Adding Cna To Resume

Atheos · Jun 14, 2008

Hi everyone,
Please tell me how/what to add to my resume? I will be finish with my CNA class July 17th and I want to find employment by July 17th or sooner. What skills should I put on my resume? What/how should I start my coverletter?
Thanks in advance,
D2BN

Honestly, if you are a CNA applying for a position, especially in a LTC facility, don't use a resume. Go to the facility and fill out the application.

Since I do the hiring at my facility I don't even look at it. I just tell them to fill out an application and go from there.

As an aside, the only prior experience that I consider 'great' for being a CNA is a) CNA somewhere else (not HHA as they have no nursing home skills) b) the military/police/ems/firefighting or anything that is severly dependant on teamwork as they just get it and tend to have a better work ethic.. most of the time. I avoid younger people like the plague and job hoppers never make it past my first look. Education really doesn't matter much to me because education really doesn't indicate much.

So if you are looking to make your resume look better... Highlight teamwork skills, independent working, ability to multitask and prioritize. Ability to follow and/or lead. Those are very important.

The most important thing however is having the initiative to come to the facility, find out who I am, find out the process for applying and following that process. Faxing or dropping off a resume and running out usually ends up with the resume in the trash.

casi, ASN, RN · Jun 14, 2008

I've always handed in a resume with an application. I've noticed in a lot of interviews that prospective employers will ask you about your resume or at least want it sitting in front of them.

When listing skills under previous jobs focus on skill that show you are good with people, have good time management skills, are able to take on responsibility and be a leader, and that you take initiative and do things that go beyond your job description.

DESTINED 2B NURSE · Jun 15, 2008

Honestly, if you are a CNA applying for a position, especially in a LTC facility, don't use a resume. Go to the facility and fill out the application.
Since I do the hiring at my facility I don't even look at it. I just tell them to fill out an application and go from there.
As an aside, the only prior experience that I consider 'great' for being a CNA is a) CNA somewhere else (not HHA as they have no nursing home skills) b) the military/police/ems/firefighting or anything that is severly dependant on teamwork as they just get it and tend to have a better work ethic.. most of the time. I avoid younger people like the plague and job hoppers never make it past my first look. Education really doesn't matter much to me because education really doesn't indicate much.
So if you are looking to make your resume look better... Highlight teamwork skills, independent working, ability to multitask and prioritize. Ability to follow and/or lead. Those are very important.
The most important thing however is having the initiative to come to the facility, find out who I am, find out the process for applying and following that process. Faxing or dropping off a resume and running out usually ends up with the resume in the trash.

Thanks so much for your insight! I went online and found 100+ LTC/rehab facilitiesI have no experience as to being a CNA. I have worked as a Medical Biller and a Unit Secretary. I want to go on to become a Nurse. I did my first clinical last Thursday at a LTCF and I really enjoyed. One resident I was feeding was quadraplegic (sp?) She told me I was going to be a great CNA:imbar Okay, I'm going off topic. Thank you so much for replying. I really appreciate your advice.

DESTINED 2B NURSE · Jun 15, 2008

I've always handed in a resume with an application. I've noticed in a lot of interviews that prospective employers will ask you about your resume or at least want it sitting in front of them.
When listing skills under previous jobs focus on skill that show you are good with people, have good time management skills, are able to take on responsibility and be a leader, and that you take initiative and do things that go beyond your job description.

I always give a resume with my app also and I always bring an extra resume to the interview because you never know. Thank you for responding.

vinnysgirl · Jun 17, 2008

Hi tomorrow I take the CNA Florida test and am looking forward to working as such. I will be furthering to be RN as well. The same for me I have been a Unit Coordinator in Dialysis center and Hosp. also a Financial counselor in Hosp. I am looking forward to becoming an ICU nurse and travel. How did you do in the job hunt?

brunette_cna · Jan 27, 2010

TO: ATHEOS or anyone who can help :heartbeat

I am a new CNA looking for work as well...I just have a quick question...When applying to places (SNF's, LTC's, etc..) what should I put for "previous job experience" on the application? I do have some caregiver experience that took place before & during my certification, but since it was under the table I kind of considered it "volunteer" work. Should I put that on my applications anyway?? Or just put the steady work that I did prior - admin, office work (which is unrelated, I know) Just seeking a clear answer because I will be filling out apps this week.

Thanks so much in advance! :cool:

sakura_k · Jan 28, 2010

As stated by Atheos, highlight the team work and the people skills you've acquired. When I was fresh out of the nursing assistant program, I actually added a section on my resume for "Clinical Experience" and mentioned where I had my clinicals and what I did. That sounded strange but the LTC places I applied to told me they liked knowing what I'd already done in the realms of being a nursing assistant (even though I was new). Once I got a job as a CNA, that part came off my resume and my actual job went on.

As far as caregiver experience, if you feel comfortable adding it to your "places I've volunteered" list, then that seems reasonable.

brunette_cna · Jan 28, 2010

Sakura -

That's a really good idea, having a clinical exp. section. I do list "100+ hours of clinical experience" on my resume but elaborating and getting a bit more specific would be a plus.

As far as the application, what did you put for your previous employers section? Just unrelated jobs that you had before or care giving work? Not being nosey, just trying to see what I should do and what has worked for others.

Many Thanks!

sakura_k · Jan 28, 2010

brunette_nurse,

I have a bit of a different background, as I was previously a special ed teacher. The job directly before my job as a CNA was as a research assistant at a psych research clinic so while I hit on the tech skills I utilized there just briefly (to acknowledge that I had those skills), I talked more about the interactions between the subjects/patients and myself and how I worked as one of a group of people. When I talked about being a teacher, I talked less about the day-to-day planning and more about the actual interactions between myself and my students and then my leadership with my assistants. And my advocacy.

Again, it all comes down on where you place the emphasis - always focus on how you work with your team in whatever job you had (unless you worked alone in which case, talk about how you're a self-starter, self-motivated, etc).

Does that help?

brunette_cna · Jan 28, 2010

sakura_k,

I see...YES, it certainly does help! You've given me a much clearer perspective on what to do (write) and how to go about it. I never thought much about placing the emphasis on my interactions w/ people when referring to (non-medical) past employers. Makes a lot of sense. Thank you so much!

sakura_k · Jan 29, 2010

My pleasure - best of luck to you! :)