CNA Jobs

Here is a CNA Resume for someone who has work experience but would like to get a new job. Remember that your resume is the first step to a potential job so it is vital for it to be perfect in every way. Your employer will not call you for an interview if he is not impressed by your resume.

If you have just finished your CNA Program and are looking for a job to get started, here are a few quick links that can help you in writing a successful resume and writing your first resume as a CNA.

Guide to resume writing

Writing your first resume as a CNA with no experience

This article includes 2 CNA resume examples for someone with experience. You should include a cover sheet and your contact information for each of these resumes.

here’s the first one.

Contact Information: You should include your full contact information in this part of the resume on the cover sheet, this will include details like: Full Name, Address, Mobile Numbers, Email, Etc.

Objective: Seeking full time position in which to elaborate on my skills as a C.N.A. and further my experience in a clinical setting.

Skills and Qualifications: Since you aren’t entry level, you may have more to include in this area.

Highly Qualified State Certified C.N.A since 1999

CPR and First Aid certified April 05, 2011

Proficient in Medent Computer system

Attended in-services regularly

Prompt answering of call lights

Have cared for residents of various ages in various areas of expertise including Med-Surg , Geriatrics and Mental Health

Education: This will be where you list your education history.

C.N.A. Certification obtained at Talihina Vocational School May, 10, 1999.

Completed State Mandated Education Courses

Continuing Education completed at regular in-services via St. Mary’s Medical Center

HIPAA Training seminar attended with certification obtained April 20, 2011

Experience: Along with your basic skills, you can elaborate any special skills you may have performed while working.

Saint Mary’s Medical Center from June 25^th, 2000 – Present

Worked  in the Mental Health Ward, assisted patients with A.D.L.s such as shaving, bathing, light housekeeping, reported changes in patient mood or status, monitored patients on suicide watch and patients on detox status.

Worked Med-Surg with attending to patients of all ages with various conditions, performed basic C.N.A. duties, monitored I & O, observed patients receiving IV medications, reported changes in condition to charge nurse.

References: You will also need to include references and contact information.

Paula Pratt, BSN, Patient Care Coordinator,

555-556-5555

PaulaP@St.Mary’s.com

—end—

Here is the second example. You will need to begin with a cover sheet.  Then follow with your objective.

Objective: Qualified and capable C.N.A. seeking flexible, part time, Home Care, position while attending L.P.N. program.

Skills and Qualifications: You will list any positive skills and qualifications that you have acquired during your experience as a C.N.A.

Certified C.N.A. since 1992

ACLS certified

Certified to perform EKGs

Commendable bedside manner and able to build trust with patients

Excels in multi-tasking

Works well with others

Reliable and prompt

Obtains and records vital signs accurately

Education: List any education you have obtained during your journey as a C.N.A.

C.N.A Program completed and certification obtained via Hartford Technology Center May, 10, 1992

CPR and First Aid Certification obtained May 14^th, 2011

In house training for dietary guidelines for the cardiac patient acquired December 2^nd, 1999

Experience: Again, list any past work experience that you have acquired.

Cardiology Health Center September 1999 – present

Provides safe environment for patient, assists patients post procedures with ambulating, dressing, and observes knowledge deficits that may require further teaching from the R.N.

Obtains vital signs, assists patients with ADL’s and reinforces instruction from nurses and Physicians.

Heartland Home Health Care May 25^th 1992 – August 1999

Made home care visits to patient’s homes: assisted with ADL’s bathing, making light meals, grocery shopping, reporting changes in patient status to charge nurse.

References: List your references after asking permission.

Dr. Moses Gelato, Cardiologist

555-565-5655

HeartDr@lifeline.com

Heather Amos, BSN

575-575-5575

AmosH@yoohoo.com

These resumes represent 2 different C.N.A.s, each with various levels of skill and experience.   When you write your resume, follow the basic resume structure but make certain that it is tailored to meet your needs.  A proper representation of yourself is the best way to secure a career path that is beneficial for you and your employer.  Good luck!

If you found this article informative, please recommend it to your friends and family.

Written by Stephanie Dubenezic RN, LPN

The key to finding success as a working C.N.A. begins with an interview.  Attending an interview can be an intimidating experience.  You may second guess your abilities or feel put on the spot when direct questions are asked.  There are some things you can do to make the interview a positive experience.

Be Prepared:

Preparation for an interview is essential.  The last thing you want to do is to enter into an interview for a health care position and seem unsure of yourself or your abilities.  Do some research about the facility, and investigate the description of the position for which you will be applying for and all that the position will entail.  You will not only have a better idea of what the potential employer may ask of you during the interview process but,  you will also have a better indication as to how you will answer.

Look the Part:

You have heard the old adage, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.”  This is especially true when applying for a position in a competitive field such as health care.  You should maintain a well kept, clean appearance, and you should assert positive affect as well.  Scrubs are generally not proper interview attire.  Wear something casual and try not to overdo.  Try to wear something that flatters you and that you are comfortable in.

Represent Yourself:

An interview can either make or break you.  The sole purpose of an interview is to give a potential employer the opportunity to surmise your credentials and competence regarding the position for which you are applying.  The interview itself is but a brief moment for you to show a potential employer whether or not you meet the qualifications necessary to carry out the job.  Be sure to highlight your past experience, education, volunteer work and any positive traits that you may possess in relation to the prospective position.

Show Interest:

One way you can show a probable employer that you are interested in working for them is to do just that.  Show interest.  Show up to the interview on time.  Ask some questions regarding the position you are applying for and be somewhat knowledgeable about the facility and staff.   Let the employer know through your facial expressions and attitude that you are up to the task.  You must try to maintain an optimistic persona.  If you are having a terrible day or are unprepared, you may want to reschedule the interview for a later date if possible.

Be Professional:

You should behave in a professional manner during an interview.  Try to be honest without revealing too much personal information.  For example, you should never speak poorly of a past employer or divulge any personal problems that you may have.  A potential employer will most likely not find this appealing.  Try to keep your personal life somewhat private.  Small talk is acceptable if the employer asks you a direct question regarding children and child care arrangements and such, but you should customarily try to adhere to the topic of employment as much as possible.

Make Yourself Stand Out:

One way to secure a position of employment is to stand out from the rest of the applicants.  I do not infer that you should come into a job interview with your hair dyed hot pink.  Here are a few appropriate ways to shine.  Be courteous and respectful.  Good manners and a smile will never go unnoticed.   Be organized.   Put forth a little extra effort when presenting your resume.   For example, present your resume or portfolio in a neat, organized and easy to read format and include a professional folder to submit to a potential employer.  Preserve good posture and maintain good eye contact.

The health care field is a competitive, ever changing and challenging profession, but with a little preparation and planning on your part, you can soon be an interview success and secure the C.N.A position that is right for you.   Good luck!

Written by Stephanie Dubenezic RN, LPN

A resume is very important as it is the first glimpse an employer will have of a potential employee.   As a C.N.A. you must know that the field of health care is a highly competitive and challenging line of work.  Therefore, you must ensure that your resume is a proper reflection of your capabilities.  Here is a sample resumes for a C.N.A.,this sample resume is geared toward the entry level C.N.A.

You have finally completed the C.N.A. program and you should now have your certification.  It makes sense that you are ready to seek employment.  A well put together resume can help you achieve your goals as an employee.  If you are fresh out of school, then this first sample resume is for you. The second one is for those who have some experience working as a cna and it can be found here:

CNA Resume for those who have work Experience

Also see:

How to write a successful resume

 

The following is what you include in your resume if this is your first time:

Contact Information: You will include your contact information in the first portion of the resume on your cover sheet.   Make sure your information is current and accurate.

Your full name

Current address

Telephone numbers

Email if applicable

Objective: This is where you state what you wish to accomplish in a position of employment.

Certified Nurse’s Assistant seeking challenging position in which to expand upon my skills and knowledge base.

Skills and Qualifications: You should list your certifications and any skills you may possess and the date that you obtained them. You should include tasks that show your capabilities. Since you are a new C.N.A. basic skills are acceptable.

For example:

C.N.A. certification obtained May 05, 2011

CPR and First Aid Certification completed April 25, 2011

Able to provide care safely and effectively

Proficient in basic skills, bathing, shaving, bed making, feeding, vital signs as ordered

Promptly attends to needs of patient

Willing to learn new skills

Excellent communication with other members of health care team; follows appropriate chain of command

Proficient in Safety Procedures

Knowledgeable in medical terminology

Charts effectively

Education: This is where you list any education that could help you in your employment

Attended Leonard Vocational School C.N.A program, obtained certification May 30, 2011

Computer Basics Course complete

State Mandated Barrier Precaution Course Completed June 01, 2011

Experience: This may include some of your skills obtained during your time at school. You should also include the dates attended. You may also include some employment that is non medical related to establish responsibility.

Leonard Vocational School C.N.A. clinical rotation from Feb. 18^th, 2011- April 12, 2011

Patient care performed as ordered, assisted with feeding, bathing, light housekeeping, simple wound care etc.  Reported changes in patient status to charge nurse, obtained vitals, charted effectively

Sunshine Daycare

Cared for children ages 0-2 years for 8 hours a day, changed diapers, feeding, filled out incident reports for injury or illness. Light cleaning performed.

References: Lastly, be sure to include references. As an entry level C.N.A., it is acceptable to include an instructor or a charge nurse who supervised your work while in school. Just ask their permission first before including them as a reference.

Sandra Benforsio, BSN, C.N.A. Program Instructor

555-555-5252

Benforsio@Voc.org.

Dayton P. Gurney, RN, charge nurse at St. Peter’s Hospital

555-555-5555

DPG@yoohoo.com

After You’ve written and sent in your request, If you’re successful they will call you for an interview. Here are some quick tips of what you can expect in an interview:

CNA Interview Tips

CNA Interview Questions

Written by Stephanie Dubenezic RN, LPN

The hiring process for a CNA begins with an application followed by a resume, and if you are fortunate, you may receive an invitation to an interview.  There are a few things to consider before attending an interview.

An interview is a potential employer’s first true impression of you.  Your CNA Resume was a success, but now you must illustrate your strengths face to face.  Many people may feel put on the spot during an interview, so it is always a good idea to have a general understanding of what you might be asked.  The interviewer should have a copy of your resume, but it is always a good idea to bring a copy for yourself as a reference for the interview.

An employer will almost always ask why you want to work for them.  Think about this before you arrive at the interview.  You want to answer honestly and your answer should be genuine, but try to avoid the old clichés associated with health care.  Try to avoid saying your reasoning for seeking employment there is because you want to help people.  Of course you want to help people or you wouldn’t have chosen a position of service as a career option.  This statement may very well be true but it is overused and doesn’t really answer the question.  What can this potential place of employment do to advance your career and accommodate your lifestyle?

An acceptable answer to this question could be that you would like to broaden your horizons and expand upon your knowledge base as a C.N.A.   You could also be seeking a challenge or just want a stable, full time job with great benefits.  You may simply be looking for employment that fits well with your child’s school schedule.  Think about what you are seeking and be honest with yourself and your interviewer.  It will benefit you in the long run to ensure your needs are met.

Another question that is commonly asked during a job interview is regarding your work history.  A potential employer will want to know your employment background and working experience to better judge whether or not you are qualified for the job.  You don’t have to list every job that you have ever had.  Elaborate on the most recent one first and include any special skills or training that you received while working there.  Generally, the interviewer will guide you regarding how much information they need.  Take a brief pause and let them lead.  If they want more information, they will ask.

The topic of payment is sure to come up.  Sometimes an employer will ask you the amount of payment that you desire or they will simply tell you how much the position pays.  It is acceptable to discuss a higher rate of pay.  A C.N.A. with 15 years of experience should expect to earn a higher wage than an entry level C.N.A.  If you feel that the offered amount is well below your capabilities then you should definitely discuss this with your employer.  If the amount is a set rate and the employer will not budge on that amount then you could inquire about a probable opportunity for a pay rate increase and the details and time frame involved.   If you are still unsatisfied with the proposed rate of payment then perhaps you should seek employment elsewhere.  An entry level C.N.A. may want to consider a job with reasonable pay and good benefits to start with and then look for advancement after you gain a little working experience.

The sole purpose of an interview is to find a position of employment that is right for you and for the employer to find an employee right for the position.  Not every position that you interview for will be the right fit for you or for the employer. Try not to become discouraged.  If you go into an interview with a positive attitude and direct sense of what you are seeking in a position of employment, then you are sure to find a position that will be beneficial and satisfactory to both you and your employer.

Related Articles that will help you with your Interview:

Interview Tips for CNA’s

Salary Expectations based on your work experience

Written by Stephanie Dubenezic RN, LPN

You will certainly want a general idea of a cna job description if you will be working as a certified nursing assistant.  The exact job duties will vary depending on the healthcare setting in which you work and the state in which you are employed.

Most certified nursing assistants will be responsible for monitoring patient vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.  Other signs might also be monitored.  Nursing assistants will typically have various information that they will chart in a patient’s record.

Certified nursing assistants are often the first person to answer a patient’s call bell.  They can help to get more blankets for a patient, get them a drink and in some cases deliver their meals. You might perform some other duties for a patient as requested.

Nursing assistants are typically responsible for helping patient’s to dress, bathe or go to the restroom if they are unable to do so on their own.  CNAs will bathe and change patients who are unable to do this for themselves.  Nursing assistants can help with other aspects of grooming.

Most nursing assistants will help patients with activities of daily living.  Again, the ext cna job description will depend on what type of healthcare setting a person is employed by and where they are employed.

Patients often need to be transported whether it is in their bed or in their wheelchair.  Nursing assistants often help to move patients.  You will often help individuals to safely walk to their location if they are using a cane or a walker as well.

When you work as a nursing assistant, part of your job description could be to keep a patient’s room clean and organized.  You might be responsible for making beds or for helping to make beds and to change linens.

If you work in a home health setting, your job description can include even more duties.  It is not uncommon for home health certified nursing assistants to be expected to do some light household duties or even to cook some light meals for clients.

Home health nursing assistants often provide companionship for clients.  You might go with patients to their appointments or physical therapy.  It might also be necessary to go with clients to hair appointments, shopping and to complete other tasks.

Some certified nursing assistants complete even more duties depending on their training.  If you have training in other areas of healthcare, you could complete additional tasks.  For example, if you are a certified lab technician, you might be hired to also draw blood from patients.

You might be able to complete even more tasks as a nursing assistant if you live in a state with advanced nursing assistant training.  Some states have specialized training for skilled nursing assistants who want to advance their career.  In cases such as these, you might very well be asked to perform even more duties.

You should ask to see the cna job description for nursing assistants when applying for employment with a healthcare facility.  This will provide you with a basic understanding of the tasks you will complete if hired to work for that employer.