To advance your career within the medical industry, you need a great certified nursing assistant (CNA) resume that illustrates your genuine passion for patient care. Rather than detailing mundane job responsibilities, the key is to describe your most impressive clinical achievements. In this guide, we’ll provide expert advice to help you craft an exceptional resume that conveys the value you can bring to patients and health care organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Emphasize patient-centered care: Use tangible examples from your nursing career to showcase your passion and commitment to patient-centered care and advocacy.
  • Detail quantifiable achievements: Utilize specific data, such as patient satisfaction ratings and positive patient outcomes to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
  • Use keywords for ATS: Incorporate relevant health care keywords from job postings to ensure your resume complies with applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Resume Examples and Templates (Download in App)

CNA With No Experience Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jasmine’s resume effectively highlights her training experience and enthusiasm for patient care, which is crucial for a CNA with no formal work history. She demonstrates her ability to assist in clinical tasks and work with multidisciplinary teams, both of which are key to success in this role. The patient satisfaction rating adds credibility to her hands-on experience, helping to offset her lack of long-term employment as a CNA.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight relevant training: Jasmine leverages her internship to showcase direct patient care experience, which is essential for entry-level CNAs.
  • Use measurable achievements: The 91% patient satisfaction rating provides a concrete example of her ability to deliver quality care.
  • Structure matters: Placing education and certifications at the bottom ensures recruiters see her practical experience first, reinforcing her readiness for a CNA role.

CNA With Experience Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

John’s resume highlights his extensive experience and leadership qualities while demonstrating his impact on patient care and hospital efficiency. The use of quantifiable achievements — such as reducing infections by 18% and improving patient mobility — shows that his contributions have measurable value. His inclusion of mentoring experience also positions him as a leader among CNAs, making him a strong candidate for more senior or supervisory roles.

Key Tips:

  • Quantify your impact: He provides specific improvements in infection control and patient mobility, helping employers see his real contributions.
  • Showcase leadership: John’s experience training and mentoring new CNAs sets him apart from other mid-level candidates.
  • Emphasize efficiency: His role in improving clinical workflow and patient outcomes highlights his ability to go beyond basic patient care.

Acute Care CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Aliya’s resume effectively demonstrates her ability to work in high-acuity settings while maintaining excellent patient care. The mention of a 1-to-7 nurse-patient ratio highlights her ability to manage a demanding workload without sacrificing quality. A quantifiable 9% increase in positive patient outcomes reinforces her role in improving hospital care, making her an excellent candidate for acute care positions.

Key Tips:

  • Showcase workload management: Handling a high nurse-patient ratio proves Aliya’s ability to work in fast-paced settings.
  • Include measurable patient impact: The increase in positive outcomes gives credibility to her contributions.
  • Emphasize teamwork: Her collaboration with RNs and doctors shows her ability to function within a larger health care team.

CNA Instructor Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Maria’s resume effectively transitions her career from direct patient care to education. Her experience developing training programs and mentoring students highlights her leadership in health care education. The 95% student certification pass rate is a powerful statistic showcasing her instructor effectiveness.

Key Tips:

  • Quantify teaching success: Including the certification pass rate demonstrates measurable impact in education.
  • Showcase leadership: Her ability to mentor and train CNAs strengthens her credibility in the field.
  • Highlight career progression: The transition from a CNA to an instructor emphasizes her depth of experience.

CNA Supervisor Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Kevin’s resume emphasizes his leadership skills and ability to improve CNA team performance. The statistics on efficiency improvement and patient satisfaction add strong credibility to his impact. His ability to train and mentor CNAs makes him a strong candidate for supervisory positions.

Key Tips:

  • Showcase leadership impact: Managing a team of 20 CNAs highlights his supervisory abilities.
  • Use quantifiable improvements: A 25% increase in efficiency and 10% improvement in patient satisfaction stand out.
  • Emphasize workflow optimization: His focus on improving care processes makes him valuable in high-demand settings.

Hospice CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Angela’s resume stands out because it emphasizes the compassionate and specialized nature of hospice care. Her ability to provide emotional support and train family members adds depth to her qualifications. Including her certification in hospice care further strengthens her credibility.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight specialized expertise: Focusing on end-of-life care and palliative strategies sets her apart.
  • Demonstrate emotional intelligence: Her ability to support families enhances her value in hospice settings.
  • Use impactful metrics: Managing care for 12+ patients weekly shows her capacity for meaningful patient interactions.

Lead CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Derek’s resume effectively showcases his leadership and team coordination skills, making him a strong candidate for supervisory roles. His ability to implement a fall-reduction program and improve patient turnaround time highlights his strategic thinking and impact on patient care.

Key Tips:

  • Demonstrate leadership: Supervising 15 CNAs and improving retention rates shows his strong management skills.
  • Quantify improvements: The 22% reduction in falls proves his ability to enhance patient safety.
  • Emphasize patient satisfaction: Maintaining a 95% satisfaction rating strengthens his credibility in quality care.

Pediatric CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Samantha’s resume highlights her specialized skills in pediatric care, demonstrating her ability to provide both medical and emotional support to children and families. The increase in discharge preparedness and patient experience scores shows the tangible impact of her work.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight specialization: Pediatric care requires unique skills, which she effectively emphasizes.
  • Use measurable results: The 30% improvement in discharge preparedness proves her ability to educate families.
  • Showcase patient interaction: Implementing play-based techniques highlights her ability to ease anxiety in children.

Travel CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Brian’s resume highlights his adaptability and ability to work in various clinical environments, which is essential for a travel CNA. His ability to learn new systems quickly and work in high-pressure emergency settings makes him a strong candidate for flexible health care roles.

Key Tips:

  • Emphasize adaptability: Demonstrating experience across 10+ facilities shows his ability to adjust quickly.
  • Highlight high-pressure experience: Working in emergency departments strengthens his resume for travel roles.
  • Use measurable impact: Maintaining a 90%+ patient satisfaction rating validates his ability to deliver quality care.

Home Health CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Melissa’s resume effectively showcases her ability to provide compassionate and patient-centered care in home settings. By emphasizing family education and improved patient independence, she highlights her role in empowering both patients and their caregivers.

Key Tips:

  • Showcase impact on families: Emphasizing family education highlights her holistic approach to care.
  • Use measurable results: The 30% improvement in patient independence adds credibility.
  • Demonstrate adaptability: She clearly conveys that working in private home settings requires flexibility.

Geriatric CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Robert’s resume emphasizes his dedication to geriatric care and his ability to enhance seniors’ well-being. The 18% reduction in falls and focus on social engagement highlight his proactive approach to improving patient safety and quality of life.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight specialized experience: His focus on dementia care makes him a strong candidate for senior care roles.
  • Quantify safety improvements: The fall reduction statistic demonstrates his ability to prevent accidents.
  • Showcase resident engagement: His activity programs reinforce his patient-centered approach.

Rehabilitation CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jennifer’s resume stands out because it demonstrates her direct contributions to patient recovery. The measurable improvement in rehab plan effectiveness proves her impact on patient outcomes.

Key Tips:

  • Emphasize therapy support: Assisting therapists adds value to her role.
  • Use measurable success: A 20% improvement in rehab plan effectiveness highlights her contributions.
  • Showcase teamwork: Her ability to work with therapists and train new CNAs reinforces her leadership skills.

Psychiatric CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Tina’s resume highlights her ability to handle the complexities of mental health care. The 25% reduction in self-harm incidents showcases her skill in crisis intervention, while her experience with therapeutic activities demonstrates her role in improving patient well-being.

Key Tips:

  • Showcase mental health expertise: Highlighting psychiatric care experience makes her resume stand out.
  • Use measurable results: Reducing self-harm incidents by 25% is a strong statistic.
  • Emphasize crisis management: Mental health facilities value CNAs with de-escalation skills.

ICU CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Brandon’s resume effectively conveys his ability to work in high-stakes environments. The 30% reduction in complications highlights his critical thinking and quick response skills, which are essential in an ICU setting.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight ICU expertise: Experience in critical care makes him highly competitive.
  • Quantify contributions: Reducing complications proves his direct impact on patient outcomes.
  • Emphasize emergency response: His ACLS certification adds credibility to his critical care skills.

CNA for Assisted Living Facilities Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Lisa’s resume highlights her commitment to improving resident well-being. The 20% increase in resident satisfaction and 15% improvement in medication adherence show her proactive approach to care.

Key Tips:

  • Emphasize resident engagement: Assisted living roles value CNAs who improve quality of life.
  • Use measurable impact: Her statistics prove her effectiveness.
  • Showcase medication management: Highlighting adherence rates adds value to her role.

Hospital CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

David’s resume highlights his ability to thrive in a high-pressure hospital environment. His quantifiable achievements, like improving the early detection of complications by 25%, show his impact on patient safety.

Key Tips:

  • Showcase hospital experience: Hiring managers value candidates who can manage large patient volumes.
  • Use measurable success: Tracking vital signs accurately led to a 25% improvement in early detection of issues.
  • Emphasize teamwork: Collaborating with nurses and physicians ensures quality patient care.

Private Duty CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Stephanie’s resume emphasizes her ability to build trust with long-term clients. The 40% increase in client retention proves her reliability and compassionate care.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight relationship-building skills: Private duty CNAs must establish trust with families.
  • Showcase long-term care experience: She provides continuity of care, which is essential for private duty work.
  • Include patient impact: Monitoring and reporting changes improves patient outcomes.

Skilled Nursing Facility CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Jason’s resume effectively showcases his rehabilitation expertise, emphasizing his work with therapists to improve patient mobility by 30%.

Key Tips:

  • Demonstrate rehab experience: Working with therapists adds value to his CNA role.
  • Quantify mobility improvements: A 30% increase in patient mobility is a measurable success.
  • Highlight documentation skills: Skilled nursing facilities require strong record-keeping.

Neonatal CNA Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Rachel’s resume effectively showcases her ability to provide specialized care for newborns in a high-acuity setting. By detailing her expertise in neonatal care, including infection prevention and oxygen monitoring, she demonstrates her deep understanding of NICU protocols. The focus on parental education and support highlights her ability to bridge the gap between hospital care and home readiness.

Key Tips:

  • Showcase specialized NICU experience: Employers seek CNAs with experience in premature and high-risk infant care.
  • Quantify your impact: Rachel’s 25% improvement in discharge preparedness and 15% infection reduction highlight her measurable contributions.
  • Highlight collaboration with medical teams: Working closely with nurses and pediatricians strengthens her qualifications for a NICU role.

CNA for Veterans Affairs Hospitals Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Mark’s resume highlights his unique ability to provide compassionate and specialized care for veterans. His focus on PTSD-sensitive care and rehabilitation support makes him a standout candidate for VA hospital roles. The 20% reduction in anxiety-related incidents and the 30% improvement in patient engagement emphasize his contributions to both physical and emotional well-being.

Key Tips:

  • Highlight veteran-specific care expertise: His ability to assist patients with PTSD and post-surgical recovery is crucial for VA roles.
  • Use measurable success: Showing a 20% improvement in patient anxiety levels and a 30% boost in engagement makes his impact tangible.
  • Emphasize teamwork: His collaboration with therapists and nurses demonstrates his ability to work within an interdisciplinary care team.

Certified Nursing Assistant Text-Only Resume Examples

  • CNA With No Experience
  • CNA With Experience
  • Acute Care CNA

John Bergsen
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | LinkedIn | Portfolio

Profile

A CNA with six years of experience providing patient care in both hospital and long-term care settings. A proven track record of identifying opportunities to enhance clinical efficiency and improve the delivery of patient-centered care.

Professional Experience

Certified Nursing Assistant | Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD | May 2020 – present

  • Deliver exceptional care to over 30 patients per shift, educate patients and families on treatment plans, and achieve a 94% patient satisfaction rating
  • Monitor patient vital signs and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to streamline patient care procedures, improving overall clinical efficiency by 15%
  • Support a team initiative to improve infection control compliance, resulting in an 18% reduction in hospital-acquired infections

Certified Nursing Assistant | Baltimore General Hospital, Baltimore, MD | June 2018 – May 2020

  • Provided compassionate care for over 25 patients daily in acute care settings and maintained a 93% patient satisfaction rating
  • Trained and mentored five new CNAs on patient-centered care standards, infection prevention protocols, and clinical workflows
  • Supported the development and implementation of a patient mobility program, which reduced fall-related incidents by 16%

Key Skills

  • Patient health monitoring
  • Infection control compliance
  • EHR system management
  • Team training and mentoring
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified

Certifications

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), State of Maryland | June 2018

Education

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Nursing | Baltimore College, Baltimore, MD | June 2018

How To Write a Certified Nursing Assistant Resume

1. Select a suitable layout and design for your certified nursing assistant resume

When creating a CNA resume, opt for a clean, professional layout that allows the hiring manager to navigate your health care qualifications easily. A well-structured template should include the right amount of white space, allowing your sections to breathe without arbitrarily increasing the length of your resume.

2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your certified nursing assistant qualifications

Your opening summary is often the first thing the hiring manager reads during the applicant screening process, so making every word count is important. Create an engaging overview of your background within the nursing field, emphasizing your unique areas of clinical expertise. For example, you might draw attention to your experience delivering compassionate care to patients in oncology units.

Strong summary example for a certified nursing assistant:

An accomplished CNA with eight years of experience delivering exceptional patient care in hospital and nursing home settings. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to drive positive patient outcomes and enhance clinical operations.

Weak summary example for a certified nursing assistant:

I’m an enthusiastic and hardworking nursing assistant who enjoys helping others. An expert at finding solutions and completing clinical tasks in a timely manner, I’m excited about the opportunity to advance my career as a CNA at your esteemed hospital.

3. Incorporate a results-focused work history section for your certified nursing assistant resume

Your professional experience section is a key component of your CNA resume, displaying the most impressive aspects of your work history within the medical field. When crafting your bullet points, incorporate hard data to demonstrate how your efforts positively impacted clinical operations. For instance, drawing attention to a high nurse-patient ratio provides additional context for the hiring manager, making a high patient satisfaction score all the more impressive.

Strong experience example for a certified nursing assistant:

Certified Nursing Assistant, Mercy Hospital, New York, NY | April 2018 – present

  • Provide exceptional care to patients in a 300-bed hospital with a 1-to-7 ratio and maintain a 92% and above patient satisfaction rating
  • Coordinated with registered nurses (RNs) and doctors to implement evidence-based care plans, resulting in a 9% increase in positive patient outcomes
  • Support patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), monitor vital signs, and report changes in patient condition to the attending physician

Weak experience example for a certified nursing assistant:

Certified Nursing Assistant | Mercy Hospital | New York, NY | April 2018 – present

  • Took care of patients
  • Checked vital signs
  • Helped with patient needs
  • Worked with nurses

4. List your education and any pertinent certifications for a certified nursing assistant

Unlike an RN, CNAs aren’t required to hold a college degree. Completing a CNA program in your state is normally sufficient for most job applications. That said, obtaining an associate degree in nursing or additional clinical certifications can help better prepare you for the position and help facilitate your long-term career advancement.

Education example for a certified nursing assistant:

Education:

  • Associate of Science (A.S.) Nursing
    University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, CA | May 2018

Relevant Certifications:

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | State of New York | April 2018

5. Highlight your essential abilities and technical proficiencies for a certified nursing assistant

Most health care organizations rely on ATS to identify qualified candidates for job openings during the hiring process. To pass the initial screening phase, integrate keywords from the posting into your resume. As a CNA, you need a combination of clinical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills to excel, feature both when building out your skill section.

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Acute care ADLs
Clinical operations Communication
Electronic health records (EHR) Geriatric care
HIPAA regulations Infection prevention
Medication administration Mobility assistance
Multi-disciplinary collaboration Patient care
Patient education Patient-centered care
Pediatric care Vital signs monitoring
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How To Pick the Best Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Template

Choosing the right template for your CNA resume is critical. Opt for a simple, clean design that highlights your qualifications without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary visuals. Prioritize templates that allow you to clearly display your skills, certifications, and experience, ensuring that hiring managers can quickly see your qualifications. Avoid overly creative or complex layouts that may distract from your experience or make it difficult for ATS to process your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions: Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for certified nursing assistant resumes?

Incorporating action verbs is a great way to help the hiring manager visualize your contributions. Using proactive language allows you to own your achievements. For instance, notice the difference between these two bullet points:

  • Assisted RNs in caring for patients
  • Collaborated with RNs to deliver exceptional patient care

Although the changes in word choice are subtle, the second bullet point is far more impactful because it highlights the collaborative aspect of their role. Below, we’ve compiled a list of action verbs you can use when building your professional experience section:

Action Verbs
Administered Assessed
Collaborated Communicated
Conducted Coordinated
Educated Enhanced
Identified Implemented
Improved Managed
Monitored Oversaw
Performed Provided
Supervised Treated

How do you align your resume with a job posting?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing assistant occupations are expected to grow by 4% between 2023 and 2033. While CNA roles are expected to grow at an average rate, you’ll still face strong competition when pursuing positions at the most prestigious hospitals. To maximize your odds of landing the interview, properly tailor your resume to the job description.

For example, if a hospital is seeking a CNA with a strong background in delivering care to geriatric patients, you might emphasize how you consistently found ways to preserve patient dignity while assisting with ADLs.

What is the best certified nursing assistant resume format?

Reverse chronological is the ideal format for CNAs. This approach places your professional experience towards the top of your document, allowing the hiring manager to see your most notable clinical achievements quickly. A combination format should only be considered for entry-level candidates who need to prioritize skills, education, and certifications to compensate for a lack of work history.

Irina Pichura

Career Coach

Irina Pichura, founder of Resumeology, is a renowned career coach with over 10 years of recruiting experience at Fortune 500 companies like Goldman Sachs and ADP, as well as startups such as Investopedia. With a degree in Psychology from Fordham University in New York City, Irina offers a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.

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