The demand for certified nursing assistants is skyrocketing across the United States with an aging population and an ever-expanding healthcare industry. Once you’ve earned your CNA license, you’ll need to find the job you want, apply, interview, and land it. But to do so you’ll need to craft the kind of resume that will make employers take notice. If you’re an experienced CNA that’s looking for a new position at another company, the story’s largely the same, but you’ll likely have more substance available to build a more robust resume.
We’ll cover several important topics here as we help you to create the best CNA resume possible. This will include:
- How to format a CNA resume to make it stand out from the crowd
- Resume writing 101: What to include on your resume
- Downloadable CNA resume examples and templates you can use to get started
- How to land a CNA job – everything you need to know from finding the right job to acing the interview
How to format a CNA resume
If you want to land a job as a CNA the first thing a prospective employer is going to notice is the format of your resume. How you decide to layout the information, along with the general look and style of your resume, may dictate whether or not they even decide to read the entire document. So, from a layout standpoint, what should you go for?
- Keep your resume to one page. No one wants multiple page resumes and yours will likely end up in the trash if it’s longer than a single page.
- Stick to a standard font sizes between 10 and 12.
- Avoid using first person pronouns “I”, “me”, or “my”.
- Maintain consistency in formatting. If you capitalize a job title once, make sure it’s consistent across all of your other job titles. If you end a bullet point with a period, make sure your other bullet points end with a period as well.
- Include your name, current mailing address, phone number, and email address in your header.
- List your most recent jobs and education first and move backward from there.
When choosing a template to use, or creating your own resume, remember that it can be risky to use a format that’s too outside the box. While it may make your resume stand out, you don’t want to make it difficult for the employer to find the information they need to assess if you’re a good fit. So, there are advantages to sticking to a more traditional format and style.
From CNA resume objective to references, what you should and shouldn’t include
There is an almost endless supply of CNA resume samples available online that you can use to begin constructing your own resume. However, it’s important that your final resume includes the elements that employers will expect when they begin to review candidates. Be sure that your resume includes all of the following:
- Name and contact information. Be sure to have a standard email address that uses your name or some variation of it rather than something off the wall or comical.
- Your objective. Clearly state your goal of obtaining a CNA job and what you hope to gain from the position. Customize it to the employer if possible.
- Work history. Start with your most recent employer first. Don’t just rattle off where you’ve worked, highlight your accomplishments and tie them into your skills. If possible, use metrics to back up your accomplishments. Employers like to see numbers to back up your words.
- Education history. Start with your most recent education first.
- CNA-specific skills. Point out your most relevant skills based on the job description. If the CNA position requests people with experience taking vital signs, you’ll want to list your work or educational background in checking blood pressure, etc.
The above are must-haves. Failing to include any of those will sink your chances of being taken seriously as an applicant. There are other items that may help enhance your resume, but only add them if they can help improve your chances for the job. These would include:
- Relevant certifications
- Awards and achievements
- References
- Hobbies
If you have any healthcare certifications outside of the required skills of a CNA, be sure to include those as it will show your dedication to your craft. If you’ve received awards and achievements, even if they aren’t healthcare specific, you may want to include those to show you are a high-achiever. If you don’t have a long work history as a CNA this can be helpful. If you have former bosses or co-workers that have agreed to act as a reference you may want to include those as well, particularly if they are strong communicators and willing to advocate for you. Hobbies are typically unnecessary unless they are relevant. If you spend time volunteering at nursing homes, for example, that may be worth including, though it may be better suited for your CNA cover letter.
Now that you have a general understanding of what to include in your resume we can focus on the specifics that will help differentiate you from the other applicants. All else being equal, the most qualified people will be the ones getting interviews and ultimately the job. Therefore, it’s critical that you do a good job of selling your skills first and foremost.
CNA Resume: Skills
Nothing sells you better than your skills when an employer reviews your resume. You have to sell yourself into the position by clearly laying out the skills you’ll be bringing to the table. Before you start listing out your skills, though, check the CNA job description for resume tips. If the position calls for certain duties or roles that align with your skills, be sure to highlight those first.
Common skills employers look for in a CNA include:
- Detail oriented. From your ability to keep records to your attention to hygiene, few things are more critical for CNAs than attention to detail.
- Communication. Your ability to communicate both verbally and in written format is extremely important in dealing with patients and your team members.
- Medical knowledge. Explain your familiarity with common disorders and demonstrate your knowledge of medical terminology. If you can do this in you resume it will help sell your knowledge of the profession.
CNA resume example downloads
We’ve put together CNA resume templates for download that you can use as you write a CNA resume for yourself. We provide these in both Microsoft Word and Google Docs format.
- CNA resume 1 (MS word)
- CNA resume 1 (Google Docs)
- CNA resume 2 (MS word)
How to land a CNA job
Landing a job as a CNA isn’t terribly different than most jobs. When people say, “it’s who you know,” they’re not wrong. Networking can open a lot of doors for you. If you don’t know anyone directly who works at a healthcare facility hiring CNA, ask your friends and family if they know anyone in the healthcare field and ask for an introduction. The more people you meet and discuss your plans with, the more likely you’ll be able to find the right job and possibly someone who will offer you a recommendation if you hit it off.
You also need to realize that finding a job will take some time and effort, so come up with a plan and stick with it. Use your interpersonal connections as well as local job boards and search engines to find opportunities that align with your career goals. Make sure you fully understand the application process, and provide all of the necessary info. It also helps to do some extra research – talk to current or former employees, and learn more about the place you’ll be working so you can present yourself in the best light when you submit your cover letter and resume. The more you know, the more you can customize your documents. Also, it will help you get a leg up on others when you land an interview.
- Learn how to craft a killer cover letter.
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FAQs
What should a CNA put on a resume? ›
- Attention to detail.
- Verbal and written communication.
- Consistency.
- Interpersonal.
- Record-keeping.
- Knowledge of medical terminology.
- Understanding of common disorders.
- Proper hygiene.
- Strong Attention to Detail. Certified nursing assistants must have good attention to detail. ...
- Excellent Communication Skills. Clear and direct communication is key for a CNA career. ...
- Knowledge of Medical Terminology. ...
- Patience. ...
- Empathy and Compassion. ...
- Flexibility. ...
- Optimism.
- Know the difference between a resume objective and summary. ...
- State your reason for applying. ...
- Include details regarding your skills and qualifications. ...
- Emphasize your willingness to learn. ...
- Revise and proofread carefully.
1. Reverse-Chronological Resumes. The most widely used resume format among job seekers today, reverse-chronological resumes are also probably the easiest for recruiters and hiring managers to understand at a glance—which is itself an advantage.
What does a CNA Do List 5 responsibilities of a CNA? ›Their everyday job duties include helping patients with dressing, bathing, grooming, feeding, and exercising. They assist other nursing staff, such as LPNs and RNs, with medical tasks such as monitoring vital signs and reporting patient wellbeing.
What are some skills CNA have? ›- Patient personal care.
- Infection control.
- Communications and behavior.
- Environment control.
- Safety and rehabilitation.
- Special procedures.
- Nutrition.
Tell them your strengths, but be humble about them. Focus on good organization skills, reliability, attention to detail, quick thinking skills, communication skills, a strong work ethic, and how well you get along with others: “My main strength is my ability to communicate with people from all walks of life.
What are most common skills tested for CNA? ›- Handwashing.
- Indirect care.
- Measuring blood pressure.
- Measuring body temperature.
- Measuring and recording pulse.
- Measuring and recording respiration.
- Measuring the output from a urinary bag.
- Ambulation with a gait belt.
- Practice your skills as taught by your instructor and as demonstrated in your text book. ...
- With each skill you perform during your test, remember to introduce yourself. ...
- Get a good night's sleep before your test. ...
- Eat a good meal before your test.
Emotionally Rewarding. One of the main reasons a person chooses to become a CNA stems from the emotionally rewarding aspects of the work they do for their patients. You have the chance to impact the lives of people based on the care you provide.
How to write a cover letter for CNA job with no experience? ›
I have become passionate about promoting healthy habits. I believe strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and close collaboration with RNs and doctors are all integral to ensuring exceptional patient care. Healthy Heart is the perfect place to apply these philosophies as well as my CNA skills.
How do you introduce yourself as a CNA? ›- Make eye contact and shake their hand. ...
- Address them by an honorific. ...
- Make sure nonverbal communication is positive. ...
- Use the right tone of voice. ...
- Explain why you're there. ...
- Ask the patient if they have any questions. ...
- Ask if they need anything else.
- Microsoft Word templates.
- Google Docs.
- Canva.
- LaTex.
- Behance.
Don't go back more than 10 to 15 years
The majority of experts agree that a resume should only include the last 10 to 15 years of employment, and there are several good reasons for this.
Professional resume templates
Within our free plan, you can use Resume.io to create a perfect resume from scratch using our free professional templates. A Professional resume template can work in just about any position where you need to highlight your experience with just a touch of design and layout flair.
Poor wages and benefits were cited as the primary reasons why CNAs have left, or are considering leaving, their jobs. The CNA staffing shortage is the most pressing challenge for CNAs right now, according to more than half of the respondents.
How much does CNA make an hour? ›As of Feb 4, 2023, the average hourly pay for a CNA in the United States is $16.03 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing hourly wages as high as $24.76 and as low as $8.89, the majority of CNA wages currently range between $12.98 (25th percentile) to $18.03 (75th percentile) across the United States.
What are the six principles of CNA? ›The six principles of care listed by the American Red Cross / CNA in their training materials are dignity, infection control, safety, communication, independence, and privacy.
What is the most important responsibility of a nursing assistant? ›The main responsibility of Certified Nursing Assistants is to assist patients with their daily activities. In addition, they also help with other things such as medication administration, bathing and taking vital signs.
What are the 4 nursing assistant responsibilities? ›Nursing Assistant duties and responsibilities
Clean and bathe patients or residents. Maintain patients' hygiene and change bedding. Turn, reposition and move patients between wheelchairs, seats and beds. Serve meals and help patients eat their food.
Why am I interested in this position? ›
“I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”
What city pays the most for CNA? ›...
The Highest-Paying States for CNAs.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose — Sunnyvale — Santa Clara, CA | $47,690 |
| San Francisco — Oakland — Hayward, CA | $47,500 |
| Salinas, CA | $44,210 |
It takes a strong-willed, compassionate and caring person for this type of career. Caring for patients can be stressful, especially those who are struggling with their health or nearing the end of their life. Being supportive and strong for them and their families is crucial. Patience.
What is a CNA salary? ›How Much Do CNAs Make? The median salary for CNAs working in the United States currently sits at $30,850. Nursing assistants in the top 10% of earners make more than $42,110, and those in the lowest 10% bring home less than $22,750.
What are hard skills for CNA? ›- Patient care. ...
- Infection control. ...
- Safety and rehabilitation. ...
- Administrative skills. ...
- Knowledge of medical terminology. ...
- Proper hygiene. ...
- Positioning, transferring, and moving patients. ...
- Recording vital signs and measurements.
To pass the CNA certification exam, you must pass both portions of the test. As stated above, you are given three attempts to do so. If, after three attempts, you are unable to pass one or both portions of the exam, you will be required to repeat your training.
What are automatic fails on a CNA test? ›Students will outright fail an entire skill if they forget or omit a critical step. A test taker will fail the hands-on skills section of the CNA state exam if he or she forgets to perform, outright misses, or wrongly performs any critical element steps associated with each skill.
How do you answer tell me about yourself CNA? ›Paint a positive picture of yourself by detailing your relevant accomplishments, showing your passion for the role, and focusing on how you've helped others in the past. Share something unique about yourself to ensure the interviewer remembers you, and end on an upbeat note that connects your response to this job.
How do you ace a CNA interview? ›Emphasize that a CNA should always base priorities on patient health. Talk about how your education has taught you to identify urgent health conditions. If you're new to the job, give an example of how you manage multiple tasks and stay organized in other parts of your life.
How do you tell me about yourself in interview? ›If i talk about my strengths, I am a self-motivated and hard-working person, an honest person. My short-term goal is to get a job in a reputed company, where I can improve my skills and knowledge. And my long-term goal is to achieve a good job in a reputed company.
What is a good cover letter for CNA? ›
I am a dedicated and compassionate individual who strives to provide the best care I possibly can to patients. I'm excited by the prospect of working for a highly recognized long-term care facility like Crane & Jenkins, and I believe that my patient care skills make me a natural fit for this position.
What should a CNA cover letter include? ›- Heading. This should include your name, job title, and contact information. ...
- Salutation. Starting the letter with the hiring manager's name — Mr. or Ms. ...
- Introduction. ...
- Body paragraphs. ...
- Closing section.
Yes, an entry-level cover letter is a must. You might not have many professional or relevant experiences to list on your resume (e.g. you're a recent college graduate or you're changing career paths), so the cover letter is where you can convey your enthusiasm and commitment.
What do you say to your CNA week? ›- Simply say “thank you”
- Always be courteous and kind.
- Write a simple note of appreciation and thanks!
- Tell them how much the work they do means to your family.
- Let their supervisor know what a good job they do.
- Give them respect on a daily basis.
There are tons of free resume templates across various categories available for you in Canva. It's fairly easy to use since all you have to do is choose a resume format you like, type in the details and information, and download your resume for free.
Which resume website is free? ›The Resume.com resume builder stands out from the rest, but not only because we're the only truly free resume builder out there. We also offer: Access to dozens of professional and creative resume templates.
Is there a free app to make a resume? ›A great way to get a professional looking resume is with the help of Resume App. With this app you can create a professional looking CV for free. Once you have created it you will be able to save it as PDF file. You can also share the CV with other apps.
What are two things you should not put on a resume? ›Leave off details such as height, weight, birth date, age, sex, religion, political affiliation, or place of birth. Employers shouldn't make employment decisions based on these factors, and they may resent the fact that you are tempting them to do so. Keep your resume focused on the facts.
What should you not say in a resume? ›- Too much information. ...
- A solid wall of text. ...
- Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. ...
- Inaccuracies about your qualifications or experience. ...
- Unnecessary personal information. ...
- Your age. ...
- Negative comments about a former employer. ...
- Too many details about your hobbies and interests.
- Having spelling errors and bad grammar. ...
- Exaggerating the truth. ...
- Poor formatting. ...
- An unoriginal personal profile. ...
- Not focusing on your achievements. ...
- Making your CV too long. ...
- Putting the wrong contact information. ...
- Not tailoring your CV to the specific role.
What should a resume look like in 2022? ›
Reverse Chronological Format
The reverse-chronological work history format is the most common and is especially ideal for anyone who's on a traditional career trajectory. It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your current engagement and ending with your first job.
1. Reverse-Chronological Resumes. The most widely used resume format among job seekers today, reverse-chronological resumes are also probably the easiest for recruiters and hiring managers to understand at a glance—which is itself an advantage.
Is Google resume free? ›Yes, we made a resume template on Google Docs! It's free, easy to plug your own information into, and explains where everything should go and how, from what your bullets should look like to what skills you should list. Just click “File” > “Make a copy” to create your own copy.
What is your greatest strength as a CNA? ›Focus on good organization skills, reliability, attention to detail, quick thinking skills, communication skills, a strong work ethic, and how well you get along with others: “My main strength is my ability to communicate with people from all walks of life.
How do you describe patient care assistant on a resume? ›- Perform routine cleaning of the facility and living spaces.
- Assist with medication.
- Help patients with physical activities.
- Provide first aid as needed for minor injuries.
- Assist patients with bathing and other care.
- Prepare and deliver meals.
- Help patients perform physical therapy as needed.
- Create a suitable environment. ...
- Listen carefully. ...
- Give an empathetic response. ...
- Identify the cause of the problem. ...
- Ask for help. ...
- Repair the relationship. ...
- Maintain professionalism. ...
- Use appropriate nonverbal communication.
Emotionally Rewarding. One of the main reasons a person chooses to become a CNA stems from the emotionally rewarding aspects of the work they do for their patients. You have the chance to impact the lives of people based on the care you provide.