55 CNA Skills That Get You Hired in 2026
ADLs, Vital Signs, Patient Care & Healthcare Keywords for Your Resume
Building a Certified Nursing Assistant resume that gets callbacks from hospitals and long-term care facilities? With 211,800 annual job openings, average salaries of $39,000-$42,000, and steady 4-5% growth, CNA is a stable healthcare career path. This guide covers the clinical skills employers prioritize—from Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and vital signs to infection control—plus the certification and EHR keywords that pass healthcare HR screening.
In this guide, you'll discover the patient care skills and technical competencies that make CNA resumes stand out. The 2025/2026 healthcare landscape emphasizes person-centered care, accurate documentation, and a growing need for CNAs in home health and hospice settings. We've organized skills by clinical category and experience level, with achievement-focused bullet examples that showcase your compassion and clinical competence.
State Certification Required
CNA certification requirements vary by state but typically require 75-160 hours of training and passing both written and skills competency exams. Always list your state certification prominently on your resume.
Tip
Quantify your patient care: 'Provided ADL assistance to 12+ residents per shift' proves more value than 'helped patients with daily activities' to nursing home administrators.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Skills by Experience Level
Entry-Level CNA (0-1 years)
Mastering basic patient care, vital signs, and documentation under supervision.
- 1ADL assistance
- 2Vital signs monitoring
- 3Basic patient transfers
- 4Hand hygiene and PPE
- 5Documentation basics
- 6Infection control
- 7Communication with nurses
- 8Patient safety awareness
Experienced CNA (2-5 years)
Handling specialized care, training new CNAs, and working more independently.
- 1Dementia and memory care
- 2Complex patient transfers
- 3Catheter and ostomy care
- 4Wound observation
- 5Training new staff members
- 6Care plan familiarity
- 7Advanced documentation
- 8Emergency response
Senior CNA / Team Lead (5+ years)
Leading CNA teams, mentoring staff, and contributing to care planning.
- 1Team supervision
- 2Staff scheduling support
- 3Quality improvement
- 4Care plan participation
- 5New hire orientation
- 6Regulatory compliance
- 7Advanced skill competencies
- 8Leadership abilities
Hard Skills for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resumes
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Bathing, Dressing, Feeding, Toileting & Mobility
Resume Examples
- Provided ADL assistance to 15+ residents per shift including bathing and dressing
- Helped patients with feeding, grooming, and personal hygiene while respecting dignity
- Assisted with toileting and incontinence care following facility protocols
- Supported resident mobility including bed-to-wheelchair transfers safely
Tip: ADL assistance is the core of CNA work. Show you can help patients maintain dignity while completing essential tasks.
Vital Signs Monitoring
Temperature, Pulse, Blood Pressure, Respirations, O2 Sat
Resume Examples
- Monitored and documented vital signs for 20+ patients per shift accurately
- Measured temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels
- Identified abnormal vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff immediately
- Maintained accurate vital signs documentation in electronic health records
Tip: Accurate vital signs measurement is critical. Show you can identify and report abnormal findings promptly.
Patient Transfers & Mobility
Gait Belts, Mechanical Lifts, Ambulation Assistance
Resume Examples
- Performed safe bed-to-chair transfers using gait belts and proper body mechanics
- Operated Hoyer lifts and sit-to-stand devices following manufacturer guidelines
- Ambulated patients in hallways to maintain mobility and prevent deconditioning
- Repositioned bedbound patients every 2 hours to prevent pressure ulcers
Tip: Safe patient handling prevents injuries. Show you know proper body mechanics and transfer equipment.
Infection Control
Hand Hygiene, PPE, Standard Precautions
Resume Examples
- Maintained strict hand hygiene compliance exceeding facility benchmarks
- Applied standard precautions and PPE correctly for all patient interactions
- Followed isolation protocols for patients with infectious conditions
- Disposed of contaminated materials according to safety guidelines
Tip: Infection control protects patients and staff. Show you follow protocols consistently.
Documentation & Charting
EHR, Patient Records, Care Notes
Resume Examples
- Documented patient care activities in EHR systems accurately and timely
- Charted vital signs, intake/output, and ADL completion for each shift
- Maintained accurate records of patient behavior and condition changes
- Used PointClickCare and MatrixCare for resident documentation
Tip: Accurate documentation is legally required. Show you can chart thoroughly and on time.
Catheter & Ostomy Care
Foley Care, Colostomy Bags, Output Monitoring
Resume Examples
- Provided Foley catheter care including cleaning and output measurement
- Emptied and changed colostomy and urostomy bags following sterile technique
- Monitored and recorded urinary and bowel output accurately
- Reported signs of urinary tract infection to nursing staff promptly
Tip: Catheter care skills are valued in skilled nursing facilities. Show attention to hygiene and output monitoring.
Specimen Collection
Urine Samples, Stool Specimens, Blood Glucose
Resume Examples
- Collected urine and stool specimens using proper technique and labeling
- Performed fingerstick blood glucose testing and documented results
- Ensured specimen integrity through proper handling and timely transport
- Followed chain of custody procedures for specimen collection
Tip: Proper specimen collection ensures accurate lab results. Show you follow collection protocols.
Range of Motion Exercises
Passive ROM, Active ROM, Contracture Prevention
Resume Examples
- Assisted patients with passive range of motion exercises for all extremities
- Encouraged active ROM exercises to maintain joint flexibility
- Documented ROM activities and patient tolerance in care notes
- Followed physical therapy care plans for rehabilitation patients
Tip: ROM exercises help maintain patient function. Show you can assist with therapeutic exercises safely.
Skin Care & Wound Observation
Pressure Ulcer Prevention, Skin Integrity Assessment
Resume Examples
- Assessed skin integrity during bathing and reported changes to nursing staff
- Repositioned patients every 2 hours to prevent pressure ulcer development
- Applied barrier creams and lotions to protect fragile skin
- Documented skin observations including redness, bruising, and breakdown
Tip: Early identification of skin breakdown prevents serious complications. Show you observe and report skin changes.
Nutrition & Hydration
Feeding Assistance, Meal Documentation, Fluid Intake
Resume Examples
- Assisted patients with feeding while following texture-modified diet orders
- Encouraged fluid intake and documented consumption accurately
- Set up meal trays and positioned patients for safe eating
- Reported appetite changes and swallowing difficulties to nursing staff
Tip: Proper nutrition support is essential for patient recovery. Show you monitor intake carefully.
Dementia & Alzheimer's Care
Memory Care, Behavioral Support, Redirection
Resume Examples
- Provided compassionate care to memory care residents with dementia
- Used redirection techniques to manage agitation and wandering behaviors
- Maintained calm and reassuring presence for confused patients
- Followed individualized care plans for Alzheimer's disease patients
Tip: Dementia care requires patience and specialized techniques. Show you can handle challenging behaviors.
End-of-Life & Hospice Care
Comfort Care, Family Support, Dignity Preservation
Resume Examples
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care focusing on patient comfort
- Supported families during the dying process with empathy and respect
- Maintained patient dignity and comfort during final days
- Followed hospice care protocols for pain management and symptom relief
Tip: Hospice care requires emotional strength and compassion. Show you can provide comfort in difficult situations.
Not sure which skills to highlight? Our Skills Finder analyzes job descriptions and recommends the best skills for your resume. Learn more →
Soft Skills Every Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Needs
Compassion & Empathy
Emotional Support, Patient Dignity, Kindness
Resume Examples
- Demonstrated genuine compassion while caring for vulnerable patient populations
- Treated each resident with dignity and respect regardless of condition
- Provided emotional support to patients experiencing fear or loneliness
- Created warm and caring environment that patients and families appreciated
Tip: Compassion is the heart of nursing care. Show you treat patients as individuals deserving respect.
Communication
Verbal, Written, Reporting to Nurses
Resume Examples
- Communicated patient condition changes to nurses promptly and accurately
- Documented care activities using clear and concise language
- Explained procedures to patients in understandable terms
- Participated in shift handoff reporting providing complete patient updates
Tip: Clear communication keeps the care team informed. Show you report changes accurately and promptly.
Patience
Calm Demeanor, Difficult Situations, Elderly Care
Resume Examples
- Maintained patience while assisting slow-moving elderly residents
- Remained calm when working with confused or agitated patients
- Took time to listen to patient concerns and address needs thoroughly
- Provided unhurried care that made patients feel valued and respected
Tip: Patience is essential when caring for elderly or cognitively impaired patients.
Teamwork
Collaboration, Supporting Colleagues, Care Coordination
Resume Examples
- Collaborated with nurses, therapists, and dietary staff to provide holistic care
- Assisted colleagues during busy periods to ensure all residents received care
- Participated in care planning meetings contributing CNA observations
- Maintained positive working relationships with all care team members
Tip: CNAs work as part of a care team. Show you collaborate effectively with nurses and other staff.
Attention to Detail
Observation, Accuracy, Safety Awareness
Resume Examples
- Observed subtle changes in patient condition and reported them promptly
- Maintained 100% accuracy in vital signs documentation and charting
- Noticed skin changes during bathing and reported potential pressure areas
- Followed medication administration observation protocols precisely
Tip: Noticing small changes can prevent serious problems. Show you observe carefully and document accurately.
Physical Stamina
Lifting, Standing, Active Work Environment
Resume Examples
- Maintained physical stamina during 12-hour shifts with constant activity
- Safely lifted and transferred patients weighing up to 200+ pounds
- Stood and walked for extended periods while providing patient care
- Demonstrated proper body mechanics to prevent personal injury
Tip: CNA work is physically demanding. Show you can handle the physical requirements of the role.
ATS Optimization for Healthcare Hiring Managers
- Include your state certification: 'Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), State of California'
- Add BLS/CPR certification prominently—it's often a required filter
- Quantify patient care: '15+ residents per shift' or '3+ years experience'
- List EHR systems you've used: 'PointClickCare', 'MatrixCare', 'Epic'
- Include setting experience: 'skilled nursing facility', 'hospital', 'home health'
- Add specialized care keywords: 'dementia care', 'hospice', 'rehabilitation'
- Use both 'CNA' and 'Certified Nursing Assistant' in your resume
Worried your resume won't pass ATS? Our Keyword Scanner checks your resume against job descriptions instantly. Learn more →
Resume Mistakes Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)s Should Avoid
Not listing state certification
CNA certification is legally required. Missing it may disqualify your application immediately.
List prominently: 'Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), State of [Your State], Exp. [Date]'
Missing BLS/CPR certification
BLS is required by most healthcare employers. Missing it triggers automatic ATS rejection.
Include: 'BLS Certified (American Heart Association)' with expiration date
Vague patient care descriptions
All CNAs provide patient care. You need to show volume and specializations.
Quantify: 'Provided ADL assistance to 15+ residents per shift' with specific skills
No EHR or documentation skills
Modern facilities require electronic charting. Missing software names hurts your ranking.
List systems: 'PointClickCare', 'MatrixCare', 'Epic' or other facility software
Ignoring specialized care experience
Dementia care, hospice, or rehabilitation experience makes you more valuable.
Highlight specialties: 'memory care unit', 'hospice certified', 'rehabilitation wing'
No vital signs competency mentioned
Vital signs monitoring is a core CNA skill that separates trained from untrained aids.
Include: 'Monitored and documented vital signs including BP, pulse, and O2 saturation'
Weak soft skills presentation
CNAs need compassion and patience. Technical skills alone aren't enough.
Show empathy: 'Provided compassionate care to dementia patients' with specific examples
ATS Keywords for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resumes
| Category | Recommended Keywords |
|---|---|
| Patient Care | ADLsPersonal CareBathing AssistanceFeeding AssistanceMobility Support |
| Clinical | Vital SignsBlood PressureCatheter CareSpecimen CollectionBlood Glucose |
| Safety | Infection ControlStandard PrecautionsPatient TransfersFall PreventionPPE |
| Documentation | EHRPointClickCareMatrixCareChartingCare Documentation |
| Specialized | Dementia CareHospice CareMemory CareRehabilitationLong-Term Care |
| Certifications | CNA CertifiedBLSCPRState CertificationFirst Aid |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume Bullets You Can Copy
- Certified Nursing Assistant with 4+ years experience in skilled nursing facilities
- Provided ADL assistance to 15+ residents per shift including bathing and dressing
- Monitored and documented vital signs for 20+ patients daily with 100% accuracy
- Performed safe patient transfers using gait belts and mechanical lifts
- Maintained strict infection control compliance with zero incident record
- Documented patient care activities in PointClickCare EHR system accurately
- Specialized in dementia and memory care for Alzheimer's disease patients
- Assisted with catheter care and monitored urinary output consistently
- Repositioned bedbound patients every 2 hours preventing pressure ulcers
- Communicated patient condition changes to nursing staff promptly
- Trained and mentored 5 new CNA staff members on facility protocols
- Maintained current BLS and CPR certifications throughout employment
Looking for a fresh start? Browse our free resume templates designed to pass ATS systems and impress recruiters. Learn more →
Certifications & Credentials
State CNA Certification
RequiredState Board of Nursing
Required in all states. Involves 75-160 hours training plus written and skills competency exams. Must be renewed every 1-2 years depending on state.
BLS (Basic Life Support)
RequiredAmerican Heart Association
Required by most healthcare employers. Covers CPR, AED use, and choking response. Must be renewed every 2 years.
CPR Certification
RequiredAmerican Heart Association or Red Cross
Often bundled with BLS. Some employers accept CPR certification from Red Cross or other approved providers.
First Aid Certification
American Red Cross
Preferred by many employers, especially in home health and community settings. Covers emergency response basics.
Dementia Care Certification
Various (Alzheimer's Association, NCCDP)
Valuable for memory care unit positions. Shows specialized training in caring for cognitively impaired residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills should I put on a CNA resume?
Core skills include ADL assistance, vital signs monitoring, patient transfers, infection control, and documentation. Add your state certification, BLS/CPR, EHR systems (PointClickCare, MatrixCare), and specialized care experience like dementia or hospice.
How much does a CNA earn in 2026?
CNA salaries average $35,000-$42,000 per year ($17-$20/hour). Hospital CNAs typically earn more than nursing home CNAs. Location, experience, and shift differentials (nights/weekends) significantly impact pay.
Is CNA a good career in 2025 and 2026?
Yes. With 211,800 annual job openings and 4-5% growth projected, CNAs are in consistent demand. The aging population and chronic disease management are driving sustained need for nursing assistants in all healthcare settings.
What certification do I need to become a CNA?
You need state certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Requirements vary by state but typically include 75-160 hours of training, passing written and skills competency exams, and a background check. Certification must be renewed periodically.
What are ADLs in CNA work?
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) are basic self-care tasks that CNAs help patients complete. These include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, grooming, and mobility. ADL assistance is the primary function of most CNA roles.
Do CNAs take vital signs?
Yes. CNAs measure and document vital signs including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, and oxygen saturation. Identifying abnormal vital signs and reporting them to nurses is a critical CNA responsibility.
What EHR systems should a CNA know?
Common EHR systems in long-term care include PointClickCare and MatrixCare. Hospitals often use Epic or Cerner. List any systems you've used on your resume as healthcare facilities filter for software experience.
Can CNAs work in hospitals?
Yes. CNAs work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health, hospice, and assisted living. Hospital CNAs typically earn higher wages but may have more demanding workloads and specialized unit assignments.
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