Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Cover Letter
Written By Samuel Johns
Reviewed By Conrad BenzWe analyzed 800 job listings for junior, mid-level, and senior CNAs to find out what clinics and hospitals are really looking for. Based on that data, we created three CNA cover letter samples to inspire you as you write your own application.
Not satisfied with this design? Find more options in our collection of cover letter templates.
Not satisfied with this design? Find more options in our collection of cover letter templates.
Not satisfied with this design? Find more options in our collection of cover letter templates.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Resume & Related Cover Letters
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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Cover Letter Template
Copy-paste Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Cover Letter (Text Format)
- Entry
- Mid
- Senior
FIRST AND LAST NAME
Email: your.email@email.com
Phone: (123) 456-7891
Address: Street, City, State
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[456 Company Address]
[Company City, State XXXXX]
[(XXX) XXX-XXXX]
[hiring.manager@gmail.com]
Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the Certified Nursing Assistant position at Sunrise Senior Living Center. As a recently certified CNA, I am eager to begin my career in healthcare and contribute to your team’s commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to seniors.
While I am new to the professional healthcare setting, my journey to becoming a CNA has equipped me with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge.
During my CNA training program at Phoenix Healthcare Institute, I completed 120 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. This comprehensive training covered essential areas such as patient care techniques, infection control, safety procedures, and communication skills.
My clinical rotations at Desert Palms Hospital allowed me to gain hands-on experience in assisting patients with daily living activities, taking vital signs, and collaborating with nursing staff. These experiences reinforced my passion for patient care and my ability to work effectively in a healthcare team.
I am particularly drawn to Sunrise Senior Living Center because of your reputation for providing personalized, resident-centered care. Your commitment to creating a warm, homelike environment for seniors aligns perfectly with my personal values and approach to caregiving.
I am excited about the opportunity to begin my CNA career at Sunrise Senior Living Center and to learn from your experienced team. I am confident that my dedication, empathy, and eagerness to learn will allow me to quickly become a valuable member of your staff.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to the well-being of your residents and the success of your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
123 Company Address
Company City, State, Zip Code
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
hiring.manager.email@gmail.com
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.] [Hiring Manager’s Surname],
I’m thrilled to see your listing for the [CNA Position] at [Hospital Name]. As a dedicated and hardworking [Recent Graduate/CNA] with [# Years] of experience in [nursing assistant experience or skills] providing excellent care to patients. I’m confident that my [experience, certifications OR education] would be a valuable asset to your team.
Here, begin the body paragraph(s) of your cover letter. Ensure you highlight the following in one or two paragraphs:
- Use hard numbers to list any career achievements you have as a nursing assistant. For example, list how many patients you cared for, or how many beds you watched over.
- Because your personality traits (soft skills) are vital as a nursing assistant, it’s essential that you also discuss how you supported patients emotionally by being patient, friendly and caring.
- Do some research about the hospital you’re applying to. For example, the hospital may have recently installed new equipment that you’re experienced with using. List anything that can give you leverage amongst similarly qualified nursing assistants.
- If you’re a nursing assistant with little to no experience, further emphasize your education here. Discuss how you excelled at clinical trials, internships, or in the classroom.
My resume is attached for your review, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my [relevant nursing skills, education, or qualifications] further in an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your name
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[456 Company Address]
[Company City, State XXXXX]
[(XXX) XXX-XXXX]
[hiring.manager@gmail.com]
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Certified Nursing Assistant position at Evergreen Rehabilitation Center. With over eight years of experience as a CNA in various healthcare settings, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in patient care to your esteemed facility.
Throughout my career, I have developed a comprehensive skill set that allows me to provide exceptional care to patients while supporting the broader healthcare team. In my current role at Boston General Hospital, I have:
- Consistently received outstanding performance evaluations, with a 98% patient satisfaction rate
- Mentored and trained 15 new CNAs, helping to improve overall team efficiency and care quality
- Collaborated with nurses and physicians to ensure seamless patient care and accurate documentation
My experience spans various specialties, including post-operative care, geriatrics, and rehabilitation. This diverse background has honed my ability to adapt quickly to different patient needs and healthcare environments. I am proficient in all aspects of patient care, from assisting with daily living activities to monitoring vital signs and recognizing changes in patient conditions.
I am particularly drawn to Evergreen Rehabilitation Center because of your innovative approach to rehabilitation and your commitment to holistic patient care. Your recent implementation of technology-assisted therapy aligns with my interest in combining traditional care techniques with modern healthcare innovations.
I am excited about the possibility of contributing my experience and skills to Evergreen Rehabilitation Center. I am confident that my dedication to patient care, leadership abilities, and adaptability would make me a valuable asset to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the exceptional care provided at Evergreen Rehabilitation Center.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Average certified nursing assistant salaries in the US
The following table includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data is presented based on the top states by downloads in the USA.
Average certified nursing assistant annual salaries by state
| States | Salary / Year |
|---|---|
| California | $45,170 |
| Florida | $36,340 |
| Texas | $35,110 |
| New York | $45,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,540 |
| Illinois | $39,510 |
| Ohio | $38,030 |
| Georgia | $34,710 |
| North Carolina | $36,010 |
| Michigan | $37,940 |
| National Average | $38,648 |
5 professional tips for writing a CNA cover letter
Submitting a well-written CNA cover letter is as much an essential part of your job application as your CNA resume.
This is because writing a cover letter gives hospital hiring managers insight into how your experience matches the nursing assistant role they’re advertising.
Nervous about writing a nursing cover letter? Don’t be. Our video about nursing cover letters breaks down all the essential qualifications and skills that healthcare employers look for in their ideal applicant:
To ensure you submit the best nursing assistant cover letter possible, here are five professional writing tips and a template that’ll help you land an interview at the hospital of your choice.
1. Use words and phrases from the job listing
When writing your cover letter, refer back to the job ad and identify the words and phrases that apply to your experience. If they’re relevant, include them in your letter.
This shows hiring managers that you understand the specific needs of the role and that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application — demonstrating both enthusiasm and attention to detail.
To help you go even further, we analyzed 800 CNA job ads to identify the most commonly used industry terms:
DataKeyword Count Daily Activities 323 High School Diploma 284 Teamwork 252 Nursing Care 235 Patient Care 212 Vital Signs 174 CPR Certification 162 Full Time 159 Long-term Care 153 Assisted Living 141
Adding these key phrases and words to your cover letter can show that you’re not only familiar with the employer’s expectations but also well-versed in current trends and terminology in the CNA field.
2. Correctly format your CNA cover letter
You’ll need to know how to format your cover letter correctly if you want to display your nursing experience and qualifications clearly to the hiring manager.
Every CNA cover letter needs to include the following six sections:
- Contact details (name, phone number, email address). Also, include today’s date and hiring manager’s information
- Cover letter salutation (try to address your cover letter using the hiring manager’s name)
- Introduction paragraph (that grabs the hiring manager’s attention)
- Main Body paragraphs (list your nursing experience, skills, and great personal traits here)
- Call to action (closing paragraph)
- A formal sign off (using HR-approved language, such as “sincerely”)
CNA cover letter template
Here’s a template breaking down how to write a CNA cover letter and what information to include in each paragraph:
1. Contact Details
Address | Phone Number | Email
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
Company City, State, Zip Code
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
hiring.manager.email@gmail.com
2. Opening Salutations
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs.] [Hiring Manager’s Surname],
3. Introduction Paragraph
I’m thrilled to see your listing for the [CNA Position] at [Hospital Name]. As a dedicated and hardworking [Recent Graduate/CNA] with [# Years] of experience in [nursing assistant experience or skills] providing excellent care to patients. I’m confident that my [experience, certifications OR education] would be a valuable asset to your team.
4. Main Body Paragraphs
Here, begin the body paragraph(s) of your cover letter. Ensure you highlight the following in one or two paragraphs:
- Use hard numbers to list any career achievements you have as a nursing assistant. For example, list how many patients you cared for, or how many beds you watched over.
- Because your personality traits (soft skills) are vital as a nursing assistant, it’s essential that you also discuss how you supported patients emotionally by being patient, friendly, and caring.
- Do some research about the hospital you’re applying to. For example, the hospital may have recently installed new equipment that you’re experienced with using. List anything that can give you leverage amongst similarly qualified nursing assistants.
- If you’re a nursing assistant with little to no experience, further emphasize your education here. Discuss how you excelled at clinical trials, internships, or in the classroom.
5. Closing Paragraph
My resume is attached for your review, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my [relevant nursing skills, education, or qualifications] further in an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
6. Sign Off
Sincerely,
Your name
3. Start your CNA cover letter with a great introduction
Before you get into the body of your CNA cover letter, you’ll need to start with an introduction that includes:
- The nursing role you’re applying for
- Hospital/company name
- Your intentions for applying
- Any notable career achievements you’ve made
Even if you’re an entry-level nursing assistant with little to no experience, you should still start your resume with a quick introduction. However, instead of displaying a career achievement, expand upon your education or why you’ve chosen this career.
“Why do you want to become a CNA?” is a common CNA interview question. By addressing this topic in your cover letter, you demonstrate your passion for the job.
Here’s an example of a CNA cover letter introduction for a candidate with no experience:
I’m writing to you today to apply for the Certified Nursing Assistant position at Harris Memorial Hospital. I’m a recent graduate and a dedicated, hard-working nursing assistant, continually striving to provide patients with a high level of care. I’m excited by the prospect of working for a commendable, high-ranking establishment such as Harris Memorial Hospital, and I believe that my health care education, experience, and certifications make me the ideal candidate for this role.
Additionally, here’s an example of a CNA cover letter introduction for a candidate with experience:
I’m writing to you today to apply for the Certified Nursing Assistant role at Harris Memorial Hospital. I’ve worked in hospitals and senior homes for 6+ years, and have attended to over 500 patients thus far. I have also continually been commended by my colleagues and supervisors for the high level of care and emotional comfort I provide to patients. I believe my health care certifications and considerable experience make me the ideal candidate for this role.
4. Highlight your compassionate personality traits
Nursing is a job that involves delivering a high level of personal care, for which you’ll need a great deal of nursing soft skills. But, unlike writing a resume, you can’t just list your skills on your CNA cover letter.
One way to reassure hiring managers that you have the necessary soft skills and personality to excel at nursing is to highlight examples of how your interpersonal skills helped you while on the job.
Here’s an example of how to highlight your nursing soft skills and personality traits on your CNA cover letter:
Show that you’re aware of this, and your application will immediately be viewed in a better light.
5. End with a call to action
Lastly, you’ll need to end your cover letter by writing a call to action in your final paragraph.
A call to action is a prompt to the hiring manager to invite you for an interview to further discuss your talents and how they make you an ideal candidate. It shouldn’t be too pushy, but it should definitely have conviction.
For example, you can begin by thanking the hiring manager for their time, and then saying that you’d love to have an interview. Then, state that you’re looking forward to hearing back from them.
Remember, there’s no need to leave your email address or phone number in your final paragraph, as they should be at the top of your CNA cover letter in your contact details.
Here’s an example of a call to action on a CNA cover letter:
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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Cover Letter
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