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2 Nursing Assistant Resume Examples & Writing Guide

Nursing Assistant Resume Examples and Writing Tips Need help creating a nursing assistant resume that gets more interviews? This guide provides 2 resume samples written specifically for nursing aide roles. Use the resume examples for inspiration and follow the simple tips to make your resume stronger. Learn what skills to feature and how to describe your experience to impress employers and land more job offers.

Creating a strong resume is essential for landing a nursing assistant position. Many nursing assistants struggle to showcase their skills and experience effectively, leading to missed job opportunities. This article provides two nursing assistant resume examples and a step-by-step guide to help you create a resume that grabs the attention of hiring managers.

A well-written resume highlights your qualifications, relevant experience, and key skills. It serves as your first impression to potential employers and can make the difference between getting an interview or being passed over. By following the tips and examples in this guide, you'll learn how to structure your resume, what information to include, and how to emphasize your strengths to stand out from other applicants.

Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced nursing assistant looking to advance your career, this article will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to create a compelling resume. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of how to showcase your unique qualifications and increase your chances of landing your dream nursing assistant job.

Common Responsibilities Listed on Nursing Assistant Resumes

  • Providing basic patient care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Assisting patients with mobility and transferring from beds to wheelchairs or other equipment
  • Monitoring and recording vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, and pulse
  • Serving meals and assisting patients with eating and drinking
  • Answering patient call signals and providing assistance as needed
  • Making and changing beds and maintaining a clean and comfortable environment
  • Providing emotional support and building positive relationships with patients and their families
  • Reporting any changes in a patient's condition or behavior to the nursing staff
  • Assisting with admissions, transfers, and discharges of patients
  • Maintaining accurate and detailed patient records and documentation
  • Adhering to safety protocols and infection control procedures

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How to write a Resume Summary

Writing an impactful summary or objective section on your resume isn't as intimidating as it seems. It plays a vital role in highlighting your professional achievements, skills, and how they align with the specific role you're applying for. Remember, you are not just listing your experiences but defining your career trajectory and showcasing your value proposition to your potential employer. For a nursing assistant like you, clarity, and empathy should be your key focus. Let's break it down into a few simple steps.

Take Time to Reflect

A well-written resume begins with self-reflection. For you, it means thinking deeply about the duties and responsibilities you've held as a nursing assistant. Have you excelled in patient care? Or, have there been instances where your quick decision-making skills prevented a potential emergency? Highlight these achievements and experiences in your summary, as they project your ability to thrive in demanding situations.

Use Relevant Keywords

An astute employer will often look for certain words or phrases that indicate your suitability for the position. These could range from specific units you've worked in (like ER), to certain healthcare settings (like palliative care or acute care), to skills like patient assessment or wound care. Including such relevant and specific keywords will make your resume resonate with the nursing role you're aspiring to land.

Keep it Short and Sweet

People often make the mistake of turning the summary section into a novel. A potential employer doesn't have the luxury of time to read lengthy paragraphs describing your career. Keeping it concise while including all vital information is the key. Aim for 3-5 sentences at most.

Personalize to Fit The Role

Another important aspect is personalization. Generic summaries that could fit any nursing role can make you seem indifferent or inattentive to detail. Tailor your summary to fit the specific role you're applying for. If the role primarily involves elderly care, highlight your experiences and achievements in that area. Similarly, if it's pediatric care, adjust your summary to reflect relevant experiences.

Show, Don't Just Tell

Remember that you're making a case for why you should be hired. Don't just list skills. Instead, mention how you've used these skills in your role. For example, don't just say "excellent at wound care," say something like "managed wound care for post-surgical patients, leading to a high recovery rate."

In conclusion, a thoughtfully written summary section that highlights your professional experiences, expertise, and achievements tailored to the specifics of the nursing role can significantly improve your chance of getting noticed. However, keep in mind that the resume is just one part of your application. Equally focusing on preparing for the interview can help you secure your desired nursing role.

Strong Summaries

  • Compassionate and diligent Certified Nursing Assistant with 7 years of industry experience and an impressive track record in patient care. Acquired comprehensive skills in acute patient management through a mix of theoretical and on-the-job training. Renowned for easing patient anxieties by fostering a supportive environment.
  • Experienced Nursing Assistant with more than five years of experience in a fast-paced hospital environment. Skilled at multi-tasking and maintaining a strong attention to detail. Employs excellent communication skills to relay complex medical information to patients and families.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant with over 8 years of experience in the healthcare field. Passionate about providing personalized care to patients, focusing on comfort, safety, and patient dignity. Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team to achieve health objectives.
  • Detail-oriented Nursing Assistant with a knack for bedside care. Trained in grooming, feeding, ambulating and positioning patients. Proven record of working in high-stress situations while maintaining patient satisfaction.
  • Patient-centered Nursing Assistant with 3 years' experience in providing excellent care to patients ranging from pediatric to geriatric. Specializes in providing emotional support in a comfortable, soothing environment.

Why these are strong?

These are good examples because they demonstrate the breadth of the candidate's experience, their professional achievements, and their passion for the industry. Each summary is unique and illustrates a different aspect of nursing care - from specializing in high-stress situations to providing personalized care, showcasing versatility.

Weak Summaries

  • I like helping people and that's why I've chosen this profession. I have some nursing background and I'm generally a very friendly person.
  • Been a nurse for a while. Can handle sick people.
  • As a nurse assistant, I am ready to give out a helping hand to those in needs.
  • I spent years taking care of my sick grandma. I think it makes me good for this job.
  • Just a fresh nursing school graduate looking for a job.

Why these are weak?

The above examples are considered bad practices because they lack specification and fail to mention any real professional achievements or skills. They are general comments that do not show the reader any distinct and unique qualifications the applicant may have. They also lack the use of professional language. The third and fifth examples are too casual and the second example fails to show empathy, a key characteristic in nursing. The fourth example is based on personal experience, not professional, making it a poor practice. To improve, it should be ensured that the summary section contains tangible achievements, specific skills, and professional language.

Showcase your Work Experience

Creating a robust Work Experience section for your resume is essential if you want potential employers to get a good sense of your capabilities, even before meeting you. As a Nursing Assistant, this part of your resume serves as a functional map of your journey through your profession. It highlights your practical experiences, tasks you have managed, and the healthcare environments you have navigated. Let’s unwrap what elements make an effective work experience section.

Keep It Relevant

Your work history should not be a laundry list of everything you have ever done professionally. Instead, it should solely focus on experiences that have helped to shape your career as a Nursing Assistant. Remember, your primary goal is to give a potential employer a clear picture of what you've done in the field. Highlighting tasks that are not relevant to the nursing profession might blur this image. Consider the stages of your career and place emphasis on those most aligned with your future aspirations in nursing. In short, keep it relevant!

Use Action-Oriented Language

The language you use to describe your experiences matters a lot. To engage a recruiter's attention, prefer powerful, action-oriented verbs when initiating your work experience details. These verbs give life to your experiences, showcasing your roles in active voice which makes a more impactful impression.

Expert Tip

Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.

Show Results and Achievements

While it's important to state what you did in each role, it's equally vital to illustrate your achievements and positive results. Have you improved a patient's health in some tangible way? Saved a clinic time or money? These usage of practical numbers and percentages adds weight to your claims and makes your work more credible.

Be Detailed but Concise

Quality should always usurp quantity when it comes to your work experience descriptions. Be elaborative enough to provide insights about your roles and tasks, but concise enough not to bore your potential employer with unnecessary details. A balance must be reached between giving enough information, and maintaining a compact and easy-to-read section.

Well-Formatted Information

Break down your work experiences using bullets. This format enhances the readability of your information, making it digestible. Start with your most recent or current job, and work backward chronologically from there. Remember consistency is key here, maintain a consistent formatting style throughout.

Ultimately, writing an effective work experience section narrative is about always prioritizing relevancy, showcasing your accomplishments, and balancing these elements in a concise, well-formatted manner. With this knowledge in mind, anyone can tailor a work experience section that allows their nursing expertise to shine. Imagine how your nursing career, honed through diverse experiences, can now demonstrate your readiness for the role at hand. All thanks to a thoroughly considered and well-structured work experience section.

Weak Experiences

Why these are weak?

Weak Experiences

  • Did some stuff with patients
  • Worked on different stuff
  • Answered phone calls
  • Wrote down some things
  • Had a good time
  • Helped when needed
  • Worked with the elderly
  • Part of the team
  • Managed some tasks

Why these are weak?

The above examples of bullet points for a Nursing Assistant's resume are considered bad due to their vague and nondescript nature. When listing work experience it should always be specific and impact-oriented. Phrases such as, 'Did some stuff', 'Answered phone calls', or 'Managed some tasks' don't provide potential employers with a clear understanding of the candidate's abilities or significant contributions. Terms like 'Worked on different stuff', 'Wrote down some things', 'Part of the team' are too broad and don't detail personal achievement or responsibility. Proper bullet points should include specified job duties, action verbs, and quantifiable outcomes. Bullet points such as these are unlikely to engage a potential employer or adequately present a candidate’s qualifications, therefore they could negatively impact a candidate’s potential to secure a job interview.

Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips

When you prepare your Nursing Assistant resume, skills bring your abilities into focus. But there's more to it than simply listing your skills, you must understand their value and their role in landing your dream job!

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What's the difference?

Hard skills are your technical abilities: the things you've learned and mastered, either through education or experience. They're quantifiable and easy to demonstrate. As a Nursing Assistant, your hard skills might include patient care, monitoring vital signs, and knowledge of medical software.

Soft skills, on the other hand, refer to your personal attributes and personality traits. They're the interpersonal abilities that make you a good team member and communicator. For a Nursing Assistant, soft skills might include communication, empathy, and problem-solving.

Both types of skills are critical on a Nursing Assistant resume because they provide a complete image of you as a professional. Future employers need to know you have the technical expertise to care for patients, but they also need to see that you possess the soft skills needed to communicate effectively and work well in a team setting.

Keywords, ATS, and Matching Skills: The Hidden Connection

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software used by companies to collect, sort, and rank resumes based on specific job criteria. One of the main ways an ATS does this is by scanning your resume for keywords — these are the hard and soft skills listed in the job description.

That's why it's essential that your resume includes those specific skills. If your resume doesn't contain the right keywords, the ATS may reject it, even if you have the perfect qualifications. This is how the connection between keywords, ATS and matching skills is established.

Matching your skills with the keywords from the job description increases the chances of your resume getting through the ATS and reaching a human recruiter. It's important, however, to only list the skills you actually possess. Inflating your resume with skills you don't have will come back to haunt you later.

Having a well-constructed skills section on your resume can greatly enhance your chances of landing your dream job. Remember to balance hard and soft skills, always aiming to reflect those mentioned in the job description. This way, you'll make a strong impression on both the ATS and the hiring manager.

Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers

Hard Skills

  • Patient care
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Medical terminology
  • Infection control
  • Assisting with activities of daily living
  • Wound care
  • CPR and first aid
  • Medical equipment operation
  • Assessment skills
  • Documentation
  • Medication administration
  • Phlebotomy
  • Patient advocacy
  • Emergency response
  • Patient hygiene
  • Soft Skills

  • Compassion
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Stress management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Professionalism
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Patience
  • Critical thinking
  • Active listening
  • Top Action Verbs

    Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.

  • Assisted
  • Monitored
  • Administered
  • Documented
  • Communicated
  • Collaborated
  • Assessed
  • Responded
  • Educated
  • Supported
  • Promoted
  • Advocated
  • Maintained
  • Implemented
  • Evaluated
  • Managed
  • Prioritized
  • Safeguarded
  • Educated
  • Empathized
  • Coordinated
  • Facilitated
  • Performed
  • Responded
  • Ensured
  • Promoted
  • Engaged
  • Demonstrated
  • Guided
  • Reassured
  • Empowered
  • Encouraged
  • Protected
  • Soothed
  • Explained
  • Supported
  • Assured
  • Education & Certifications

    Including your education and certifications on your resume is a crucial step to showcasing your qualifications as a Nursing Assistant. Begin by adding an 'Education' section on your resume where you include the name of your institution, the years attended, and your degree. If you've attended multiple institutions, list them in reverse chronological order. Then, create a 'Certifications' section. For each certificate, write the title, granting institution, and date of attainment. Remember to only include relevant and recent certifications to the nursing assistant position you're applying for.

    Some of the most important certifications for Nursing Assistants

    Provides basic care to patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

    Specializes in providing care for elderly patients in nursing homes.

    Resume FAQs for Nursing Assistants

    question

    What is the ideal length for a Nursing Assistant resume?


    Answer

    The ideal length for a Nursing Assistant resume is typically one page. However, if you have extensive relevant experience or certifications, it can be up to two pages.

    question

    What is the best resume format for a Nursing Assistant?


    Answer

    The reverse-chronological format is generally recommended for Nursing Assistant resumes. This format highlights your work experience by listing your most recent job first, followed by previous positions in reverse chronological order.

    question

    How should I list my certifications on a Nursing Assistant resume?


    Answer

    Certifications should be prominently displayed on your Nursing Assistant resume, either in a dedicated 'Certifications' section or within your 'Education' section. Include the full name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date obtained.

    question

    Should I include references on my Nursing Assistant resume?


    Answer

    It is not necessary to include references on your Nursing Assistant resume. Instead, you can simply state 'References available upon request' at the bottom of your resume.

    question

    How can I make my Nursing Assistant resume stand out?


    Answer

    To make your Nursing Assistant resume stand out, highlight your relevant skills and achievements, use keywords from the job description, quantify your accomplishments with metrics, and tailor your resume to each specific job you're applying for.

    Nursing Assistant Resume Example

    As a nursing assistant, you'll provide compassionate care to patients, assisting with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal prep. Your resume should showcase your warm bedside manner and stamina for this demanding yet rewarding role. Highlight experience caring for elderly or disabled individuals, whether through past jobs, volunteering, or caring for loved ones. Detail your training, certifications, and skills like patience, attention to detail, and clear communication. Quantify achievements like "Assisted up to 12 patients daily with bathing and grooming tasks." With a well-crafted resume, you can launch a meaningful career improving patients' quality of life.

    Keith Jordan
    keith.jordan@example.com
    (471) 531-1027
    linkedin.com/in/keith.jordan
    Nursing Assistant

    Compassionate and dedicated Nursing Assistant with a strong commitment to providing exceptional patient care. Skilled in delivering personalized assistance, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure the highest quality of care. Adept at building positive relationships with patients and their families while maintaining a calm and empathetic demeanor.

    Work Experience
    Certified Nursing Assistant
    06/2020 - Present
    Elmhurst Hospital Center
    • Provided comprehensive patient care, including bathing, dressing, and feeding, for up to 12 patients per shift.
    • Consistently maintained accurate and timely documentation of patient care activities, vital signs, and intake/output.
    • Collaborated with registered nurses and other healthcare professionals to implement individualized care plans.
    • Demonstrated proficiency in using patient lift equipment and other assistive devices to ensure patient safety and comfort.
    • Received multiple commendations from patients and their families for providing compassionate and attentive care.
    Nursing Assistant
    09/2018 - 05/2020
    Cobble Hill Health Center
    • Assisted residents with activities of daily living, including grooming, toileting, and mobility, in a 200-bed skilled nursing facility.
    • Collaborated with the nursing staff to monitor and report changes in residents' health status and behavior.
    • Participated in the implementation of fall prevention strategies, resulting in a 20% reduction in fall incidents.
    • Trained and mentored new nursing assistants, fostering a supportive and efficient work environment.
    • Organized and led social activities and events to promote resident engagement and well-being.
    Home Health Aide
    03/2017 - 08/2018
    Visiting Nurse Service of New York
    • Provided in-home care for elderly and disabled clients, assisting with personal hygiene, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
    • Administered medications and performed basic health monitoring tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse.
    • Developed strong relationships with clients and their families, providing emotional support and companionship.
    • Maintained detailed and accurate records of client care, medication administration, and any changes in health status.
    • Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in managing client schedules and accommodating last-minute changes.
    Skills
  • Patient care
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Medication administration
  • Wound care
  • Catheter care
  • Infection control
  • Patient transfers
  • Electronic health records
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Empathy
  • Cultural competence
  • CPR and First Aid certified
  • Education
    Nursing Assistant Certificate
    09/2016 - 02/2017
    LaGuardia Community College, Long Island City, NY
    High School Diploma
    09/2012 - 06/2016
    Bayside High School, Bayside, NY
    Entry Level Nursing Assistant Resume Example

    Entry-level nursing assistants provide essential care for patients in healthcare facilities, assisting with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. They work closely under the supervision of nurses and play a vital role in ensuring patient comfort and well-being. When writing a resume, highlight relevant certifications like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), any practical patient care experience, physical endurance, and compassionate nature. Use action verbs to describe achievements, quantify experiences where possible, and tailor your resume to match each job's specific requirements.

    Morris Hicks
    morris.hicks@example.com
    (917) 683-3651
    linkedin.com/in/morris.hicks
    Entry Level Nursing Assistant

    Compassionate and dedicated Nursing Assistant with a strong desire to provide exceptional care to patients. Skilled in patient assessment, vital signs monitoring, and assisting with daily living activities. Committed to creating a positive and supportive environment for patients and their families.

    Work Experience
    Certified Nursing Assistant
    06/2022 - Present
    Lakeview Rehabilitation Center
    • Provided daily care to 12-15 patients, including bathing, dressing, and feeding
    • Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff
    • Assisted with patient transfers and ambulation, ensuring patient safety
    • Maintained accurate and detailed patient records using electronic health record system
    • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans
    Nursing Assistant Intern
    09/2021 - 05/2022
    Mercy Hospital
    • Shadowed experienced nursing assistants and learned essential patient care techniques
    • Assisted with patient hygiene, nutrition, and mobility under the supervision of a registered nurse
    • Demonstrated proficiency in taking vital signs and documenting patient information
    • Provided emotional support and companionship to patients and their families
    • Participated in training sessions on infection control, patient privacy, and emergency procedures
    Volunteer Caregiver
    06/2020 - 08/2021
    Senior Care Network
    • Provided companionship and assistance to elderly clients in their homes
    • Helped with light housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication reminders
    • Engaged clients in conversation and activities to promote mental and social well-being
    • Reported any changes in client condition or needs to supervisors
    • Demonstrated empathy, patience, and strong communication skills in working with diverse clients
    Skills
  • Patient assessment
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Medication administration
  • Wound care
  • Infection control
  • Patient transfers and ambulation
  • Electronic health records
  • Catheter care
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Feeding tube management
  • Excellent communication
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Time management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Education
    Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
    01/2021 - 06/2021
    City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, IL
    High School Diploma
    09/2016 - 06/2020
    Lincoln Park High School, Chicago, IL