Whether you’re an experienced certified nurse assistant (CNA) or an entry-level candidate, a good CNA resume objective grabs an employer’s attention when they pick up your CNA resume and CNA cover letter.
The resume objective is an eye-catching snapshot of your skills, professional experience, certifications, and achievements.
And a well-written CNA resume objective allows the employer to understand your career goals and convinces them to read your application in full.
Here are 8 CNA resume objective examples you can use for guidance when writing your own resume.
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CNA resume objective examples
A resume objective sits underneath your resume header and tells an employer how your relevant experiences qualify you for the position.
The CNA resumes objectives below cover entry-level CNAs, experienced CNAs, and career change CNAs to help you write your own.
Entry-level positions
An entry-level CNA candidate will have just completed the certification program or an associate’s degree. Entry-level CNAs assist registered nurses and doctors.
You can still write a catchy resume summary even if you don’t have any relevant experience.
Let’s look at two sample CNA objectives to inspire you:
1. CNA resume objective for an entry-level position
Recently certified CNA looking to get a full-time role with St. Paul’s Healthcare. Compassionate and highly dedicated individual with great attention to detail and a desire to offering patients and their families top-tier healthcare assistance.
2. CNA resume objective for an entry-level position
Reliable, focused, and well-spoken individual looking to undertake the role of Certified Nursing Assistant at Trinity Hospice. Able to bathe patients, administer essential medication, carry out various administrative tasks, and maintain a tidy and hygienic patient environment.
When writing your CNA recent graduate resume objectives, lead with your education by mentioning any CNA certifications you have. Also, highlight the professional traits and skills you honed as a student.
Below are other helpful tips to help you write an excellent CNA resume objective if you’re applying for entry-level positions:
- include any internships or volunteer work you did. These relevant experiences are valuable to employers and help them assess your suitability
- mention how you’ll add value to the organization
- state the position you’re applying for, as well as the company name
Experienced workers
As an experienced certified nurse assistant applying for a new position, CNA resume objectives provide an opportunity to discuss the best skills on your resume and highlight your biggest strengths.
The following are some CNA resume objective examples for experienced CNAs:
3. CNA resume objective for an experienced worker
Dedicated and detail-oriented Certified Nursing Assistant with proven communication, analytical, and time management skills gained in 5 years of providing professional and compassionate hospice care in a fast-paced clinic. Seeking a position with ABC Medical Clinic in a Certified Nursing Assistant role with a focus on residential care.
4. CNA resume objective for an experienced worker
Patient-focused Certified Nursing Assistant eager to work for Zenith Hospice. Leverage 4+ years’ successful track record in offering round-the-clock daily personal care to patients, residents, and clients, while carrying out related clerical and documentary support activities and maintaining the resident quarters.
5. CNA resume objective for an experienced worker
Top-performing Certified Nursing Assistant with 3+ years’ experience in clinical care and documentation using eClinicalWorks software. Looking for a position at SilverStone Healthcare to actively assist doctors and patients and assume clinical duties and administrative tasks as required.
In the first CNA resume objective, the candidate mentions two traits and then includes three skills before describing their professional goal and what they hope to bring to the organization.
Here are some tips for crafting outstanding CNA resumes objectives for experienced workers:
- keep your CNA resume objective between 2 and 3 sentences (within 50 words)
- avoid using first-person pronouns
- mention the position you’re applying for
- name the organization you’re applying to
Career changers
If you’re changing careers to become a certified nurse assistant from another industry, a CNA objective helps you clarify to employers why you’re making the change and highlight your career goals and relevant skills.
Below are examples of career changer CNA resume objectives:
6. CNA resume objective for a career changer
Recently certified CNA looking to build on 5 years of experience as a Hospital Administrator to switch to the role of patient care. Willing to draw from my deep hospital setting knowledge and experience supporting a clinical care team at Irving Medics.
7. CNA resume objective for a career changer
Experienced Medical Record Clerk seeking to change careers and harness my strong organizational skills and patient-centered approach to offer first-rate health care. Possess an associate’s degree and a CNA certification.
8. CNA resume objective for a career changer
Aspiring CNA with a Bachelor’s of Art History degree with 5+ years of assistant teaching and customer service, as well as with 1+ year of volunteer experience in nursing homes. Recently CNA certified from Akron School of Practical Nursing. Fully prepared to care for patients in a kind and empathetic manner at Domingus Hospital.
When applying for a CNA position as a career changer, start with CNA-related hard and soft skills, and show how those skills translate to value as a CNA.
Other ways to ensure you have an effective CNA resume objective as a career changer include:
- adding your previous job title and highlighting significant experiences that can help you as a certified nursing assistant
- mentioning the name of the company you’re applying to and including your career goals
What to include in your CNA resume objective
Tailoring your resume objective for specific job offers is essential for experienced or aspiring CNAs.
Here’s what a good CNA resume objective should contain:
1. Experience
Your work accomplishments are solid proof you can do the job. So if you have more than 2 years of CNA experience, start your resume objective with “# years of work experience.”
2. Qualifications
Mentioning you’re a certified CNA is essential when applying for the position because it proves you’ve gained professional experience and can be trusted to safely assist patients.
Including relevant degrees and certifications is also important for entry-level candidates and career changers because they show you’ve taken the time to pursue academic training in the nursing field and are serious about the role.
3. Core skills
“Compassionate, detail-oriented, friendly, hardworking, and punctual” are some of the vital skills that make an excellent certified nursing assistant, so try to include 2–3 of these top skills in your CNA objective.
4. The position you’re applying for
Don’t forget to include the position you’re applying for in your resume objective so the employer can connect your CNA skills to the job description.
5. A strong closing statement showing your value
Highlighting how you will add value to the organization using your skills is also important.
So end your resume objective effectively by stating your top 1–2 skills and relating them back to the company you’re applying for.
Relating your skills and experiences back to the company shows employers you’re:
- dedicated to being a CNA
- detail-oriented and spent time tailoring your CNA application to the position
- a valuable asset to the company
Example of a good CNA resume objective
Here’s an CNA resume objective that contains all the essential components to impress hiring managers:
Detail-oriented and friendly individual with excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills seeking a CNA position in Nova nursing home. Leverage 5 years of work experience as a caregiver in a fast-paced health care setting. Seek to apply my understanding of patient care and medical terminology to create a positive environment for all patients.
Here’s a breakdown of the resume objective to help you craft yours.
- First sentence: Your trait/skills/position and the organization you’re applying to
Detail-oriented and friendly individual with excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills seeking a CNA position in Nova nursing home.
- Second sentence: Your role and experience
Leverage 5 years of working experience as a caregiver in a fast-paced health care setting.
- Third sentence: The value you bring to the company
Seek to apply my understanding of patient care and medical terminology to create a positive environment for all patients.
