CNA Resume Writing Tips

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are highly valuable members of the healthcare team and are in demand. The good news for all you CNAs is that you have excellent job security and job options. However, you still need to write a stellar CNA resume to help you secure that job.

Your nurse assistant resume is a crucial element in your job application. A resume is a document that outlines your experience, education, key qualifications, certifications, and skills. Along with your CNA cover letter, your resume is important because it communicates to your future employer why you are uniquely qualified for the job.

When writing your nursing assistant resume, use these tips to guide you:

• Use similar language: Make your resume mirror the language of the job posting. Is the company looking for a CNA with excellent time-management skills? Emphasize yours.

• Quantify when you can: Be precise when describing your experience. Say you have “180 practice hours” rather than “a lot of experience.”

• Use action verbs: When describing your responsibilities from previous jobs or clinical hours, make your bulleted lists start with action verbs.

• Make it skimmable: Avoid long paragraphs. Keep it concise — make it as long as necessary and as short as possible.

Read on below for a sample CNA resume. Examples of other nursing resumes can give you additional ideas.

CNA Resume Sample

KAREN JONES

San Jose, California firstlast@email.com (555) 555-5555

Certified Nursing Assistant devoted to providing excellent, compassionate care to residents.

Key Qualifications

• Detailed oriented, effective communicator, and strong work ethic
• Possesses active CNA license in California
• Collaborates with healthcare team of three RNs to provide safe, competent care to 50 residents

Education

123 School, San Jose, California20XX

Certified Nursing Assistant Program

Professional Experience

ABC Assisted Living Center, CNA, 20XX – present

• Adhered to HIPAA regulations in all clinical documentation and communications.
• Provided assistance with daily living activities to eight residents each shift, including feeding patients, transferring using patient lifts, bathing and dressing patients.
• Oriented and trained two CNAs to the center, instructing them on facility policies and procedures.

Wonderful Medical Clinic, CNA, 20XX – 20XX

• Ensured timely communication with RNs, promptly entered vital signs into the EMR, and provided updates on patients’ status.
• Created an enhanced report sheet for CNAs to utilize, containing all relevant patient information, minimizing patient care errors by 5%.
• Assessed vital signs, provided bowel and bladder care, and ROM to seven patients.

Skills

Organization; Empathy; Patience; Cultural Awareness; Flexibility

Certifications

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• BLS and CPR

Download a copy of this CNA resume to help you write your own.

What CNA Salary Can I Expect?

After you have prepared your nursing assistant resume, you are ready to begin applying for jobs. You might be wondering what type of salary you can expect.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for a CNA is $36,220 per year. Depending on your location, you may earn a larger salary. For example, CNAs in Alaska earn an average of $44,420 per year. Use an online salary calculator to see what you may earn in your area.

Put Your CNA Resume to Work

Now that you’ve learned what an awesome nurse assistant resume looks like and have made your own, you are ready to put it to use. Need help finding the perfect job for you? Check out the CNA jobs available with IntelyCare today.