CNA Resume Example for 2024 (Skills & Templates)

This article provides a comprehensive overview of what to include in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) resume. Included are sections on job experience, education, certifications, skills, and references. It also provides tips and advice on how to craft a stand-out resume that will help you get the job you want. This article is a valuable resource for anyone looking to break into the CNA field.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a CNA do?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is responsible for providing basic patient care under the direction of a registered nurse or other medical professional. This includes helping patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating; monitoring vital signs; and providing basic medical care. CNAs also provide emotional and social support to patients and their families.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other CNA related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a CNA?

Assisting patients with daily activities, such as bathing, grooming, eating and walking
Monitoring patients' vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure and pulse
Providing emotional support and companionship to patients and their families
Recording patients' medical information and vital signs
Reporting any changes in patient condition to the nurse or supervisor
Assisting with medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen tanks
Performing basic medical tasks, such as taking blood pressure and changing dressings
Helping patients with daily living activities, such as dressing, eating, and bathing
Cleaning and sanitizing patient rooms and equipment

Sample CNA Resume for Inspiration

John Smith

Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345

Phone: (111) 555-5555

Email: johnsmith@example.com

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

John Smith is an experienced and qualified Certified Nursing Assistant with an impressive record of providing quality care to patients. He has a strong knowledge of nursing principles, procedures, and patient care standards, as well as an excellent understanding of medical terminology. In addition, he has the ability to work effectively with medical personnel, families, and other healthcare professionals.

Work Experience

Certified Nursing Assistant, ABC Hospital, Anytown, USA, 2015-present

Provide direct patient care, including bathing, feeding, dressing, and assisting with mobility
Observe and report changes in patient's condition to the registered nurse
Assist in preparing and transferring patients
Maintain cleanliness and safety of patient environment

Certified Nursing Assistant, XYZ Nursing Home, Anytown, USA, 2013-2015

Provided direct patient care, including bathing, feeding, dressing, and assisting with mobility
Observed and reported changes in patient's condition to the registered nurse
Assisted in preparing and transferring patients
Maintained cleanliness and safety of patient environment

Education

Certified Nursing Assistant, ABC Nursing School, Anytown, USA, 2013

Skills

Strong knowledge of nursing principles, procedures, and patient care standards
Excellent understanding of medical terminology
Ability to work effectively with medical personnel, families, and other healthcare professionals
Ability to provide quality patient care
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Certifications

Certified Nursing Assistant, ABC Nursing School, Anytown, USA, 2013

Languages

English: Fluent

Resume tips for CNA

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need CNA resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned CNA - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight your relevant skills and certifications.
Include any awards or commendations you have received.
Be sure to include your contact information.
Be sure to demonstrate your commitment to patient care.
Include any education or relevant training you have received.

CNA Resume Summary Examples

A CNA resume summary or resume objective is essential for helping employers quickly evaluate your qualifications and experience. It provides a brief overview of your skills and experience, and it highlights why you are the best candidate for the CNA position. A good summary or objective also helps employers understand what you can bring to the role beyond the required qualifications and experience. It is important to make sure your CNA resume summary or objective is clear, concise, and tailored to the needs of the employer.

For Example:

Experienced CNA with 5 years of experience providing quality care to patients. Skilled in providing direct patient care, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with daily living activities.
Highly-motivated CNA with excellent communication and patient care skills. Dedicated to providing compassionate care and creating a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
Resourceful CNA with 8 years of experience in providing exceptional patient care in a variety of settings. Skilled in monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily living activities.
Energetic CNA with 6 years of experience in providing safe, quality healthcare to patients. Skilled in assisting with activities of daily living, administering medications, and providing emotional support.
Dedicated CNA with 4 years of experience providing quality patient care in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Skilled in monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily living activities, and creating a positive patient experience.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your CNA Resume

Building a strong experience section for a CNA resume is important to show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge required to be successful in this role. A strong experience section should highlight your past work experience, including the facility where you worked, the duties you performed, and any special skills or knowledge you acquired while doing your job. It should also demonstrate the value you brought to the role and give employers a reason to choose you over other applicants. Ultimately, a strong experience section helps you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your competency and dedication to the field of nursing.

For Example:

Assisted patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, toileting, transferring, and feeding.
Monitored and reported changes in patient health status to supervisor.
Provided compassionate patient care while adhering to infection control and safety guidelines.
Measured and recorded vital signs, weight, and height.
Administered treatments and medications as directed by supervisors.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient care.
Provided emotional support to patients and families.
Prepared patient rooms and maintained clean and orderly environment.
Assisted with rehabilitation exercises and ambulation.
Maintained confidential records and documents.

CNA resume education example

A CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) must complete a state-approved educational program and pass a competency exam to become certified in most states. This program typically includes at least 75 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical training. Topics of study include anatomy, medical terminology, infection control, nutrition, and patient rights.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a CNA resume:

Aspen Medical College: Certified Nursing Assistant Program, April 2020-July 2020
Boulder Community College: Introduction to Healthcare Administration, August 2019-December 2019
University of Colorado: Psychology, January 2018-May 2018

CNA Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills for a CNA resume because they demonstrate the qualifications and abilities of a potential employee. Skills can include patient care, communication, multitasking, organization, and reliability. By including relevant skills on a resume, employers can get an idea of the capabilities of the candidate. Showcasing these skills can set a CNA apart from other applicants and demonstrate how they can be an asset to the organization.

Soft Skills:

Empathy
Communication
Compassion
Time Management
Interpersonal
Critical Thinking
Patience
Adaptability
Flexibility
Teamwork

Hard Skills:

Patient Care
Compassionate Care
Observation Skills
Charting Skills
Vital Signs
Aseptic Technique
Infection Control
Mobility Assistance
Wound Care
Medication Administration

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a CNA Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a CNA resume

Highlight relevant experience
Include certifications and licenses
Mention technical skills and specialties
Emphasize soft skills
Be sure to include contact information
Make sure to use a clear and concise format
Proofread the document for any typos or errors

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next postal service job with the help of Resumaker.ai.