Starting a career as a nursing assistant? This article is here to help. Discover effective resume examples and strategic advice tailored for entry-level positions. Learn how to highlight your skills, experience, and training to catch employers' attention. We provide clear tips to ensure your resume stands out in healthcare.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for nursing assistants.
Highlight Your Impact With Numbers: The best resumes use numbers to show impact. Common metrics include
Show Relevant Skills From Job Description: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Show Readiness For The Job: Show that you are ready for the job by including sample phrases like
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As a hiring manager looking at resumes for an entry-level nursing assistant, I would expect to see the education section prominently placed at the top. This is particularly important if you are recently graduated or still in school. It shows that you have the necessary training and skills for the job. Make sure to include any certifications or licenses that are essential for the role, such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials.
In the education section, focus on relevant coursework and clinical experience. Share details of your hands-on training, such as patient care, basic nursing skills, and knowledge of medical terminology. This practical experience is crucial and must be easy for the hiring manager to find on your resume. By presenting your educational background upfront, you immediately align with the expectations for this type of role.
Highlight skills like patient care, taking vital signs, and assisting with daily activities. These are essential for a nursing assistant role.
Include soft skills like communication and empathy, which are important for patient interaction and teamwork in healthcare settings.
For an entry-level nursing assistant, it's best to keep your resume to one page. You should focus on presenting your most relevant qualifications and experiences clearly and briefly. Highlight your clinical experience and any hands-on training you have received. By being concise, you ensure that hiring managers can quickly see your fit for the role without being overwhelmed by too much information.
When you prepare your resume, remember to include details like any certifications, such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and skills that are directly related to patient care and support. If you have completed internships or volunteer work in healthcare settings, these should take precedence over less relevant information. This helps to show your dedication and direct exposure to healthcare environments. Ensure that your contact information, education, and relevant skills are easy to find and read.
Include any clinical internships or volunteer work in healthcare facilities. This practical experience is highly valued by employers.
Specify the tasks you performed, such as helping with patient hygiene, moving patients, or managing medical records. These details show your hands-on experience.
Understanding applicant tracking systems (ATS) can help you get noticed. These systems scan your resume before a hiring manager sees it. Make sure your resume is ATS-friendly so it reaches the right people.
Here are some tips to help you:
When you apply for a job as an entry-level nursing assistant, it's key to show you have the skills and focus needed for this role. Tailor your resume so it talks clearly to the job you want. This can set you apart from others.
As you create your resume, include skills that show you are ready for an entry-level nursing assistant role. You don't need to list every skill you have. Pick the ones that best fit the job you want.
Here's a list of important skills to consider:
Include these skills in a clear section on your resume. This helps systems that scan resumes see your fit for the job. You do not have to include all these skills. Just pick the ones that match your training and the role you seek. For example, if the job needs someone good with medical equipment, make sure you include
When you list your experiences as a nursing assistant, it's good to show how you made a real difference. Numbers can help a lot here. They make your impact clear and easy to see. Think about your past roles and try to remember times when you helped to improve things. Even if you're not sure of the exact number, a good estimate works too.
Here are some ways you can do this:
Remember, these numbers help to show the value you bring as a nursing assistant. They make it easier for hiring managers to see what you can do. Your goal is to give clear examples of how you help and to make sure these are easy to understand.
When you apply as a nursing assistant, consider the type of employer. If you target a smaller company or startup, like a local clinic or private practice, they might value a resume that shows you can wear many hats. Highlight experiences where you've shown versatility and the ability to adapt to different roles. For a big hospital chain like Kaiser Permanente or the Mayo Clinic, they might look for candidates who can follow strict processes and protocols. Emphasize any training in standards of care and compliance with health regulations.
In your resume, for a small company, you might include phrases like 'adapted to various patient care scenarios' or 'supported multiple departments during staffing shortages.' For larger organizations, consider adding 'trained in HIPAA and patient privacy protocols' and 'experienced in high-volume patient care settings.' Remember, these are just examples to inspire your own descriptions.
Always make sure you show your willingness to learn and your commitment to patient care, no matter the size of the company. These qualities are universally appreciated in the healthcare field.