Creating a polished and professional resume is crucial for any job seeker, especially those in the healthcare field.
As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), your resume must highlight not only your technical skills and qualifications. It should also show your compassion and commitment to providing exceptional patient care.
Here is a sample resume from which you can get ideas. Feel free to use and modify this example as you need.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume Sample
Jane Doe – CNA
123 West Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
[email protected]
(000) 123-4567
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant with over 9 years of experience providing comprehensive patient care. Proven ability to handle complex patient needs with professionalism and empathy. Poised to leverage my skills and expertise to contribute to a dynamic healthcare team at San Francisco General Hospital.
Selected Achievements
- Awarded “CNA of the Month” for exemplary patient care and teamwork (March 2025).
- Developed and implemented a patient mobility program, leading to a 20% reduction in falls.
- Successfully reduced patient complaint rates by 30% through improved bedside manner and communication.
- Trained and mentored 20+ new CNAs, improving overall unit efficiency and patient care skills.
Professional Experience
Certified Nursing Assistant
Sunnyvale Nursing Home, San Francisco, CA
June 2018 – Present
- Assisted an average of 15 patients daily with activities including bathing, dressing, and feeding.
- Monitored patient vital signs, recording data with 98% accuracy and promptly reporting any abnormalities.
- Provided emotional and psychological support to over 200 patients and their families.
- Maintained hygiene and sanitation standards, reducing infection rates by 20%.
- Accurately documented patient information in health records, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Brightwood Hospital, San Francisco, CA
January 2015 – May 2018
- Delivered high-quality patient care for up to 10 patients per shift under the supervision of a registered nurse.
- Assisted with mobility and transport of patients, ensuring 100% safety compliance.
- Conducted efficient patient intake and discharge procedures for over 500 patients.
- Performed routine procedures such as catheter care, wound dressing, and collecting specimens for testing, achieving a 95% patient satisfaction rate.
- Participated in 12 continuing education programs to enhance nursing skills and knowledge.
Education
Certified Nursing Assistant Program
San Francisco Community College, San Francisco, CA
August 2014 – December 2014
- Completed 120 hours of clinical training
- Coursework included patient care, anatomy and physiology, infection control, and medical terminology.
High School Diploma
San Francisco High School, San Francisco, CA
June 2014
Certifications
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification, California State
- CPR and First Aid Certification, Red Cross
Skills
- Patient Care and Assistance
- Vital Signs Monitoring
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Infection Control Practices
- Communication and Compassion
- Medical Documentation
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
Languages
- English
- Spanish
References
Available upon request.
Tips for Writing a Great CNA Resume
1. Showcase Relevant Experience:
List your previous CNA roles. Emphasize responsibilities like patient care, vital signs monitoring, and assisting with daily activities.
2. Highlight Key Skills:
Include skills such as bedside manner, communication, teamwork, and infection control. Tailor this section to match what employers are seeking.
3. Mention Certifications:
Clearly state your CNA certification. Include any additional qualifications like CPR or First Aid certifications. These can make you stand out.
4. Use Action Verbs:
Describe your duties with dynamic verbs such as “assisted,” “monitored,” “administered,” and “provided.” This makes your experience sound more engaging and impactful.
5. Keep it Professional and Concise:
Use a clean, simple format. Be concise and to the point, ensuring that your resume is easy to read and well-organized. Avoid clutter and irrelevant information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I include a summary at the top of my CNA resume?
Yes, a summary provides a quick snapshot of your qualifications and goals. It helps employers get a sense of your experience and what you bring to the table right away.
How important are certifications on a CNA resume?
Certifications are critical, as they show you’re qualified and have met industry standards. Ensure you list your CNA certification, CPR, First Aid, and any other relevant qualifications.
Can I include non-healthcare jobs on my CNA resume?
Yes, if they demonstrate relevant transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. Position these experiences to show how they have prepared you for a CNA role.
How long should my CNA resume be?
Keep it concise, ideally one page. Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills. Ensure the information is well-organized and easy to read, avoiding unnecessary details.
Do I need to include a cover letter with my CNA resume?
Yes, a CNA cover letter can provide additional context and highlight your motivation and enthusiasm for the role. It offers a chance to explain why you’re a great fit for the position.
What should I do if I don’t have much CNA experience yet?
Focus on your education and any relevant training or volunteer work. Highlight soft skills like compassion, teamwork, and communication. You can also mention any clinical hours or internships completed during your CNA program. View our entry level CNA Resume Sample for further guidance.
Comments
Sara L.: This resume sample is incredibly helpful! It gives a clear idea of what to include and how to structure it.
Admin: Thank you for your feedback, Sara! We’re glad you found the resume sample useful. Feel free to tailor it to fit your specific experiences and qualifications.
Michael T.: Is it necessary to include a photo in the resume?
Admin: Hi Michael! While some industries may require a photo, it’s generally not necessary for healthcare positions like a CNA. Focus on highlighting your skills and experiences instead.
Linda A.: Can you provide more examples of achievements?
Admin: Certainly, you can see our CNA Achievements page for more examples.
James R.: What should I do if I don’t have much experience yet?
Admin: If you’re just starting out, James, emphasize your education. Highlight any relevant training and volunteer work. Also, highlight soft skills like compassion and teamwork. Please refer to our entry-level CNA resume sample.
Emily K.: Should I list my references directly on the resume?
Admin: It’s generally advisable, Emily, to state that references are available upon request. It is better than listing them directly on your resume. This approach helps keep your resume concise and allows you to provide references upon potential employers’ requests.