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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!

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• Resume Examples

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume Examples [2024]

You’ve completed the CNA course, passed the exam, and found the perfect job opening. One last thing to score this ideal work opportunity—the best CNA resume they’ve yet seen. Ready?

From the chronically ill to the mentally disabled to the elderly, you help people who can’t help themselves. Thing is, the hospital or long-term care clinic doesn’t yet know about your your extraordinary nursing skills.

So, you’ll inform them— with the best CNA resume to talk up your medical skills, nursing experience, and professional background.

In this guide you’ll find:

• The best CNA resume example to get those certified nursing assistant jobs.
• How to tailor your CNA job description for your resume.
• How to write CNA resume that score hospital and nursing interviews.
• Expert tips on how to improve your certified nursing assistant resume.
• How to show off your CNA resume skills to gain attention.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder for free. Start by choosing a resume template .

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What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Also, have a look at these similar medical resume examples related to nursing:

• Caregiver Resume Examples
• EMT / Paramedic Resume Examples
• ER Nurse Resume Examples
• Healthcare Resume Examples
• Home Health Aide Resume Examples
• LPN Resume Examples
• Medical Assistant Resume Examples
• Medical Scribe Resume Examples
• Medical Student Resume Examples
• Medical-Surgical Nurse Resume Examples
• New Grad Nursing Resume Examples
• Nurse Manager Resume Examples
• Nursing Student Resume Examples
• Patient Care Technician Resume Examples
• Respiratory Therapist Resume Examples

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our  Resume Examples for Over 300 Jobs.

CNA Resume Example You Can Copy and Use

James Westerlock

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

[email protected]

(678) 876-6786

linkedin.com/in/jameswesterlock

Summary of Qualifications

Caring certified nursing assistant (CNA) with 2+ years assisting a variety of patients with healthcare, medical, and physical care needs. Worked with over 15 regular senior patients to increase quality of life. Trained 5+ student nurse assistants and home health aides on multiple elderly care operations. 

Work Experience

Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) May 2018–August 2019 Montmartre Medical Services, Atlanta, GA

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Cared for physically and mentally disabled patients unable to support themselves.
• Assisted with patients’ daily activities, including eating, using the restroom, bathing, and other needs.
• Measured and documented all vital signs on an ongoing basis, reporting abnormalities or emergencies when appropriate.
• Implemented and practiced health safety and disease control procedures.
• Administered treatment prescribed by RN and nursing staff, documented intake, and recorded any adverse reactions. 

Key Achievements

• Worked with over 15 regular senior patients to increase quality of life.
• Trained 5+ student nurse assistants and home health aides on multiple elderly care operations.

Nursing Assistant February 2017–March 2018 Southern Senior Care, Atlanta, GA

• Performed all personal care, hygiene, and medical duties as instructed by the licensed practical nurse (LPN) supervisor.
• Ensured all medical equipment and tools were clean, sterilized, and organized. 
• Educated patients on safe, hygienic, and sustainable procedures for them to implement on their own.
• Recorded vital signs and reported any abnormalities.

Majoring Towards Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Expected Graduation : 2022

Relevant Coursework : Medical Assisting Fundamentals, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology in Nursing, Strategic Nurse Care, Personalized Medical Assistance, Clinical Reasoning, Common Adult Health Problems, Administering Senior Care, Nursing Diagnostics & Procedures. 

High School Diploma

Benjamin E. Mays High School, Atlanta, GA

Graduation : 2017

• Compassionate Care
• First Aid, CPR, AED
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Direct & Indirect Care
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Communication Skills

Certifications

• Certified Nurse Assistant, American Red Cross
• Preparedness and Health and Safety Services, American Red Cross

Memberships

• Georgia Nurses Association (GNA)
• The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)
• American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN)
• Caribbean Dutch: Intermediate Working Proficiency

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct care and support to patients in a healthcare setting. CNAs enhance patients' comfort, assisting with daily activities and ensuring their well-being. Compassion, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills are essential in this role.

Now—here’s how to write a CNA resume of your own:

1. Format Your CNA Resume Before Writing

A nurse wouldn’t just jab a needle in a patient’s arm before washing their hands and sanitizing the area, right?

Similarly, before you begin writing a resume for certified nurse assistant jobs, the resume formatting needs to be prepared.

Here’s how to format a CNA resume:

• In the work history, education, and other time-based resume sections, use the reverse-chronological order to document each entry.
• Choose the best resume font to use, and stick with 11pt or 12 pt font size in the general text.
• Maintain a 1” margin around all 4 sides of your CNA resume for hospital jobs.
• Include only relevant resume sections with only the most appropriate skills, experience, duties, education, and achievements.

Expert Hint:  Export the resume as a PDF , unless directed otherwise. A CNA resume PDF can be read on any screen or device, while a Word document appears funny on certain phones or computers.

2. Start with a CNA Resume Objective or CNA Resume Summary

If a client comes into a medical office for a procedural consultation, the doctor’s competence and demeanor will either set their mind at ease or have them running away in fear.

It’s the same when starting a resume—a  resume header paragraph, known as an objective or summary , either compels the RN or LPN in charge to read further or makes them move on to the next candidate.

It has to be good. But which intro statement is right for you? If you have experience as a certified nurse assistant, go with the resume summary . 

The career summary statement talks up your knowledge of certified nursing assistant skills, procedures, and protocols. It introduces you as a CNA candidate by briefly relaying your background, and it intrigues them by proving your abilities with a numbered achievement.

Here’s how to write a summary on a certified nursing assistant (CNA) resume:

Certified Nursing Assistant  Resume Examples of Summary Paragraphs

The first example resume summary is the winner because it is detailed, specific, and includes numbers to verify your CNA skills. Furthermore, it’s tailored to the job —a key trait of CNA resumes that score interviews. 

No Nursing Experience to Speak Of?

When you’ve got little or no work history as a CNA, go with the resume objective . 

The objective statement on a resume for certified nursing assistants gives evidence of your skills and background, though unrelated. It provides your career goals to show your desire for this CNA job, and it also submits a numbered achievement for the win.

Here’s how to write a CNA resume objective introduction:

Beginner CNA Resume Objective

The bad example is generic and full of job-seeking jargon—you’ll prove you’re not the best certified nursing assistant because you’ll make them sick.

The good example is just right: to the point, detailed, personalized, and quantifiable. 

Expert Hint: For the biggest impact, write the heading statement last. This way, you’ll have the best idea of what to talk about in your intro from writing the other sections.

3. Write a Great CNA Job Description and CNA Skills Sections

Now we’ve come to the main part of any certified nursing assistant resume—the work experience section .

Here’s how to list past work in a CNA job description for resume:

• List your current or most recent employment position at the top, in reverse-chronological order. 
• Include a job title, dates of employment, hospital or medical services company name, and its city and state.
• Add 5 or 6 job responsibilities you handled as bullet points. Choose only the ones most relevant to this particular cartified nursing assistant position.
• Submit a key achievement or accomplishment using numbers to quantify how great you were at the job.

Check out these two CNA job description examples:

CNA Job Description for Resumes

• Administered treatment prescribed by nursing staff, documented intake, and recorded any adverse reactions. 

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) May 2018–August 2019 Montmartre Medical Services, Atlanta, GA

• Cared for patients.
• Gave patients medicine when prescribed.
• Bathed and cleaned patients.
• Recorded patients’ vital signs.

See this? It’s not enough to give a monotonous, basic list of CNA duties. 

To captivate the hiring doctor, RN, LPN, or LVN, give detailed bullet points of your job responsibilities, customize it for this particular position, and include quantifiable wins.

Focus on accomplishments. Most office assistants, CNAs, waiters, waitresses and others send lists with job titles and the job-candidate's job description. Hiring managers either know your job description or they can look it up online. They cannot look up your accomplishments in the job. What kinds of patients did you serve as a CNA? How many did you care for each day? Frank Grossman founder of Resumes that Shine

Also—beware the ATS.

An ATS, or applicant tracking system, assists the administrative staff at larger hospitals and clinics manage the large amounts of resumes they receive. A resume is fed into the software, given resume keywords to look for , and is graded by its match percentage.

If you get a poor grade, you’ll be deemed a poor candidate. To pass the ATS scans, you need to use a high-quality ATS resume template and fill your resume with the right keywords.

To locate the ideal keywords to use on a resume for CNA jobs, return to the job advertisement.

The CNA job description, particularly in the duties area, will tell you exactly which skills and abilities this medical facility is looking for in a CNA candidate.

Next up—a great section with  skills to put on a resume  for CNA applicants.

Nursing assistants, aides, and orderlies are expected to increase by 192,800 jobs each year . This 8% increase means more jobs—but also more competitors.

Here is a list of sample CNA resume skills to ensure you get it right:

10+ Winning CNA Skills for Resume:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Emergency Response
• Mental Health Requirements
• Empathy & Compassion
• Organizational Skills
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Technical Skills
• Disease and Infection Control
• Assessing Vital Signs
• Health Documents & Medical Records
• Everyday Health & Personal Hygiene

As we mentioned earlier, a targeted resume is a resume they’ll consider.

So, don’t think of every CNA skill and medical ability you have and throw them into a nursing assistant skills list. Instead, look at the job ad once more to find the skills they’re looking for. If you have one they request, add that into your certified nurse assistant skills resume list.

Consider including a core competency matrix of 9 hard skills in three columns to help ATS systems find your resume. This is especially important for CNA and related healthcare jobs where specific patient care competencies are key to being selected. Frank Grossman founder of Resumes that Shine

Expert Hint: Include a few soft skills to complement your hard skills! Communication skills , patience, and empathy are just as important for CNA jobs as knowing how to check vital signs.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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4. Use the CNA Resume Education Section to Your Advantage

You don’t need more than a high school education for most nursing assistant positions. However—you do need to document your education correctly.

Here’s how a CNA resume education section should appear:

CNA Resume Example of Education Section

Relevant Coursework : Medical Assisting Fundamentals, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology in Nursing, Strategic Nurse Care, Safety and Infection Control, Clinical Reasoning, Activities in Daily Living, Administering Elderly Care, Nursing Diagnostics & Procedures. 

Here are guidelines to follow for a perfect CNA resume education section:

• Add your most impressive (recent) degree or diploma at the top.
• Include the major, name of the school, location, and date of completion.
• Throw in any relevant and impressive wins, such as academic awards or relevant coursework completed.
• If you’re a university student, add high school as a second entry below.

If you have completed a college degree, however, there’s no need to include your high school diploma.

Expert Hint: In most cases, your work history section goes above your education section. However, if you haven’t worked yet and your education section is more substantial, switch places and put this on top.

5. Round Out a Resume for CNAs With Appropriate Extras

Additional sections on a CNA resume show the RN or LPN a clearer picture of yourself as a candidate.

Here are several top choices to consider for extra sections on a nursing assistant resume:

Certifications & Licenses

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), American Red Cross
• Preparedness and Health and Safety Services Certification
• Healthcare Assistant Certificate, Pre-LPN Entry Program
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA)

CNA & Nursing Organizations & Associations

• Nursing Ethics Network (NEN)
• National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA)
• Association of Nurses in AIDS Care ( ANAC )
• Home Healthcare Nurses Association (HHNA)
• International Association for Human Caring ( IAHC )
• International Council of Nurses ( ICN )

Related Hobbies & Interests

• Yoga & Physical Fitness
• Studying for LPN Exam
• Tutoring First Aid & CPR Classes
• Volunteering at Local Clinic

Foreign Language Proficiency

• Bengali : Native Proficiency
• Hindi : Professional Working Proficiency
• Saraiki : Intermediate Proficiency
• Kinyarwanda : Basic Conversational Proficiency

Expert Hint: Don’t forget to include a cover letter for CNA jobs. Most employers require one, and many of the ones that don’t still prefer a CNA cover letter .

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Let’s sum up.

Here’s how to write the best CNA resume:

• Format the CNA resume template before you begin by choosing the right fonts, using a 1-inch margin, and structuring it reverse-chronologically.
• Open your CNA resume with a compelling introduction, either an objective or summary statement.
• Document your work history in reverse-chronological order, with 5 or 6 bullet points, and with quantifiable achievements.
• Tailor your resume to one specific job, rather than writing a generic CNA resume.
• Include a list of CNA skills on your resume, which they request from the job description.
• Add an education section and any academic achievements relevant to the CNA job.
• Throw in a few additional sections, such as languages, certifications, or hobbies, to really wow the registered nurse who’ll read your resume.

Have any questions on how to write a resume for certified nursing assistant jobs? Want more CNA resume samples? Let’s chat below in the comments, and thanks for reading!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Career expert who has been sharing his expert knowledge since 2017. His advice will guide you smoothly through all recruitment processes: from job hunting to getting a promotion. Christian offers comprehensive advice on career development and each step of the job search, from start to finish and beyond. His guides cover looking for new jobs, sending application documents such as resumes and cover letters, acing interview questions, and settling into the new position. Since 2017, he has written over 200 in-depth, meticulously-researched career advice articles in collaboration with the most renowned career experts in the world. Hundreds of thousands of readers visit Christian’s articles each month. Christian majored in Communication & Culture, Anthropology at the City University of New York. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and learning about cultures and traditions from around the world.

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• Resume Help

CNA Job Description for a Resume: Examples and How-To

Our customers have been hired by:

Describing your experience as a certified nursing assistant is a tightrope. It’s a demanding job that requires a mix of physical and emotional skills. At the same time, some day-to-day duties may seem less than glamorous. 

How do you write your CNA job description for a resume in the best light possible? Here’s a guide specifically for you, with examples to boot. All without violating HIPAA. 

This guide will show you:

• CNA job description examples that you can use in your own CNA resume.
• Ways to describe your CNA work experience on a resume to highlight your strengths.
• Tips to create a CNA job description for a resume you can follow easily.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

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Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here .

Looking for a guide on how to write a complete CNA resume, with examples? Check out: CNA Resume Sample

You might find other medical-related guides helpful:

• Patient Care Technician Resume Sample
• Home Health Aide Resume Sample
• Dental Hygienist Resume Sample
• Nursing Student Resume Sample
• ICU Nurse Resume Sample
• Registered Nurse Resume Sample
• Med-Surg Nurse Resume Sample
• Operating Room Nurse Resume Sample
• Charge Nurse Resume Sample
• Pediatric Nurse Resume Sample
• Free Resume Examples for All Professions

Now let’s see some prime examples to get you started.

10+ CNA Job Description Examples for a Resume

Cna job description for a resume.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Montgomery Care Center, Birmingham, AL

January 2018–May 2020 

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Provided preventative care to residents to manage skin-related conditions such as pressure ulcers.
• Built long-lasting professional relationships with residents, family members, and team members.
• Monitored patient stability by checking vital signs and weight, and recording intake information.
• Administered therapeutic treatments, non-sterile dressings, ice packs and baths.

Key Achievements

• Received Caregiver of the Month award for excellent patient care in November 2019.

Certified Nursing Assistant Description for a Resume

Certified Nursing Assistant

Grand Oak Care Facility, Bismarck, ND

July 2017–Present 

• Follow individualized care plans for 70+ residents by working closely with nursing staff.
• Provide safe bedside care and support to residents in a 200-bed facility.
• Assist patients with daily activities including eating, dressing, ambulating, etc.
• Establish a special connection with residents through empathy and relationship building techniques.
• Implemented an improved CNA care procedure that reduced clerical errors by 20%.

Nursing Home CNA Job Description for a Resume

Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Lake Tahoe Rehabilitation Center, Lake Tahoe, UT

April 2019–March 2020 

• Helped residents with moving, walking, personal hygiene, eating and other daily activities.
• Checked on residents routinely to make sure their needs and preferences were being met.
• Administered prescribed medications to residents according to personal health care plans.
• Delivered passionate support and assistance to residents and their families.
• Received commendation for 99.8% consistency in updating patient’s charts.

Zety’s resume builder will generate hundreds of CTA job descriptions as well as suggest bullet points, skills, and achievements. If that doesn’t get your mouth watering, what will?

Create a resume with perfect job descriptions using the Zety resume maker now

Private Duty CNA Job Description for a Resume

Hyacinth Clinic, Raleigh, NC

September 2016–May 2020 

• Assisted residents with their daily activities (ADLs) including social programs and meals.
• Helped maintain a high standard of care for residents by answering call lights and monitoring behavior for signs of progress or regress. 
• Contributed to the care of the ward by recording information on charts to communicate with all medical team members. 
• Applied dressings and non-medicated treatments under the supervision of medical professionals.
• Mentored 10+ new hires to meet Hyacinth’s high standards of person-driven care.

CNA Job Description for a Hospital Resume

George County General Hospital, Waco, TX

November 2014–March 2020 

• Assisted patients with ADLs during inpatient and outpatient stays.
• Recorded the condition, pulse, blood pressure, and temperature of patients on a regular basis.
• Turned and repositioned bedridden patients to prevent bedsores and maintain skin health.
• Created an atmosphere of warmth, enthusiasm, and positive energy for the patients.
• Received 96% positive feedback from patients based on a post-care survey.

Long Term Care Facility CNA Job Description for a Resume

Nurse Aid (CNA)

Griffin Senior Living, Palm Beach, FL

October 2019–February 2020 

• Transported residents safely around the facility, including trips to dining areas.
• Provided emotional support to residents and their close friends and family.
• Maintained and stocked equipment and supplies to reduce costs through excellent organization.
• Retained confidentiality of all patients by closely following HIPAA guidelines.
• Responded to up to 25 calls a shift in an orderly manner to provide excellent care.

Mental Health CNA Job Description for a Resume

Westview Health Care, Indianapolis, IN

January 2018–Present 

• Assist patients with activities of daily living specific to age, gender, culture and developmental level.
• Serve as patients’ main caregiver and effectively communicate between patients, nurses, doctors and families.
• Assist nurses with duties such as answering calls, relaying messages, transcribing physician orders and organizing patients’ medical records.
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families to create a positive care environment.
• Received health care facility award of excellence as part of a 15-person team of nursing assistants.

Med Tech CNA Job Description for a Resume

Lakeland Rehabilitation Center, St. Louis, MO

May 2017–March 2020 

• Delivered educational information, support and basic first aid to patients with a team of medical professionals.
• Provided daily living assistance to up to 20+ patients per shift.
• Advised patients on the effects of medications and therapeutic programs.
• Completed tests for patients including vital signs, blood glucose checks, and others and notified nursing staff of significant changes.
• Implemented a revised care guideline that increased patient satisfaction by 24%.

Clinical CNA Job Description for a Resume

Meadowview Medical Clinic, Los Angeles, CA

December 2017–Present 

• Observe patients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions to report any changes to the Charge Nurse.
• Work collaboratively with the 30+ team of nursing staff to address the needs of patients and ensure all supplies and equipment are available and ready for patient encounters.
• Provide high quality care to patients by carrying out daily assistance in a timely manner.
• Respond promptly to all call lights and requests from patients.
• Taught a training course in person-driven CNA care to groups of 10+ nursing students.

Surgical Oncology CNA Job Description for a Resume

Fountain Valley Community Hospital, Arlington, VA

September 2013–December 2019 

• Reported changes in resident’s post-surgical recovery such as physical condition, vital signs, and behavior to the nursing staff.
• Sterilized and prepared medical tools and equipment used in surgery.
• Assisted surgeons and nursing staff with examination and treatments of patients.
• Followed plan of care for residents and provided compassionate care.
• Nominated by direct supervisor for CNA of the Year Award.

How to Write an Effective CNA Job Description for Resume

Here are two facts working in your favor—Nursing assistants are both incredibly important and in high demand. CNAs are the primary source of contact for most residents in care facilities. And fortunately, employment is expected to grow faster than average as more and more baby boomers reach old age. High demand means better opportunities for you—if you can knock your experience section out of the park. Follow these guidelines to write the perfect CNA job description:

1. Make the section heading easy to find. 

Use one of the following headers for your job description section: Experience, Work Experience, Work History, Employment History . Bold or CAPITAL letters will draw the HR manager’s eyes like a neon sign.

2. Order your job description section correctly.

Place your CNA job description section at the top, right below your resume summary, if you already have related experience. If you’re writing a resume with no work experience , place it below your education section (or your CNA certification).

3. List CNA job descriptions on your resume in reverse-chronological order.

List your current or most recent job first and then work backwards from there.

4. Make each entry orderly and readable.

Put your job title , company name, location, and dates of employment at the top of every CNA job description.

5. Use up to 5 bullet points for each job.

Use each job description to highlight your achievements on a resume , not to list your duties and responsibilities. Your current job description should be the most extensive, and as you go back in time, list fewer bullet points with only the most important duties and achievements.

Read more: How Far Back Should a Resume Go

6. Tailor your CNA job description to the job posting.

Don’t list your CNA job responsibilities like a list of groceries. Use each bullet point as a chance to show how you meet the requirements from the specific job ad you’re applying for. 

7. Begin each bullet with action verbs.

Use resume action verbs , such as created , contributed , assisted , performed , etc., to impress the CNA hiring manager.

8. Add a “Key Achievement” subsection.

Recruiters are crunched for time. Use a key achievement to grab their attention and make yourself unforgettable. Better yet, use the Problem-Action-Result (PAR) method to show your capabilities.

Read more: Work Experience on a Resume

The CNA job description section alone won’t get you the CNA job you’re looking for. Here’s what else you need to include in a resume :

• Pick the ideal format for your resume . In most cases, the chronological resume layout works best as it displays your work experience and accomplishments front and center.
• Use a professional profile to give your elevator pitch. If you have 2+ years of experience, choose a resume summary . If not, a resume objective will land you entry-level positions.
• Describe your previous experience vividly, with examples that demonstrate you went above and beyond your day-to-day duties. Highlight achievements and start each bullet with action verbs like directed , implemented , performed , etc.
• List your professional certifications and licenses below your experience to show off your CNA certification and any additional training programs you’ve completed.
• Leave space for your job skills ( soft skills, hard skills , and technical skills ), especially nursing skills that are most important to the healthcare environment (short-term, long-term, memory care, etc.) you’re applying for.
• Be memorable by adding extra sections to your resume: language skills , achievements and awards , volunteer experience , and hobbies and interests .

Read more:  How to Build a Resume

Remember to attach a CNA cover letter to your resume. For more tips, read our in-depth guide on how to write a cover letter .

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

That does it! Do you have any questions about writing a CNA job description for a resume? Or any tips of your own to share? Leave them below in the comment section and we’ll be sure to get back to you!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1499997
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
• http://www.lonestar.edu/departments/careerservices/PAR-Technique.pdf

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CNA Resume Example

View this sample cna resume for ideas on how you can demonstrate your nursing skills and dedication to quality care..

Before you apply to jobs, think about this: You may diligently care for your patients, but how well do you care for your own CNA resume? To be a successful candidate for nursing assistant jobs, it helps to have a strong resume. For ideas on how you can demonstrate your nursing skills and dedication to quality care, check out this sample resume for an experienced CNA that resume expert Kim Isaacs created below.

You can replace the traditional CNA resume objective with a career summary (a.k.a. professional summary), which appears below your contact info. In two or three sentences, highlight your achievements and winning traits to quickly get an employer's attention. Beneath your summary, we listed some CNA resume skills, but notice how we reinforced those skills with examples of them in action in the Experience section. It's important to show an employer you know that "patient care" isn't just some words on a page.

Kris Connor, CNA Sometown, CT 06602 Home: 555-555-5555 | [email protected] | LinkedIn URL

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT

Reliable, service-focused nursing professional with excellent patient-care and charting skills gained through five years of experience as a CNA. Compassionate and technically skilled in attending to patients in diverse healthcare settings. BLS and CPR certified (current).

Nursing Skills

• Patient Care & Safety
• Diagnostic Testing
• Medical Terminology
• Electronic Medical Records
• Vital Signs & Patient Monitoring
• Medication Administration
• Privacy / HIPAA Regulations
• Patient Advocacy and Support

Professional Experience

ABC STAFFING COMPANY, Sometown, CT Certified Nursing Assistant, 20xx to Present

• Provide high-quality patient care as an in-demand per-diem CNA within surgical, acute-care, rehabilitation, home-healthcare and nursing-home settings.
• Preserve patient dignity and minimize discomfort while carrying out duties such as bedpan changes, diapering, emptying drainage bags and bathing.
• Commended for chart accuracy, effective team collaboration, patient relations and consistent delivery of empathetic care.

DEF REHABILITATION COMPANY, Sometown, CT Certified Nursing Assistant, 20xx to 20xx

• Provided nursing assistance to residents in a 120-bed long-term-care facility.
• Assisted residents with activities of daily living including helping with meals, transferring using assistive devices, bathing, dressing and grooming.

GHI HOSPITAL, Sometown, CT Certified Nursing Assistant, 20xx to 20xx

• Displayed strong clinical skills in assessing vital signs, performing lab draws and glucose checks, and providing pre- and post-operative care.
• Adhered to safety guidelines; completed hospital’s three-hour Patient Safety Training Program.
• Ensured the accurate, timely flow of information by maintaining thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patients’ status.
• Complied with HIPAA standards in all patient documentation and interactions.

ABC School, Sometown, CT Nurse’s Aide Program

• Completed 60 hours of clinical training

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Connecticut

Download the CNA resume template (free) in Word.

The median pay for a CNA is $14.31 per hour, and you'll find a highest demand for these workers in the following cities:

• New York City
• Indianapolis

Your salary will be partly determined by your location, so check the Monster Salary Tool to learn what you might make in your area.

You can also view all open CNA jobs on Monster and check out our article with sample CNA interview questions and answers to learn how to ace that job interview.

Get Your CNA Resume a Checkup

The job market is competitive, so you need to make sure your resume is in top form. Could you use a hand checking its vital signs? Get a free resume evaluation today from Monster. We'll show you where your resume could use some improvement so that you have a better shot at securing interviews.

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Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Examples: Proven To Get You Hired In 2024

Jump to a template:

• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Patient Care Technician

Get advice on each section of your resume:

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• Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Tips

Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Template

Download in google doc, word or pdf for free. designed to pass resume screening software in 2022., certified nursing assistant resume sample.

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you're likely familiar with the critical role you play in patient care. While your daily tasks might involve things like personal care, taking vitals, and assisting with mobility, your resume needs to do more than just list these duties. Recently, employers have been valuing CNAs who can demonstrate empathy and effective communication, in addition to technical skills. When crafting your resume, remember to weave in how you've made genuine connections with patients and supported their wellbeing. Moreover, in light of the pandemic and the changing healthcare landscape, it's impressive if you can show adaptability and willingness to learn new protocols and technologies. This isn't just a list of your tasks - it's a narrative about how you've used your skills and traits to make an impact in your past roles.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

Recruiter Insight: Why this resume works in 2022

Tips to help you write your certified nursing assistant resume in 2024,    include relevant certifications.

As a CNA, you should include any specialized certifications, like CPR or dementia care, on your resume. This isn't just about meeting the job description requirements - it shows potential employers that you're committed to professional development and maintaining high standards in patient care.

   Demonstrate emotional intelligence

Aside from technical skills, you should reflect your emotional intelligence on your resume. Try to describe how you've managed sensitive situations, provided emotional support to patients, or how you've communicated effectively with patients' loved ones.

As a certified nursing assistant, you’ll work closely with patients under the supervision of registered nurses. Your nursing assistant resume should emphasize the hard skills you’ll need to do the job, including performing routine medical procedures like taking blood samples, monitoring vital signs, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, and assisting patients with eating, dressing, and bathing. You’ll also need a solid understanding of relevant policies and legislation, including HIPAA.

   Use a relevant resume title

One of the easiest ways to bypass resume screeners and ensure your resume lands on the desk of a hiring manager is to include the exact title of the job you’re applying for on your resume. Including a resume title not only does this, it also clearly shows that you’ve customized your resume for this particular job — always a necessity.

   Include volunteer work where you used your nursing skills

If you don’t have a lot of traditional work experience, consider including volunteer work on your resume. You can create a separate volunteer work section, or simply list it alongside paid work experience. If you do this, you should list it in the same way, with an employer heading, dates of employment, and action-oriented bullet points.

Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Sample

Patient care technician resume sample.

As a hiring manager who has recruited for Certified Nursing Assistant roles at companies like Brookdale Senior Living, Sunrise Senior Living, and HCR ManorCare, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes. The best resumes that caught my attention and led to interviews had a few things in common. In this article, we'll cover what those are with examples, so you can create a strong resume that gets you hired.

   Highlight your patient care experience

Hiring managers want to see that you have hands-on experience providing patient care. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, give specific examples of how you cared for patients:

• Assisted with daily living activities for 10-12 residents per shift, including bathing, dressing, and feeding
• Monitored and recorded vital signs for 20+ patients daily, reporting any changes to nursing staff
• Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and supported family members

Quantifying your experience with numbers, like how many patients you cared for, makes your resume more impactful. Avoid vague statements that don't give a clear picture of your experience, such as:

• Helped patients with daily needs
• Checked vital signs

   Show your knowledge of medical terminology

CNAs need to be familiar with medical terms to communicate effectively with nurses and doctors. Show that you have this knowledge by including relevant terms in your resume. For example:

• Familiar with medical terminology related to diabetes, including hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and insulin therapy
• Knowledge of common medical abbreviations, such as PRN, BID, and NPO

However, be careful not to overdo it with too much jargon that a hiring manager outside of nursing may not understand. Strike a balance, like this:

Experienced in wound care, including dressing changes, wound assessment, and documentation. Familiar with medical terminology related to pressure ulcers, such as eschar and tunneling.

   Emphasize your communication skills

CNAs must have excellent communication skills to interact with patients, families, and the medical team. Highlight how you've used your communication abilities in previous roles:

• Clearly explained care plans and medication schedules to patients and families, answering questions and addressing concerns
• Collaborated with 10-member nursing team to ensure seamless patient care, providing detailed shift reports
• Developed trusting relationships with 20+ long-term care residents through daily conversation and active listening

Communication skills are best shown through examples rather than simply listing "excellent communication skills" on your resume. Compare that to:

• Good communicator
• Able to explain things to patients

   Include any certifications or training

In addition to your CNA certification, list any other relevant certifications or specialized training you have, such as:

• Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification
• Completed 10-hour training in safe patient handling techniques

These additional qualifications can help you stand out from other candidates and show your commitment to professional development. Just be sure they are current and truly relevant to the CNA role. Don't include things like:

• CPR certification from 8 years ago
• Food safety training for a previous restaurant job

   Showcase your flexibility and dependability

Healthcare facilities operate 24/7, so they need CNAs who are flexible and reliable. Show that you're willing to work various shifts and step in when needed:

• Worked 12-hour day and night shifts, including weekends and holidays
• Filled in for absent team members on short notice to maintain appropriate staffing levels
• Never missed a scheduled shift in 2 years

Avoid general statements that don't provide evidence of your flexibility or reliability, like:

• Willing to work anytime
• Reliable team player

The more specific you can be, the stronger your resume will be.

   Tailor your resume to the job description

Every CNA job is a bit different, so it's important to customize your resume for each application. Carefully review the job posting and look for key qualifications and skills the employer wants. Then, adjust your resume to highlight your most relevant experience.

For example, if a job description emphasizes experience with dementia patients, you could include:

Provided specialized care for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia, using validation therapy and other techniques to manage challenging behaviors. Completed 20 hours of continuing education on dementia care best practices.

If a position requires a lot of charting and documentation, you might say:

Accurately documented all patient care tasks, vital signs, and intake/output using PointClickCare EHR system. Consistently praised by nurses for detailed and timely charting.

Tailoring your resume shows the hiring manager you're a strong match for their specific needs.

Writing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Resume: Section By Section

  summary.

A resume summary is an optional section that highlights your most relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. While it's not a requirement, a well-written summary can grab the attention of hiring managers and provide context for your career goals. It's particularly useful if you're changing careers or have a diverse background that doesn't directly align with the certified nursing assistant role you're targeting.

When writing your summary, focus on the value you can bring to the organization and the key skills that make you a strong candidate. Avoid using generic statements or repeating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume. Remember, your goal is to provide a snapshot of your qualifications and entice the reader to learn more about you.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Certified Nursing Assistant resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Summary Examples , or Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the CNA role

When crafting your resume summary, it's essential to tailor it to the specific certified nursing assistant position you're applying for. Research the facility and the job description to identify the key skills and qualities they're looking for in a candidate.

For example, if the job emphasizes patient care and communication, highlight your experience in providing compassionate care and your ability to effectively communicate with patients and their families. On the other hand, if the position focuses on technical skills, such as taking vital signs or assisting with medical procedures, emphasize your training and proficiency in these areas.

Compassionate and skilled certified nursing assistant with 3+ years of experience providing patient-centered care in a fast-paced hospital setting. Adept at taking vital signs, assisting with medical procedures, and ensuring patient comfort. Seeking to leverage my expertise in patient care and communication to contribute to the mission of [Facility Name].

2. Highlight your CNA certifications and training

As a certified nursing assistant, your education and training are crucial to your success in the role. Make sure to prominently feature your CNA certification and any additional training or certifications you've completed in your resume summary.

This not only demonstrates your qualifications but also shows your commitment to professional development and staying current in your field. If you have specialized training, such as in dementia care or wound care, be sure to mention it.

• Hardworking and dedicated CNA with a passion for helping others.

While this summary expresses positive qualities, it doesn't provide any concrete information about the candidate's qualifications or experience. Instead, try something like:

• State-certified nursing assistant with specialized training in dementia care, skilled in providing compassionate and individualized care to elderly patients.

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you show hiring managers what you've accomplished in previous roles, and how that translates to the certified nursing assistant position you're applying for. Here are some key tips to make sure your work experience section stands out:

1. Use strong CNA-related action verbs

When describing your previous roles, use strong action verbs that are relevant to the certified nursing assistant position, such as:

• Assisted with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff
• Provided compassionate care to patients and their families
• Documented patient care activities in electronic health records

Avoid generic verbs like "helped" or "worked on." Instead, choose verbs that showcase your specific contributions and skills.

2. Highlight relevant certifications and training

As a certified nursing assistant, your certifications and specialized training are key selling points. Make sure to highlight them in your work experience section, in addition to listing them in a separate certifications section.

For example:

• Completed 120-hour CNA training program at XYZ Community College
• Earned BLS certification from the American Heart Association
• Trained in using Hoyer lifts and other patient transfer equipment

This shows employers that you have the qualifications and skills necessary to excel in the role.

3. Quantify your accomplishments with metrics

Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements in previous roles. This helps hiring managers understand the scope and impact of your work.

For example, instead of saying:

Assisted with patient care activities

Provided daily care to 15+ patients, ensuring timely assistance with feeding, bathing, and mobility

Other metrics to consider include patient satisfaction scores, efficiency improvements, or number of team members trained.

4. Show career growth and leadership skills

Hiring managers love to see candidates who have progressed and taken on more responsibility in their careers. If you've been promoted or taken on leadership roles, make sure to highlight that in your work experience section.

• Promoted to CNA Team Leader after just 6 months, overseeing a team of 5 CNAs
• Mentored and trained 3 new CNA hires, ensuring they met all facility standards

Even if you haven't had a formal promotion, think about ways you've gone above and beyond your basic job duties or taken on additional responsibilities.

  Education

The education section in your certified nursing assistant resume should be short and sweet. It tells hiring managers you have the required training. You don't need to include your high school diploma unless you're a recent graduate or have no college experience.

1. Put your CNA certification first

Your CNA certification shows employers you're qualified for the job. It should be the first thing in your education section.

Include the following details:

• Name of the certification (e.g., Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA)
• Name of the certifying organization
• Date earned or renewed

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Virginia Board of Nursing, June 2021

2. List your nursing assistant training

Include the post-secondary school or program where you completed your CNA training. This is important if you don't have a college degree. It shows you learned the skills to succeed on the job.

Add the following info:

• Name of the school or program
• Completion date

Certificate in Nursing Assistance, Tidewater Community College, Norfolk, VA, May 2021

3. Keep college experience short

If you earned a college degree, include it after your CNA certification and training. List your degree, major, school name, and graduation year. For example:

• Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration, Norfolk State University, 2020

But if you took classes without earning a degree, just list the relevant coursework. For example:

• Relevant Coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Gerontology

4. Senior CNAs: Focus on key qualifications

If you're a senior-level CNA, the education section should just be a small part of your resume. Sum up your credentials in 1-2 lines, like this:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Virginia Board of Nursing Associate of Science, Norfolk State University

In contrast, here's what not to do as an experienced CNA:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Virginia Board of Nursing, 2005
• Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration, Norfolk State University, 2007
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Training, Tidewater Community College, 2010-2011

While the extra details show your progression, they take up too much space. At this stage, your work achievements matter more.

  Skills

The skills section is a critical part of your certified nursing assistant resume. It's where you highlight your top abilities that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Hiring managers and recruiters often scan this section first to quickly assess if you have the right qualifications. Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing your skills section:

1. Tailor your skills to the job description

Before you start listing your skills, carefully review the job description for the certified nursing assistant role you're applying for. Look for the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, make sure to include those same skills on your resume, using the same terminology when possible.

For example, if the job description mentions "patient care" and "vital signs monitoring", your skills section might look like this:

Patient care Vital signs monitoring Medication administration Wound care

By tailoring your skills to the job, you'll show the employer that you're a good fit for the role and increase your chances of getting called for an interview.

2. Categorize your CNA skills

To make your skills section easy to read, consider grouping your skills into relevant categories. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of skills to showcase. Some common categories for a certified nursing assistant might include:

• Patient Care : Bathing, grooming, feeding, transferring, ambulation assistance
• Clinical Skills : Vital signs, phlebotomy, EKG, wound care, medication administration
• Administrative : Charting, medical records, scheduling, inventory management

By categorizing your skills, you make it easy for the hiring manager to quickly see the breadth of your abilities and how they relate to the role.

3. Use the right terminology for CNA skills

When listing your skills, be as specific as possible and use industry-standard terminology. This shows that you know the field and makes it easy for the employer to understand your level of expertise.

Senior care Documentation

It's better to say:

Geriatric patient care Electronic medical records (EMR) charting

The more specific and targeted your skills are to the certified nursing assistant role and the healthcare industry, the more effective your resume will be.

4. Provide context for key CNA skills

In some cases, it can be helpful to provide a bit of context or additional detail to describe the depth of your skills. You can do this by adding parentheses after the skill with a brief description.

• Phlebotomy (100+ successful venipunctures)
• Patient transfer techniques (Hoyer lift, gait belt, pivot transfer)

By providing context, you give the employer a better sense of your level of experience and the specific techniques you're familiar with. Just be sure to keep your descriptions concise, as you'll have room to elaborate in other sections of your resume.

Skills For Certified Nursing Assistant Resumes

Here are examples of popular skills from Certified Nursing Assistant job descriptions that you can include on your resume.

• Customer Service
• Public Health
• Medical Terminology
• Healthcare Management
• Critical Care Nursing
• Patient Care

Skills Word Cloud For Certified Nursing Assistant Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Certified Nursing Assistant job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.

How to use these skills?

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Certified Nursing Assistant Resumes

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