Applying for a job feels quite daunting, especially in the dynamic world of healthcare. Think about it; you’re basically competing against hundreds of applicants for a single position. But, don’t worry because MyResumeStar has cracked the code on creating an incredible resume that surely wins you the dream CNA job.
Do you know that recruiters only take 7 seconds to evaluate your resume? Interestingly, only 3% of resumes submitted result in an interview. This means that you have a very little margin for error!
But, no need to overthink it. Our guide will walk you through each stage of creating a stellar CNA CV that will make a powerful impression on your recruiters and land you that dream job. Keep reading for actionable tips and a CNA resume template at the end of our guide.
Let’s begin!
Understanding the CNA Role
As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), your role is not limited to a few chores of assistance only. It’s a pivotal position that entails taking thorough care of the patients in various healthcare institutes. These diverse ranges of activities demand a unique blend of skills and keen dedication to ensure that you’re the right person for this job.
Job Responsibilities
The basic aspect of a CNA job is providing care for the patients. For instance, helping them in their daily routines of eating, bathing, dressing, and grooming. Moreover, you may also be required to monitor their vital signs and ensure that the patients receive their medication on time.
CNAs may also be required to take charge of the patient’s surrounding environment. This means that washing and disinfecting the patient rooms and replacing their bed linens may also be part of your job description. Let’s talk about the emotional responsibilities.
Believe it or not, a CNA’s job is not just about physical tasks. CNAs frequently act as a bridge between patients and their families, offering companionship and emotional support. This allows CNAs to develop a trusty bond with their patients and their respective families, which can lead to an overall positive experience for all parties involved.
Read More :- Skills For Nursing Resume
Structure of a CNA Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve discussed the basic requirements of a professional CNA, let’s talk about the main part; your resume. The resume has the power to make or break your job opportunity. Why?
Well, think about it. If you were a recruiter and received an unorganized resume, what would be your impression of the candidate? Probably an irresponsible person, right? That’s why having a well-organized resume highlights your most important qualifications and can secure the job of your dreams.
Contact Information
The top of your resume should include your name and other contact information, including:
- Full Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Location (City, State)
CNA Resume Objective or Summary Statement
Decide whether to include an objective or summary statement based on your experience level:
- Objective Statement: Suitable for beginner CNA resumes. Briefly explain your professional ambitions and how your talents fit the role.
- Summary Statement: Suitable for experienced CNAs. Short description of your credentials, accomplishments, and career highlights.
Examples
- Entry-Level Objective: Hard-working CNA looking for an entry-level position to utilize excellent communication and caregiver skills.
- Experienced Summary: Professional CNA with 5+ years of experience providing senior citizens with comprehensive care including, assistance with daily activities, medication, and vital signs monitoring.
Read More :- Know More About Resume Objective
Professional Experience
This section should include your work experience in comprehensive detail, including:
- List Job Titles, Employers, and Dates: Insert your work titles, employer names, and dates of employment in a way that is easy to understand.
- Quantify Achievements: Use indicators like, 5+ years, to show the impact of your work. For instance, the state “assisted 20+ patients with daily living activities” rather than just “assisted patients.”
- Highlight Key Skills: Include accomplishments along with relevant abilities from your prior positions, such as communication, medication administration, and patient care.
Example
Certified Nursing Assistant January 2020 – Present
ABC Healthcare Center, Anytown, CA
- Assisted 30+ patients with daily living tasks, medication administration, and vital sign monitoring.
- Effectively collaborated with a group of medical specialists to guarantee the best possible outcomes for patients.
- Received positive responses from patients, families, and medical professionals alike for excellent empathy and mannerisms.
Education and Certifications
Don’t forget to add your certificates and educational background, including:
- CNA Certification: Include the date you obtained the certificate and the name of the organization.
- Relevant Training: If any, include the additional training certificates.
- High School Diploma or GED: If applicable, list your high school education.
Example
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), [Insert Name of the Organization], December 2018
CPR Certified, [Insert Name of the Organization], January 2020
High School Diploma, [Insert Name of the Institute], 2015
Read More :- How To Mention Education Section Of Resume
Highlight Your Skills To Stand Out
Your skills section is your chance to shine among a list of 100 applicants. Don’t forget to emphasize your incredible blend of hard and soft skills that showcase to the recruiter why you are the one for the job.
Key Skills Section
Including both soft and hard talents is essential for a comprehensive CNA CV. While soft skills highlight your interpersonal capabilities, hard skills reflect your technical expertise.
Examples of Relevant Skills for CNAs
- Clinical Skills:
- Vital signs monitoring
- Medication administration
- Wound care
- Patient transfers
- Phlebotomy
- Soft Skills:
- Communication
- Empathy
- Patience
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem-solving
Note: Don’t just write down any skills that come to your mind.
Read the job descriptions carefully and assess the required skills for the job. This way, you can customize the skills section based on the job.
Adding a Personal Touch To Your CNA Resume
Added all the crucial sections of the resume? Now is the time to add a personal touch to your resume to make yourself stand out from the competition. Consider including these additional sections:
Volunteer Experience
Volunteering demonstrates your devotion to the healthcare industry and your passion for serving others. Include the activities even if they aren’t directly correlated to the nursing sector because they may exhibit compassion, cooperation, and communication – skills that are quite necessary in the nursing sector.
Example
Volunteered to help patients in the emergency room. Performed administrative duties at the neighborhood community hospital which helped me acquire useful expertise in a hectic healthcare environment and bolstered my communication skills.
Awards and Recognitions
Highlighting your awards can help to establish your reputation and show that you are committed to excellence.
CNA Resume Examples
Receiver of the “Employee of the Month” award for exceptional cooperation and patient care. Acknowledged for surpassing patient satisfaction targets and fostering a healthy work atmosphere.
Note: These extra sections are only optional. Only include details that are genuine, authentic, and aligned with the job description.
Using Action Verbs
Rather than merely listing your skills, use strong action verbs to paint a vivid picture of your abilities and describe the accomplishments you’ve attained in previous roles. For example:
- Weak: Assisted patients with daily living activities.
- Strong: Supported 20+ with feeding, dressing, and cleaning regularly while providing compassionate care around the clock.
See the difference?
Here’s a list of powerful action verbs to consider:
- Achieved
- Advised
- Analyzed
- Collaborated
- Developed
- Implemented
- Improved
- Increased
- Managed
- Provided
- Reduced
- Streamlined
Read More :- 200+ Action Verbs To Include In Your Resume
Formatting Your CNA Resume: A Guide to Making a Lasting Impression
Do you know that 83% of the recruiters prioritize the candidates with a well-structured resume?
This is because a well-organized and visually appealing resume makes a good first impression because it boosts readability. Let’s talk about the components that can help you create an impressive CNA CV.
Choosing the Right Format
There are several types of CV formats. But, the most commonly used one for CNAs is the reverse-chronological format. This structure is perfect for presenting your recent achievements and professional growth since it focuses more on your most recent job experience first.
Design and Layout Tips
- Set the Right Margins: To achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing layout, keep constant resume margins (around 1 inch) on all sides.
- Keep it Concise: When writing a CV, try to keep it to one page. Due to their hectic schedules, recruiters are more likely to read your CV if it is short.
- Choose a Professional Font: Choose a resume font that is simple to read and clear, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial.
- Use Bullet Points: Use bullet points to organize your content to bolster its readability.
- Save in PDF Format: By saving your resume as a PDF, you can make sure that it will always have the same format on various devices and operating systems.
Additional Formatting Tips
- Consistent Font Size and Spacing: Make sure that the lines and sections are spaced appropriately, and choose a constant font size (10–12 points).
- Headings: Use headings to clearly divide parts such as Summary, Experience, Education, and Skills,
- White Space: Add ample white space to your resume to make it easier to read and keep it from appearing overcrowded with information.
Pro-Tip: Don’t want to start from scratch? Let MyResumeStar take the reins and create a visually stunning and intuitive CV for you!
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Creating a Standout CNA Resume With Example
| Feature | Good Example | Bad Example |
| CNA Resume Description | Professional CNA with 5+ years of experience providing senior citizens with comprehensive care including, assistance with daily activities, medication, and vital signs monitoring. | Seeking a CNA position to utilize my skills and provide quality care to patients. |
| Experience | Quantified achievements (e.g., assisted 30+ patients, received positive feedback) | Generic statements (e.g., assisted patients with daily activities) |
| Skills | Specific and relevant skills (e.g., patient care, medication administration) | Broad and generic skills (e.g., communication, teamwork) |
| Formatting | Clear and concise, easy to read, uses bullet points | Cluttered, difficult to read, lacks visual appeal |
| Keywords | Includes relevant keywords from the job description | Lacks relevant keywords |
| Overall | Displays credentials, accomplishments, and abilities interestingly and professionally. | Shows a lack of knowledge of the CNA role and fails to communicate a distinct value proposition. |
CNA Resume Sample
[Your Name] 123 Main Street, Anytown, CA 12345 (555) 555-5555 [email protected]
Summary
Results-oriented CNA with 5+ years of experience providing compassionate care to elderly patients. Proficient in assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and administering medication. Eager to apply my skills to a challenging role that makes a difference in patients’ lives.
Experience
Certified Nursing Assistant January 2020 – Present
[Insert Name of the Organization]
- Provided more than thirty patients with compassionate care regularly, ensuring they were comfortable and well by helping them with everyday tasks.
- Monitored the patient’s vital signs precisely and informed the nursing staff of any noteworthy changes.
- Successfully implemented a patient safety program that decreased falls by 20%.
Certified Nursing Assistant June 2018 – December 2019
[Insert Name of the Organization]
- Assisted with daily living activities for 20+ patients, including mobility assistance, medication administration, and wound care.
- Took part in staff training programs to improve clinical expertise and remain updated with best practices in the industry.
- 10% fewer medication mistakes were made possible by the development and implementation of a new medication monitoring system for patients.
Education
CNA Certification
State Board of Nursing, December 2018
High School Diploma
[High School Name], 2015
Skills
- Patient care
- Vital signs monitoring
- Medication administration
- Wound care
- Active listening
- Strong conflict resolution skills
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities
- Electronic medical records (EMR)
- Sensitivity to patients’ cultural and religious beliefs
- CPR and First Aid
Certifications
- CPR Certified
- First Aid Certified
- and more
Awards
- Employee of the Month, ABC Healthcare Center (2021)
Final Thoughts
Your resume is your ticket to a fulfilling CNA career. Luckily, our comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge to create a strong CNA resume that highlights your abilities and gets you interviews. Feeling lost? Create a stellar resume with Our Resume Builder automated algorithm to move closer to your ideal position.