CNA Resume: Job Description, Examples & Skills (2025)
Revitalize your CNA resume with this comprehensive guide! Discover key skills and CNA resume examples that will help you stand out and secure your spot in the healthcare industry.
Our customers have been hired by:*Foot Note
CNA Resume Example
Build my resumeCNA Job Description and Duties for a Resume
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential care to patients, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and feeding. CNAs monitor vital signs, support patient mobility, and ensure comfort, while communicating effectively with both patients and healthcare teams.
The job of a CNA is filled with responsibilities and tasks, to the point where it can be hard to put your experience on paper. Here’s a list of CNA responsibilities for a resume to help you get started:
- Assist patients with daily activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, ensuring comfort and dignity at all times.
- Monitor and accurately record vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration, ensuring timely reporting to nursing staff.
- Support patient mobility, helping with transfers, repositioning, and providing assistance with walking or using mobility aids to prevent falls and injury.
- Ensure patient comfort and safety by changing bed linens, maintaining cleanliness in patient rooms, and addressing any needs or requests promptly.
- Assist with feeding patients, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, and documenting intake and any dietary restrictions or concerns.
- Provide emotional support and companionship to patients, helping alleviate anxiety or loneliness and fostering a caring environment.
- Observe and report changes in patient condition to nursing staff, such as unusual behavior, pain, or physical symptoms, to ensure prompt intervention.
- Maintain accurate patient records by documenting care provided, vital signs, and changes in condition, following established protocols for confidentiality and accuracy.
These should sound familiar to every CNA! But if this list of responsibilities is so universal, how can you put these CNA duties on a resume and stand out from the crowd?
Take a look at these CNA resume examples to see how to turn your daily tasks into an impressive CNA job description for resumes:
CNA Resume Example with No Experience
Beginner CNA Resume Example
Experienced CNA Resume Example
1. Take Care of Your CNA Resume Format
You know better than anyone how important it is to be well-organized as a CNA. Show your methodical approach and attention to detail from the get-go by using the right resume format. The goal is to ensure that your resume makes instant sense to the reader, with a structure that’s easy to skim and key information that’s clearly highlighted.
The most widely used and recognized option is the reverse-chronological resume format. It emphasizes your work experience and accomplishments, and it’s the classic resume layout you’re bound to be familiar with. This format is perfect for drawing attention to what makes you the ideal candidate, and it’s what we’ll use in this guide.
However, you could also consider the functional resume format or the combination resume, which are viable options for career changes, resume gaps, and fresh grads with zero experience. Functional and combination resumes focus on transferable skills rather than on work history. However, keep in mind that recruiters may be unfamiliar with this format, which puts you at a disadvantage. Furthermore, a functional or combination resume won’t highlight your achievements as clearly as a reverse-chronological resume.
So, let’s get back to writing a reverse-chronological resume that showcases your biggest wins! Here are the sections to include on your resume—plan them out in your document:
- Header with your contact details
- Resume summary or objective—this is your resume introduction, it takes the form of a single paragraph
- Work experience outlining what you achieved in each role
- Education section with basic details of your schooling
- Skills section, highlighting the skills that make you the perfect match for the job
- Additional sections, such as certifications, language skills, and interests
The next step is to make sure your resume looks professional and easy to read. Follow these formatting tips:
- Give each of your sections a clear, simple heading (“Experience,” “Education,” and so on).
- Choose a simple font for your resume. Arial, Helvetica, or Georgia are solid picks.
- Set the font size to 10–12 points (14–16 points for section headings).
- Use one-inch margins on your resume and set the line spacing to 1.15 to add white space.
- Fit everything on one page. This is the best resume length for CNA jobs.
When you’re ready to submit your resume, check whether the employer has specified a preferred file format in the job advertisement. If they haven’t, submit your resume as a PDF. With this file type, your resume will look the same on every device.
If you’re in a rush, try using one of our resume templates for CNA jobs to speed up the formatting process.
Pro Tip: Not sure how to save your resume file as a PDF? If you’re using Microsoft Word, all you have to do is go to File > Save as… and choose PDF from the “Save as type:” dropdown menu. Alternatively, use a free online converter to change your file type from .docx to .pdf.
So, are you ready to see professionally formatted CNA resume samples? Take a look at these career expert-approved CNA resume templates below:
2. Add a Header with Your Contact Information
You want the recruiter to call or email you, so putting your contact information front and center on your resume is always a good call.
Add a header section to your resume, along the top of the page. Include the following details:
- Your full name and job title
- Your phone number
- Your email address
If you have a LinkedIn profile, and you’re updating it regularly, include a link to it in your resume header as well. And if you don’t have LinkedIn yet, consider creating a profile—it’s free and easy, and it could add a professional edge to your job application. Who knows, you could find new opportunities through networking and the job board, too!
When listing contact information on your resume, you don’t need to add your full address. You can mention your city and state if you think it’ll help your application, though—for example, by showing you don’t need to relocate or commute if hired.
3. Create the Perfect CNA Job Descriptions for Your Resume
In your resume work experience section, list your jobs, including your job title, the name and location of the organization, and your years of employment. Your current or most recent job should go first, followed by previous, relevant employment.
Next, write 3–5 bullet points for each job, listing your CNA responsibilities on your resume. Here’s how to write CNA resume bullet points that’ll make your application stand out:
- Present your CNA duties as achievements. Rather than stating what you were responsible for, highlight what you achieved and how well you performed your duties.
- Start each bullet point with an action word to show your positive impact on the running of the facility. Words like “Achieved,” “Provided,” and “Improved” show that you’re responsible for the positive results.
- Quantify your accomplishments with numbers and percentages. They’re eye-catching, and they provide context for your statements.
- Refine your CNA resume descriptions every time you apply for a different job. Reword your bullets, if necessary, to show that your experience matches the requirements from the job ad. By tailoring your resume, you’re presenting yourself as the ideal candidate every time.
If you’re writing an entry-level CNA resume with little or no experience, you can use your volunteering and internship experience in your resume work experience section. Treat these as you would any other jobs, providing details of your accomplishments.
On a CNA resume with no experience, you can also consider placing your education section first. At this stage, it’s likely to be your biggest asset!
4. Provide the Details of Your Education
To work as a CNA, you’ll need to have completed a state-approved education program. List the details of your CNA education on your resume, including:
- The name of the program you completed
- The name and location of the awarding institution
- Your dates of attendance
Alongside your CNA program, include your highest level of schooling, be it a high school diploma or a degree. There’s no need to include both—if you have a college degree, leave your high school details off your resume.
If you’re a recent graduate, consider expanding your education section to highlight your potential. You could list relevant extracurricular activities on your resume, particularly if they point to an interest in care work or speak to your skills. Academic achievements are also worth mentioning, as is relevant coursework.
Take a look at the sample CNA resume with no experience included in this guide to see a practical example!
Build my resume5. Include a CNA Skills Resume Section
In your resume skills section, include up to 10 of your skills that are most relevant to the job at hand. To tailor your list of skills to the employer’s expectations, review the job ad and highlight any specific abilities it mentions. Those should definitely make an appearance on your resume!
To help you get started, here are common CNA skills for resumes:
CNA Resume Skills
- Patient care assistance
- Vital signs monitoring
- Infection control
- Basic wound care
- Patient mobility support
- Feeding and hydration assistance
- CPR and First Aid
- Charting and documentation
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Compassion and Empathy
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
When choosing skills for a CNA resume, remember to include both hard and soft skills, since both skill types are important in this role. Hard skills are job-specific tasks, such as vital signs monitoring or first aid, that can be measured and learned through training or education. Soft skills, meanwhile, are personal traits and abilities, like communication and teamwork, that help you interact well with others.
6. Supplement Your Resume with Additional Sections
Apart from your work experience, education, and skills, what else makes you the ideal fit for this role? This is the question to ask yourself as you plan the additional sections of your resume.
Some states may require CNAs to complete continuing education courses to maintain certification, so a “Courses and Certifications” resume section will be a common choice for CNAs. Include the name of the certification or course, the awarding body or institution, and your year of completion.
Here’s what else you could include:
- Volunteering resume section, provided you haven’t described your volunteering experience elsewhere on your resume
- Languages resume section, including your level of proficiency in each foreign language you can speak
- Awards and publications
- Memberships in professional associations
- Interests
Remember to only include relevant information on your resume. This includes the Interests section—it’s only worth mentioning hobbies or interests that align with your professional goals or CNA skills.
7. Write an Eye-Catching CNA Resume Objective or Summary
The final section of your resume is the introductory paragraph, known as an objective or summary. It’s easiest to write this section last, with your experience already laid out on the page. This is why we’ve left it until the end, too!
To write a successful CNA summary for your resume, read your resume and find a few (3–5) of your best accomplishments. Put them into a concise paragraph, along with your job title and a couple of key skills. Wrap things up with an offer to put your talents to work for the new employer’s benefit.
Here’s a CNA resume summary example to show you how your introduction could look:
“Compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant with over 5 years of experience in providing patient-centered care in long-term care facilities. Successfully supported 15+ residents daily with activities of daily living (ADLs), maintaining a 98% satisfaction rate based on patient and family feedback. Led to a 20% decrease in patient falls through diligent monitoring, improved mobility for 25% of residents through tailored exercise routines. Reduced response times by 30% when attending to patient call lights, contributing to improved patient safety. Excited to bring my expertise and dedication to Lakeview Senior Care to help enhance the quality of care and overall patient experience.”
Resume summaries are the introduction of choice for experienced candidates. If you don’t have much relevant work experience yet, write a CNA resume objective. This introduction style follows the same general structure as a summary, but with a focus on your potential and skills.
Lean on your academic achievements and supplementary experience, such as volunteering, internships, or other, unrelated jobs, to show your transferable skills.
Here’s a CNA objective resume example:
“Motivated Certified Nursing Assistant with a strong foundation in patient care from completing a CNA certification at Texas Health Careers Institute. Achieved a 98% score on the Nurse Aide Competency Exam and excelled in relevant coursework such as Infection Control, Patient Care Techniques, and Communication in Healthcare. Volunteered at Dallas General Hospital, assisting nurses with patient care and helping to reduce response times to patient needs by 15%. Eager to apply my skills and passion for helping others to deliver high-quality care at Greenfield Care Center, while contributing to a positive and supportive environment for residents.”
8. Attach a Cover Letter to Your CNA Resume
By this point, you should have a professional, effective CNA resume in front of you. All that’s missing from your application is an equally impactful cover letter to make sure you get that interview. Writing a cover letter is always a good idea, even when the employer hasn’t explicitly asked for one in the job advertisement. Consider it an opportunity to convince the recruiter to give you a call. Here’s an example of an eye-catching CNA cover letter:
Build my cover letterCNA Resume Dos and Don’ts
- Tailor your resume to each job by highlighting the specific skills and qualifications mentioned in the job posting. This helps to show that you're the perfect fit!
- Quantify your achievements. Whether it’s “assisting 20+ patients daily” or “reducing patient wait times by 15%,” numbers make your accomplishments stand out.
- Showcase both hard and soft skills. Technical and clinical skills are key in this role, but so are communication, teamwork, and empathy.
- Include unrelated experience. Keep your resume focused on healthcare or roles that show transferable skills, like communication or organization.
- Make your resume too long. Keep it concise and aim for one page. Hiring managers will appreciate being able to skim through key info quickly!
- Overload the page with too much text. Use bullet points and spacing to make your resume easy to read, and avoid cluttered sections that can overwhelm the reader.
Considering other jobs in healthcare? Take a look at related guides from our career experts:
- Healthcare Resume Example
- Nursing Resume Example
- Nursing Student Resume Example
- LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) Resume Example
- LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) Resume Example
- ICU Nurse Resume Example
- Charge Nurse Resume Example
- Medical Assistant Resume Example
- Medical Resume Example
- Resume Examples for Every Profession
Sources
- A Quick How-To for PDFs: How to View, Save, and Edit, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, accessed October 10, 2024, https://www.cgc.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/how-to-view-save-and-edit-pdfs.pdf
- How to Become a Nursing Assistant or Orderly, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed October 10, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-4
- The Top 10 Skills Every CNA Should Possess, Bryan University, accessed October 11, 2024, https://bryanuniversity.edu/faq/the-top-10-skills-every-cna-should-possess/
