Certified Nursing Assistant Resumes
Even in today's tough job market, the health care industry is still thriving and can offering rewarding careers. For many, being a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a good career with minimal training. However, once you become a nursing assistant, having a good resume is critical in getting the best job available. Keeping a few things in mind as you create your resume can greatly improve your chances of getting a good job.
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Resume Appearance
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Although some industries, such as fashion, music, and the arts, may call for certain "expressive" choices of color and design, the standards of the health care industry call for a more professional, serious look. A certified nursing assistant's resume should be on a single sheet of high-quality bond paper, preferably in a neutral tone such as white, off-white or beige.
Font styles and sizes should be standard Times New Roman or Arial, 10 or 11 point. Specific entries in the resume should be separated by bullets, section headings or related indicators to help readers easily focus on particular elements of your resume. There should always be at least a 1-inch margin on all sides. The resume should never exceed two pages.
The general rule for the appearance of a resume is that it not be distracting and that it allow potential employers the ability to see your credentials quickly and clearly.
Training/Certification
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Of course, the most important element of the resume is the content,, and CNAs should make sure their resumes reflect those credentials that are most desirable to employers.
First of all, training and certification are keys to success. CNAs typically receive their training at community/technical colleges and medical facilities; the resume should reflect the amount of training and any honors awarded. A brief list of relevant classes taken can also strengthen the resume (for example, nutrition, anatomy, nursing, etc.). Beyond actual training, a strong resume will also clearly show professional certification through The National Association for Home Care or some other national agency (specific regulations vary from state to state).
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Professional Experience
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If you want to have an effective resume, you simply have to demonstrate a strong work history. Certainly, the more work in the actual field, the better, but volunteer work at hospitals, with home health facilitators and in nursing homes can fill in gaps in actual employment and show employers an enthusiasm and dedication to the profession. List your professional experience for the last three to five years in reverse chronology (current job first). Each entry should include job title, dates of employment (or dates of service if volunteer work), and a brief description of your duties. It is crucial that the duties listed "match up" as closely as possible to the expectations of the CNA job for which you are applying. Make your experience with patients the focus of your descriptions whenever possible.
Career Overview
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Below the resume heading, give a career overview that briefly mentions the time spent in health care and a brief statement that expresses your interest in the particular position to which you are applying. Although this statement is brief, this is a great opportunity for you to express exactly why you are dedicated to and capable of serving patient needs.
References
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There is typically not enough room to include a list of references on a resume. Therefore, note that references are available upon request at the end of the resume. Prepare a separate list of references to send out if requested. The best references will be those who have intimate knowledge of your skills and dedication as a CNA. Former teachers and supervisors are good choices.
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References
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