs the attention of hiring managers.
That's where this guide comes in. We'll walk you through the key elements of a winning CNA resume, from highlighting your certifications to describing your clinical experience. You'll learn how to choose the right format, pick the best resume template, and avoid common mistakes that could cost you the job.
But we won't just tell you what to do - we'll also show you real examples of successful CNA resumes. You can use these as inspiration or even as a starting point for building your own. By the end of this article, you'll have all the tools and knowledge you need to create a resume that sets you apart from other candidates and helps you get hired faster.
Common Responsibilities Listed on CNA Resumes
- Providing basic patient care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and assisting with toileting
- Measuring and recording vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration)
- Repositioning and transferring patients using proper body mechanics
- Serving and collecting food trays and assisting patients with eating
- Stocking supplies and making beds with fresh linens
- Observing and reporting changes in patient condition or behavior to nursing staff
- Answering call lights and responding to patient needs promptly
- Providing emotional support and companionship to patients
- Maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy
- Following safety protocols and preventing falls or injuries
- Assisting with basic medical procedures under the supervision of nurses
- Documenting patient care and activities in medical records
- Maintaining a clean and organized patient environment
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How to write a Resume Summary
A summary or objective section, found at the top of your resume, is a critical component that can set the tone for the rest of your document. It's a brief paragraph or bulleted list highlighting your main qualifications and achievements, persuasive enough to entice the reader to delve deeper into your resume. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), understanding how to maximise the impact of this section can be a major stepping stone in landing your dream job.
Why Is The Summary or Objective Section Important?
The summary or objective section is essentially a 'snippet' or 'preview' of what comes next in your resume. When recruiters are sifting through numerous resumes, they usually start by scanning this section. If it effectively pinpoints your key abilities and qualifications, it can inspire them to read the rest of your resume with a favourable mindset. This section should generate interest and curiosity, not just deliver a sterile list of facts about your career history.
Do You Need Both a Summary and an Objective?
Typically, you don't need both. A resume summary is best suited for experienced professionals; it showcases skills you've developed and key accomplishments. It's your elevator pitch, designed to attract the attention of hiring managers by highlighting your unique selling points.
On the other hand, a resume objective is ideal if you're at the start of your career or transitioning to a new field. Unlike the summary, the objective focuses on your career goals and outlines how the role aligns with these objectives. As a CNA, choose the one that is most relevant to your situation and the specific role you're applying to.
How to Construct an Efficient Summary or Objective Section?
Remember to make the summary or objective clear, concise, and focused. It should encapsulate your healthcare experience, technical abilities, personal attributes, and commitment to patient care.
When writing a summary, concentrate on your nursing techniques, power of observation, communication skills, and level of experience with different types of patients or care settings. Use metrics where possible to quantify your accomplishments.
For the objective, speak about your career goals as a CNA. Reinforce how the specific role aligns with these objectives and will aid your professional development. Identify why you're interested in the position and what you hope to contribute.
Employ targeted keywords from the job description to help your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Ensure every word counts; each should serve the purpose of demonstrating your suitability for the role and your passion for nursing.
Ultimately, the summary or objective section should highlight the ability, commitment, and empathy you bring as a CNA, offering recruiters a glimpse into what they can expect from your resume – and from you as a potential employee.
Strong Summaries
- Compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant with 5+ years of experience in providing healthcare services to a diverse population. Specialized in assisting patients with daily activities, medications, and communicating their conditions to medical staff.
- Experienced Certified Nursing Assistant passionate about improving patient outcomes through personal care and dedicated interaction. Expert in assisting patients with personal hygiene activities, mobilization and providing bedside care.
- Dependable and empathetic CNA with 3 years of hands-on experience. Excelled in fast-paced emergency situations while ensuring excellent patient care. Capable of managing patient load of up to 15 per shift.
- Detail-oriented and highly organized Certified Nursing Assistant with over 4 years of experience. Proficient in assisting patients with daily tasks, managing schedules and maintaining an organized environment for optimal patient care.
Why these are strong?
These are good examples as they clearly articulate the candidates' experience and key strengths tailored to the Certified Nursing Assistant role. They provide a snapshot of what they have to offer to potential employers, such as specific skills (like assisting patients, managing schedules, etc.), experience years, and the capacity to handle emergency situations or manage multiple patients. This presents the candidate's profile in a comprehensive and engaging manner, hence conforming to a good professional summary practice.
Weak Summaries
- I'm a CNA. Looking for my next job.
- Hey, you there! Need a CNA? Here I am.
- I'm the best CNA out there. Just hire me already.
- CNA here. Can I start Monday?
- I am a CNA who is looking to pick up where I last left off.
Why these are weak?
The example statements are definitely a poor way to go about writing a professional summary for your resume, regardless of the position. There are several aspects that make them bad practices. Firstly, they are too short and do not provide any specific information about job experiences, skills and qualifications. A potential employer knows you're a CNA. They are looking for why you're a fit for their specific needs. Secondly, they are not professionally structured phrasing like 'just hire me already' could come off as being impolite and desperate. Employers are seeking respect and professionalism. Lastly, they lack evidence of motivation or passion for the role, instead coming across as self-interested. An employer is typically looking for an individual who not only can do the job, but one who shows enthusiasm for the role and industry.
Showcase your Work Experience
The Work Experience section fundamentally underscores the wealth of practical knowledge and skills you've accumulated over time. It is an avenue to showcase your accomplishments and the undeniable proficiency you bring to the fore as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Unarguably, it's one of the most scrutinized sections by potential employers because it bears an embodiment of your tangibility and capacity as a health professional. Permit me to guide you through the process of constructing an impactful and meaningful Work Experience section.
The Elaboration of Tenure and Obligations
Begin by citing the duration of your tenure in each role you held, and where it took place. Follow this with a concise but detailed explanation of your duties. Keep the focus on tasks that relate to the position you're applying for, and avoid lacing this explanation with industry jargons.
Prominence of Achievements
For profundity and differentiation, it is beneficial to emphasize your accomplishments and the difference you made during your tenures rather than just listing duties. This can be anything from success stories while attending to patients, to unique methods you've deployed in ensuring efficient patient care. This portrayal will present you as a result-oriented person.
Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.
Application of Relevant Verbiage
To further connect with the potential employers, use language and terms that resonate with the health sector. This should include terminology familiar to CNAs, but be careful not to overdo it.
Accuracy and Genuineness
In this era of scrutinized ethics, it is of paramount importance to remain accurate and true in your descriptions. All employment information in your Work Experience section must be accurate. The urge to exaggerate or embellish might be strong, but should be stringently avoided.
In all, writing the Work Experience section requires a balance of facticity, clarity, and ambience of relevance and achievement. Stick to what truly represents you as a professional and you will fare well in this regard.
Strong Experiences
- Provided efficient and compassionate patient care to a diverse range of individuals in a fast-paced hospital setting
- Trained in basic nursing activities including vital sign monitoring, medication administration, personal care tasks
- Communicated effectively with all members of the healthcare team to provide optimal care to patients
- Educated patients and their families on disease prevention and post-hospital treatment
- Responsible for recording patient's medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records
Why these are strong?
The good examples above show a wide range of responsibilities that a CNA may have. They're detailed, specific, and they show how the candidate contributed to their past workplaces. The jargon used in the bullet points is also specific to the field, which shows that the candidate has a strong understanding of their industry. These points also convey the candidate’s ability to work well in a team, deal with fast-paced work environments, and communicate confidently with patients - all key skills for a CNA.
Weak Experiences
- Worked with patients. Helped them.
- I gave people medicine.
- Helped with all cleaning tasks.
- Recorded stuff. Wrote reports.
- Did some other stuff related to CNA.
Why these are weak?
The given examples are considered bad practices for creating bullet points in a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) resume. The reasons for this are:
- Vagueness: The launch of the bullet points does not clearly explain the tasks that were executed, like 'Worked with patients. Helped them.' There's no indication as to how you helped them, or what was the real nature of the tasks you carried out.
- Lack of Professionalism: Using casual language and not being specific about roles and responsibilities like 'Did some other stuff', 'I gave people medicine.' can create a negative impression. The use of professional language in a resume is always recommended.
- Missing keywords: Resumes need to have relevant keywords that are expected by hiring managers and will often be looked for by automated systems as well. These examples lack those important details and keywords.
- No results or accomplishments: All these points lack any results or accomplishments associated with the tasks. Including results or effect of your actions adds value to your statements. Conclusively, these examples are bad practices as they reflect a lack of every essential detail required in a resume. Good examples should be well-articulated and specific, making sure to highlight key achievements and roles undertaken in a professional way.
Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips
All resumes need to shine, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), it's essential to highlight both your hard and soft skills to grab employers' attention. In addition, understanding how keywords, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and matching skills fit together is crucial.
Hard and Soft Skills: What's the Difference?
Skills are often divided into two types: hard and soft. Hard skills are tangible abilities that you have gained through training or experience. These are skills like taking vital signs or administering medication. They are concrete and easy to quantify.
On the other hand, soft skills are more about your demeanor and approach to work. They include traits like good communication, team working abilities or skills to manage time effectively. Soft skills are tough to measure but are vital for a CNA where patient interaction is a core part of the job.
Why Are They Vital in a CNA Resume?
Incorporating the right skills in a CNA resume can make the difference between a job interview and the resume being ignored. Employers want to see evidence of both hard and soft skills before inviting you for an interview. By showcasing a balance of both, you're demonstrating a well-rounded ability to perform your job duties and work in a team or patient-facing role.
Keywords, ATS and Skills
ATS is a software system used by many employers to filter and rank resumes based on set criteria before a human ever sees them. Keywords relate to the terms employers entered into the ATS to find suitable resumes. These often include specific skills or qualifications they're looking for in a candidate.
If your resume contains these keywords, it's more likely to rank higher in the ATS system. So, using language that matches the job description can help amplify your skills and improve your chances of reaching the interview stage.
Relevant Skills for a CNA
A list of hard skills for a CNA might include patient care, CPR, and medical terminologies, while some relevant soft skills may be empathy, interpersonal skills, and patience. While your skills should match the requirements of the job, ensure those you promote align with your genuine abilities. There's no value in tick-boxing skills if you can't demonstrate them in a job situation.
Remember, a stellar resume sells your abilities, not just your qualifications. Utilize your skills section wisely, and it becomes a powerful tool to showcase your capability.
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Hard Skills
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Top Action Verbs
Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.
Education & Certifications
Adding your education and certificates to your resume as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is relatively straightforward. Simply create a section titled 'Education & Certifications', then list your qualifications. Start with your CNA certification, specifying where and when you earned it, followed by any additional relevant certifications or coursework. Also, don't forget to include your formal education. Starting with high school or equivalent, move upwards to any degrees or diplomas you've gained. Ensure it's all truthful, well-presented, and easy to read. Adding your education and certifications properly can make a huge difference to potential employers.
Some of the most important certifications for CNAs
Prepares you for a career in the healthcare industry as a nursing assistant.
Offers certification for nursing assistants to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
Resume FAQs for CNAs
What is the ideal length for a CNA resume?
The ideal length for a CNA resume is one page. Employers in the healthcare industry prefer concise resumes that highlight your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.
What is the best resume format for a CNA?
The reverse-chronological format is the most recommended resume format for CNAs. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job first, followed by older positions.
How should I list my CNA certification on my resume?
Your CNA certification should be prominently displayed on your resume, typically in the 'Certifications' or 'Licenses' section. Include the full name of the certification, the issuing authority, and the date of certification or expiration date.
Should I include a resume objective or summary?
A resume summary is generally preferred over an objective for CNAs. A well-crafted summary highlights your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications in a concise manner, making it easier for employers to quickly assess your fit for the role.
How can I make my CNA resume stand out?
To make your CNA resume stand out, focus on quantifying your achievements and using relevant keywords from the job description. Highlight any specialized training or certifications you have, and emphasize your compassionate nature and commitment to providing excellent patient care.
Should I include references on my CNA resume?
It is generally not necessary to include references on your CNA resume. Instead, you can simply state 'References available upon request' at the bottom of your resume.
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides basic care to patients like bathing, feeding and checking vital signs under the supervision of nurses. When writing a CNA resume, include sections for certifications, skills, experience and education. Highlight patient care abilities, speciality experience in nursing homes or with conditions like Alzheimer's, and strengths in documenting vitals accurately. Mention any additional training like CPR certification.
Compassionate and dedicated CNA with a genuine passion for providing exceptional patient care. Committed to creating a positive and nurturing environment that promotes the well-being and dignity of all patients. Adept at collaborating with healthcare teams to deliver comprehensive and personalized care plans.
- Provided compassionate daily care to a diverse group of 15-20 residents, ensuring their physical, emotional, and social needs were met.
- Assisted with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, while maintaining patient dignity and privacy.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans, adapting to changes in patient conditions.
- Maintained accurate and detailed patient records, documenting vital signs, medication administration, and patient progress.
- Received multiple commendations from patients, families, and supervisors for exceptional care and dedication to patient well-being.
- Delivered high-quality care to a diverse group of 12-15 patients in a fast-paced long-term care setting.
- Assisted with patient mobility, including transferring, positioning, and ambulation, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
- Monitored and recorded patient vital signs, alerting nursing staff to any changes or concerns.
- Provided emotional support and companionship to patients, engaging in meaningful conversations and activities to improve their quality of life.
- Trained and mentored new CNAs, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Completed a comprehensive CNA internship program, gaining hands-on experience in various healthcare settings.
- Shadowed experienced CNAs and nurses, learning best practices for patient care and teamwork.
- Assisted with basic patient care tasks, such as feeding, bathing, and taking vital signs, under the supervision of licensed staff.
- Demonstrated a strong work ethic, reliability, and a keen ability to learn and adapt to new situations.
- Received positive evaluations from supervisors and mentors, highlighting excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to patient care.
A Beginner CNA is responsible for assisting patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. They monitor vital signs, reposition patients, and report any changes to nurses. To craft an effective resume, emphasize any relevant healthcare experience, CNA certification, and skills like compassion and attention to detail. Use clear language, quantify achievements with numbers and percentages, and organize sections logically. Keep it concise but provide sufficient details to showcase your qualifications. 91 words
Compassionate and dedicated CNA with a strong commitment to providing exceptional patient care. Skilled in assisting patients with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to build rapport with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Provided daily care and assistance to a diverse group of patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
- Monitored vital signs, reported changes in patient conditions to nurses, and maintained accurate patient records.
- Collaborated with healthcare team members to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Assisted with patient transfers, ambulation, and range of motion exercises to promote mobility and prevent complications.
- Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to patient care, resulting in high patient satisfaction ratings.
- Provided in-home care and assistance to elderly and disabled patients, enabling them to maintain their independence and quality of life.
- Assisted with personal care tasks, meal preparation, and light housekeeping, ensuring a clean and safe living environment.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing patient needs and preferences.
- Built strong relationships with patients and their families, providing emotional support and companionship.
- Received consistently positive feedback from patients and supervisors for delivering compassionate and reliable care.
- Completed a comprehensive nursing assistant internship program, gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced hospital setting.
- Assisted nurses with patient care tasks, including bathing, dressing, and feeding patients.
- Demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, consistently seeking opportunities to expand knowledge and skills.
- Collaborated effectively with healthcare team members, contributing to a positive and supportive work environment.
- Received positive evaluations from supervisors and mentors, recognizing strong potential for a successful career in healthcare.