A well-crafted resume is essential for any nursing assistant looking to secure a position in the healthcare industry. A nursing assistant, also known as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or nursing aide, plays a vital role in providing basic care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). When creating a nursing assistant resume, it is crucial to highlight relevant skills, certifications, and experiences that demonstrate competence and compassion in patient care.
Nursing Assistant Resume Structure and Content
A typical nursing assistant resume should include several key sections: contact information, summary or objective statement, education and certifications, work experience, and skills. Each section should be carefully tailored to showcase the applicant’s qualifications and achievements in the field. For instance, the summary or objective statement should clearly outline the applicant’s career goals and relevant experience, while the education and certifications section should list all relevant training programs and certifications, such as the CNA certification.
Education and Certifications
The education and certifications section is a critical component of a nursing assistant resume. This section should include the name of the nursing assistant training program attended, the date of completion, and the certification earned. For example, a candidate might list “Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program, XYZ Community College, Completed: January 2020, Certified: February 2020.” Additionally, any specialized training or certifications, such as basic life support (BLS) or CPR certification, should be included in this section.
| Certification | Date Earned |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | February 2020 |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) | March 2020 |
| CPR Certification | April 2020 |
Work Experience and Skills
The work experience section should provide a detailed account of the applicant’s relevant work experience, including job titles, dates of employment, and a brief description of job responsibilities and achievements. For example, a nursing assistant might list “Nursing Assistant, ABC Nursing Home, January 2020 - Present, Provided basic care to residents, including bathing, dressing, and feeding, and assisted with vital sign collection and medication administration.” The skills section should highlight relevant technical skills, such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and phlebotomy, as well as soft skills, such as communication and teamwork.
Technical Skills
Technical skills are essential for nursing assistants, as they are often required to use specialized equipment and software. Some examples of technical skills that might be included in a nursing assistant resume include:
- Electronic medical records (EMRs)
- Phlebotomy
- Vital sign collection
- Medication administration
- Basic life support (BLS)
- CPR certification
Sample Nursing Assistant Resume
Here is a sample nursing assistant resume that demonstrates the key elements and structure discussed above:
Contact Information:
John Doe, CNA
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345
(555) 555-5555, johndoe@email.com
Summary:
Dedicated and compassionate certified nursing assistant with 2 years of experience providing basic care to patients in a long-term care setting. Skilled in electronic medical records, phlebotomy, and vital sign collection. Certified in basic life support and CPR.
Education and Certifications:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program, XYZ Community College, Completed: January 2020, Certified: February 2020
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, American Heart Association, March 2020
CPR Certification, American Red Cross, April 2020
Work Experience:
Nursing Assistant, ABC Nursing Home, January 2020 - Present
Provided basic care to residents, including bathing, dressing, and feeding, and assisted with vital sign collection and medication administration.
Nursing Assistant, DEF Hospital, June 2018 - December 2019
Assisted with patient care, including taking vital signs, collecting lab samples, and providing emotional support to patients and families.
Skills:
Electronic medical records (EMRs)
Phlebotomy
Vital sign collection
Medication administration
Basic life support (BLS)
CPR certification
Communication
Teamwork
What are the key elements of a nursing assistant resume?
+The key elements of a nursing assistant resume include contact information, summary or objective statement, education and certifications, work experience, and skills. Each section should be carefully tailored to showcase the applicant’s qualifications and achievements in the field.
How do I highlight my technical skills on a nursing assistant resume?
+Technical skills should be highlighted in the skills section of the resume, and should include specific examples of equipment and software used, such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and phlebotomy. Additionally, certifications such as basic life support (BLS) and CPR certification should be included in the education and certifications section.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a nursing assistant resume?
+Common mistakes to avoid when creating a nursing assistant resume include failing to tailor the resume to the specific job, including irrelevant information, and neglecting to proofread for errors. Additionally, it is essential to be specific and accurate when listing technical skills and certifications, as this information will be used to assess the applicant’s qualifications for the position.
