In the healthcare industry, the role of a certified nursing assistant is integral to ensuring patient comfort.

Whether you're an experienced student ready for a promotion or a new graduate looking to enter the field, your entry-level CNA resume is an important tool to demonstrate your compassion.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating an effective document, complete with great resume examples that showcase key skills, qualifications, and achievements.

Entry-level CNA resume examples

Entry-level hospice CNA resume

Entry-level hospice CNA resume template

Entry-level hospice CNA resume sample | Plain text

Ethan Johnson

San Francisco, CA
Email: ethan.johnson@gmail.com
Phone: (415) 555-9876

Objective

Empathetic and patient-focused Certified Nursing Assistant with experience providing comfort and care to terminally ill patients. Passionate about ensuring dignity, peace, and high-quality care during end-of-life stages.

Experience

Hospice Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

San Francisco Hospice Care, CA — August 2024 – Present

  • Monitor patient vitals, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, reporting any significant changes to nursing staff.
  • Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and families, ensuring comfort during end-of-life transitions.
  • Assist with medication administration, ensuring compliance with prescribed treatments.
  • Ensure the comfort and dignity of patients by attending to their physical and emotional needs with sensitivity and respect.

CNA Intern – Hospice Program

Golden Years Hospice, San Francisco, CA — June – July 2022

  • Supported senior CNAs in providing personal care for terminally ill patients, assisting with bathing, feeding, and dressing.
  • Maintained patient records and documented care routines and vital signs.
  • Observed patient behavior and communicated concerns to nursing staff to address potential issues in care.

Education

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification

San Francisco Health Academy, CA — Graduated: June 2024

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

University of California, Berkeley, CA — Graduated: May 2023

Certifications

CPR and First Aid Certification

American Heart Association — Certification Date: July 2023

Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Assistant

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization — Certification Date: January 2022

Skills

  • Expertise in providing care for terminally ill patients
  • Compassionate communication and emotional support for patients and families
  • Proficient in monitoring vitals and observing patient changes
  • Ability to assist with end-of-life care, ensuring dignity and comfort
  • Knowledge of palliative care and hospice procedures
  • Strong emotional resilience and stress management

Languages

  • Italian (fluent)
  • German (intermediate)

Why this beginner CNA resume example is effective?

  • Ethan’s opening statement is succinct yet powerful, focusing on his passion for providing dignity and comfort to terminally ill patients.
  • Even though it's an entry-level position, his internship shows that he’s actively engaged in developing his skills from the start of his career.
  • Being fluent in Italian and having an intermediate understanding of German is a huge asset in a healthcare environment, especially in diverse regions or facilities with multilingual patients and families.

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How to format a CNA resume with no experience?
  • Choose plain fonts. Popular ones include: Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, or Helvetica.
  • Standard margins are typically 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, right).
  • Avoid excessive white space or very tight margins. Balance is key for readability.
  • For an entry-level CNA, the resume should ideally fit on one page resume.
  • Organize resume sections logically and use bullet points where appropriate to break down key responsibilities and skills.
  • Add active verbs to describe your accomplishments. This helps show initiative.
  • Avoid overly complicated or technical language unless it’s necessary for the role.
  • Keep your contact information clear. It should be located at the top.
  • Always proofread your draft for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos.
  • Incorporate keywords for resume from the job description to help your resume pass ATS.

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Resume Trick offers a variety of cool resume templates that cater to different industries and roles, allowing you to choose a design that best suits your career path.

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Entry-level pediatric CNA resume

Entry-level pediatric CNA resume example

Sophia Lee

Los Angeles, CA
Email: sophia.lee@gmail.com
Phone: (323) 555-2345

Objective

Dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant with experience providing compassionate care to pediatric patients. Passionate about delivering quality care and building rapport with children and their families in a clinical or hospital setting.

Experience

Pediatric Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CA — June 2024 – Present

  • Assist pediatric patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, providing gentle care to children of varying ages.
  • Monitor patients' vital signs, ensuring any changes in health status are reported to nursing staff.
  • Create a comforting and engaging environment for children during hospital stays, using age-appropriate activities and games.
  • Work closely with pediatric nurses and doctors to ensure the best possible care for patients.

CNA Intern – Pediatric Care

Los Angeles General Medical Center, CA — January – May 2023

  • Supported pediatric patients with basic daily care tasks and assisted with mobility and physical activities.
  • Observed and documented patient conditions and communicated changes to nursing teams.
  • Provided support to children’s families, offering comfort and information during challenging hospital visits.

Education

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification

Los Angeles Health Institute, CA — Graduated: May 2024

Associate of Science in Nursing

Los Angeles Community College, CA — Graduated: May 2024

Certifications

CPR and First Aid Certification

American Heart Association — Certification Date: June 2023

Pediatric CNA Training

National Association of Pediatric Nursing Assistants — Certification Date: February 2022

Skills

  • Pediatric patient care and assistance with daily living activities
  • Strong communication with young patients and families
  • Vital sign monitoring and documentation
  • Knowledge of pediatric medical terminology and procedures
  • Compassionate and empathetic approach to pediatric care
  • Ability to create a safe and nurturing environment for children

Why this beginner certified nursing assistant resume sample works?

  • By listing both the certification and an Associate of Science, the document demonstrates that the candidate is up-to-date with their qualifications.
  • The layout is clean and easy to read, with clear resume headings, bullet points, and consistent formatting.
  • Each point emphasizes specific tasks, demonstrating hands-on experience and competency in the role.
How to choose between CNA student resume objective and summary?

A resume objective is a short, focused statement that highlights your goals, what you want to achieve, and how you can contribute to the employer.

When to use?

  • If you’re new to the sphere.
  • If you're transitioning into healthcare from another field.

Example of an entry-level CNA resume objective:

Certified Nursing Assistant with internship experience in long-term care, seeking to leverage hands-on training and passion for patient well-being in an entry-level CNA position.

A resume summary is a brief section that outlines your qualifications in a few sentences.

When to use?

  • If you have previous CNA experience, internships, or healthcare-related training.
  • If you have developed specific skills.

Example of an entry-level CNA resume summary:

Certified Nursing Assistant trained in providing care for patients with mental health conditions. Skilled in supporting patients with daily living activities, including eating, bathing, and dressing, while maintaining a calm and supportive environment. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities to effectively assist in psychiatric care settings.

How to list education on a resume for CNA with no experience?
  • Always place the most recent credential at the top.
  • Start with the type of the certification.
  • Name the accredited institution, school, or university where you received the diploma.
  • Include the city and state.
  • Define the month and year you completed the program.
  • If relevant, add coursework, especially if you're a recent graduate.
  • You can also mention any honors or achievements.

Home health entry-level CNA resume

Home health entry-level CNA resume template

Home health entry-level CNA resume sample | Plain text

James Anderson

Miami, FL
Email: james.anderson@gmail.com
Phone: (786) 555-6789

Objective

Reliable and self-motivated Certified Nursing Assistant with experience providing in-home care to elderly and disabled patients. Adept at working independently, managing patient schedules, and offering compassionate care in a home environment.

Experience

Home Health Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Comfort Care Home Health Agency, Miami, FL — March 2024 – Present

  • Provide in-home assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding.
  • Assist patients with mobility and transfers, ensuring safe and comfortable movement around their homes.
  • Monitor patient vitals and document changes, providing accurate records for healthcare professionals.
  • Maintain cleanliness of patient living areas and ensure proper medication management.

CNA – In-Home Caregiver

Private Caregiver Services, Miami, FL — June 2023 – February 2024

  • Provided care for elderly patients with chronic illnesses, ensuring comfort and safety.
  • Assisted with light housekeeping, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
  • Coordinated with family members and medical professionals to ensure the patient’s care needs were met.

Education

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification

Miami Medical Institute, FL — Graduated: May 2024

Associate in Health Sciences

Miami-Dade College, FL — Graduated: May 2023

Certifications

CPR and First Aid Certification

American Heart Association — Certification Date: January 2023

Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)

Florida Department of Health — Certification Date: March 2022

Skills

  • In-home patient care and assistance
  • Medication management and scheduling
  • Vital sign monitoring and documentation
  • Compassionate communication with elderly patients and families
  • Ability to work independently in a home care setting
  • Knowledge of infection control protocols

Strong sides of this sample nursing student resume with no experience:

  • James’s ability to work independently in home health care is emphasized, showcasing his trustworthiness.
  • The document outlines specific tasks, from vital sign monitoring to medication management, demonstrating his competence.
  • Key sections are clearly defined and easy to navigate, making a great first impression.
How to put experience on a beginner CNA resume?
  • Start with the most recent occupation at the top and go backward.
  • Ensure each job listed has an official title.
  • Mention the facility, healthcare provider, or agency where you worked.
  • Provide the city and state. Always list the month and year for the start and end of each position.
  • Break down responsibilities into bullet points for ease of reading.
  • Where applicable, include quantifiable details to show your impact.

If you’re an entry-level CNA with limited formal experience, volunteering or internships are a great addition to this section.

What are the main CNA skills for resume?
  • Hard skills for resume refer to teachable abilities that are often technical and can be measured. They are learned through education, training, or hands-on experience and are often essential to performing tasks required for a job.
  • Soft skills for resume are interpersonal attributes that influence how individuals interact with others, solve problems, and navigate their environment. They are difficult to measure but are essential for working effectively within a team.

Hard skills for CNA resume:

  • Patient care (bathing, dressing, feeding, grooming)
  • Vital signs monitoring (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
  • Medication administration
  • Basic nursing procedures (wound care, catheter care)
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • Infection control protocols
  • Charting and documentation (EHR systems)
  • Mobility assistance (transfers, ambulation)
  • Personal hygiene assistance
  • Knowledge of medical terminology
  • Basic life support (BLS)
  • Medical equipment operation (BP cuff, thermometers, etc.)
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Dietary support and meal preparation
  • Patient observation and reporting
  • HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality

Soft skills for CNA resume:

  • Empathy
  • Communication (verbal and written)
  • Patience
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Adaptability
  • Active listening
  • Compassion
  • Stress management
  • Positive attitude
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional resilience
  • Cultural competence

Conclusion

This collection of entry-level CNA resume examples provides a range of templates suited for different healthcare settings.

By following these samples, you can create a tailored document that highlights your qualifications and skills, helping you take the next step in your nursing career.

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