Top 12 Certified Nursing Assistant Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the competitive field of healthcare, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a crucial role in providing essential care to patients. Highlighting a robust set of skills on your resume can significantly enhance your marketability to employers, showcasing your ability to excel in fast-paced and compassionate care environments.

Certified Nursing Assistant Skills

1. CPR Certified
2. Vital Signs
3. Patient Care
4. EHR Software
5. Wound Care
6. Infection Control
7. HIPAA Compliance
8. Mobility Assistance
9. ADL Support
10. Charting Accuracy
11. Medication Administration
12. Phlebotomy Skills

1. CPR Certified

CPR Certified means that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) has completed a course and passed an examination in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), demonstrating the ability to perform lifesaving techniques on individuals who are experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

Why It's Important

CPR certification is important for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) because it equips them with the essential skills to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, ensuring they can provide immediate and potentially life-saving assistance to patients in critical situations.

How to Improve CPR Certified Skills

To improve your CPR certification skills as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), consider the following steps:

1. Refresh Your Knowledge Regularly: Stay current by reviewing the latest CPR guidelines from the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.

2. Practice Frequently: Hands-on practice is essential. Enroll in refresher courses or simulation training sessions to maintain your skills.

3. Use Online Resources: Access online courses and materials for additional practice and learning. Websites like ProCPR offer resources tailored for healthcare professionals.

4. Seek Feedback: During training sessions, ask instructors for feedback on your technique to ensure effectiveness and safety.

5. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any changes in CPR protocols by subscribing to newsletters from reputable health organizations.

By actively engaging in these steps, you can enhance your CPR skills, ensuring you are prepared to provide effective assistance when needed.

How to Display CPR Certified Skills on Your Resume

2. Vital Signs

Vital signs are key indicators of a patient's current health status, including body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure, essential for monitoring and identifying potential health problems. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) regularly check and record these signs to ensure proper patient care.

Why It's Important

Vital signs are crucial for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) as they provide the first indicators of a patient's health status, enabling early detection of potential health issues and ensuring timely medical intervention.

How to Improve Vital Signs Skills

Improving vital signs involves monitoring and taking steps to maintain or reach the desired ranges for blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Here are concise strategies for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):

Blood Pressure:

• Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy (American Heart Association).
• Promote regular physical activity (CDC Guidelines).
• Assist in stress reduction techniques and ensure adequate rest.

Heart Rate:

• Monitor for any signs of dehydration and encourage appropriate fluid intake.
• Support the maintenance of a regular exercise program.
• Assist in stress management practices.

Respiratory Rate:

• Encourage deep breathing exercises and the use of incentive spirometry if applicable.
• Ensure the environment is well-ventilated and free from pollutants.
• Support smoking cessation efforts (SmokeFree.gov).

Temperature:

• Monitor for signs of infection or illness and report as necessary.
• Ensure appropriate clothing and room temperature to maintain normothermia.
• Encourage the intake of fluids and rest during fevers.

Remember, CNAs should always operate within their scope of practice and consult with or report to their supervising nurse or healthcare provider when changes in a patient's vital signs are noted.

How to Display Vital Signs Skills on Your Resume

3. Patient Care

Patient care, in the context of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves providing basic health care and assistance with daily activities to patients under the supervision of nursing staff. This includes tasks like bathing, dressing, feeding, monitoring vital signs, and aiding with mobility.

Why It's Important

Patient care is crucial for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) as it directly impacts the physical and emotional well-being of patients, promotes faster recovery, ensures safety, and enhances the overall healthcare experience.

How to Improve Patient Care Skills

Improving patient care, especially from the perspective of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves a combination of technical skills, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning. Here are key strategies:

1. Enhance Communication Skills: Effective communication with both patients and healthcare team members is crucial. This includes active listening, clear verbal communication, and non-verbal cues. Mayo Clinic offers guidelines on improving communication skills.

2. Develop Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with patients' experiences can improve their comfort and satisfaction. Cleveland Clinic provides insights into developing empathy in healthcare.

3. Prioritize Patient Safety: Following protocols to reduce errors and prevent harm is fundamental. The World Health Organization outlines essential patient safety information.

4. Engage in Continuous Education: Staying updated with the latest healthcare practices and certifications ensures high-quality care. American Red Cross provides ongoing training for CNAs.

5. Time Management: Efficiently managing your time ensures that all patients receive the attention and care they need. Nurse.org offers time management tips for healthcare professionals.

6. Personal Care and Wellness: Taking care of your physical and mental health enables you to provide the best care for your patients. The American Nurses Association has resources for healthcare provider wellness.

By focusing on these areas, CNAs can significantly improve the quality of patient care they provide.

How to Display Patient Care Skills on Your Resume

4. EHR Software

EHR software, or Electronic Health Record software, is a digital system used for storing, managing, and accessing patients' medical records and health information, streamlining documentation and care coordination for healthcare professionals, including Certified Nursing Assistants.

Why It's Important

EHR (Electronic Health Records) software is crucial for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) as it streamlines patient data management, enhances the accuracy of health records, supports better coordination of care, and ensures quick access to patient information, ultimately improving the efficiency and quality of patient care.

How to Improve EHR Software Skills

Improving Electronic Health Record (EHR) software, especially from the perspective of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves focusing on usability, accessibility, and integration. Here are concise strategies:

1. Enhance Usability: Simplify interfaces to reduce cognitive load. This includes customizing dashboards and streamlining data entry processes. Usability.gov's guidelines offer principles that can be applied to EHR design.

2. Improve Training: Provide role-specific training for CNAs to increase proficiency. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology offers resources on training healthcare staff in EHR systems.

3. Enhance Accessibility: Ensure EHRs are accessible on mobile devices and tablets, allowing CNAs to update and check records on the go. The American Nurses Association discusses the importance of mobile apps in healthcare.

4. Integration of Clinical Decision Support Tools: Incorporate tools within the EHR that assist CNAs in real-time decision-making by providing alerts and reminders for patient care tasks. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality highlights the importance of clinical decision support in improving patient outcomes.

5. Feedback Mechanisms: Implement a system for CNAs to easily report issues or suggest improvements for the EHR software. HealthIT.gov offers a platform for health IT feedback which could inspire a similar internal mechanism.

By focusing on these key areas, EHR software can be more effectively tailored to meet the needs of CNAs, enhancing both their workflow and patient care.

How to Display EHR Software Skills on Your Resume

5. Wound Care

Wound care involves cleaning, protecting, and facilitating the healing process of injuries, surgical incisions, or pressure sores, under the guidance of healthcare professionals, to prevent infection and promote recovery. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) assist in this process by following specific care plans, monitoring wound progress, and reporting changes to nurses or doctors.

Why It's Important

Wound care is crucial for preventing infections, promoting faster healing, and minimizing scarring, ensuring patients' comfort and well-being. For a Certified Nursing Assistant, it is essential for maintaining patient health and preventing complications.

How to Improve Wound Care Skills

Improving wound care as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) involves adhering to best practices, continuous learning, and applying evidence-based techniques. Here are concise tips for enhancing wound care:

1. Follow Protocol: Always adhere to your facility's wound care protocols and guidelines. This ensures consistency and safety in treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers comprehensive guidelines on infection control which are crucial in wound care.

2. Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure your hands and equipment are sanitized before and after wound care to prevent infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) outlines the five moments for hand hygiene.

3. Proper Wound Assessment: Accurately assess the wound each time you care for it, noting changes in size, depth, odor, color, and exudate. This is crucial for identifying signs of infection or healing. The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) provides resources and education on wound assessment.

4. Use Appropriate Dressings: Selecting the right dressing based on the wound type and stage of healing is essential. This includes knowing when to use moist or dry dressings, films, foams, hydrogels, or alginates. MedlinePlus offers a guide on different types of dressings.

5. Ensure Patient Comfort: Manage pain related to wound care by following pain management protocols, being gentle during dressing changes, and ensuring the patient is in a comfortable position.

6. Educate Yourself and Others: Continuously update your knowledge on the latest wound care techniques and products. The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) provides up-to-date information on pressure ulcer prevention and management, which is a common concern in wound care.

7. Documentation: Accurately document all care provided, changes in the wound's condition, and any patient concerns. Good documentation is essential for tracking progress and planning future care.

By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources provided, CNAs can significantly improve the quality of wound care they deliver, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.

How to Display Wound Care Skills on Your Resume

6. Infection Control

Infection control refers to policies and procedures used by Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings by properly cleaning hands, using personal protective equipment, and following standard precautions to protect themselves and their patients.

Why It's Important

Infection control is crucial for a Certified Nursing Assistant to prevent the spread of infections among patients, safeguard their health, and protect oneself and others in the healthcare environment.

How to Improve Infection Control Skills

Improving infection control as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) involves adhering to key practices and guidelines that minimize the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Here are essential steps to enhance infection control:

1. Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after patient contact, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. CDC Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

2. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Properly don and doff gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection to reduce the risk of transmission. Ensure to use PPE appropriately based on the level of interaction with patients and their environment. CDC PPE Sequence

3. Safe Injection Practices: Always use aseptic techniques for preparing and administering injections. Never reuse needles or syringes, and dispose of them correctly in sharps containers. CDC Injection Safety

4. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection: Ensure that the patient's environment and equipment are regularly cleaned and disinfected according to facility protocols. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces. CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control

5. Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette: Encourage patients and visitors to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Offer masks to symptomatic individuals and maintain spatial distance when possible. CDC Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette

6. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest infection control protocols and guidelines from reputable health organizations. Continuous education and training are crucial. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO)

By implementing these measures, CNAs can play a critical role in preventing and controlling infections within healthcare facilities, ensuring the safety of patients and healthcare workers alike.

How to Display Infection Control Skills on Your Resume

7. HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA Compliance refers to adherence to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which requires the protection and confidential handling of protected health information. For a Certified Nursing Assistant, this means ensuring patient information is private, secure, and disclosed only as permitted by law during care provision.

Why It's Important

HIPAA compliance is important for a Certified Nursing Assistant because it ensures the protection of patients' private health information, maintains trust between patients and healthcare providers, and prevents legal consequences for both the individual and the healthcare facility by adhering to federal privacy and security regulations.

How to Improve HIPAA Compliance Skills

To improve HIPAA compliance as a Certified Nursing Assistant, follow these concise steps:

1. Understand HIPAA Rules: Familiarize yourself with both the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information (PHI). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers comprehensive guidelines.

2. Secure PHI: Always use secure methods to store and transmit PHI. Whether digital or paper form, ensure PHI is accessible only to authorized individuals. For electronic PHI (ePHI), refer to the Security Rule guidance.

3. Minimum Necessary Rule: Apply the minimum necessary standard when using or disclosing PHI, only accessing the least amount of information required to perform your job. Learn more about the principle here.

4. Patient Rights: Respect patients' rights to access, amend, and control the disclosure of their PHI. Familiarize yourself with these rights here.

5. Regular Training: Participate in regular HIPAA training sessions to stay updated on policies and procedures. Your employer should provide this training, but additional resources can be found at HIPAA Training.

6. Report Breaches: Understand the protocol for reporting any suspected or actual breaches of PHI immediately to your supervisor or designated HIPAA compliance officer. The Breach Notification Rule outlines these steps.

7. Use Secure Communication Channels: When discussing PHI, use secure and sanctioned communication methods. Avoid discussing PHI in public or through unsecured channels.

By adhering to these steps, you can contribute significantly to your organization's HIPAA compliance efforts, ensuring the privacy and security of patient information.

How to Display HIPAA Compliance Skills on Your Resume

8. Mobility Assistance

Mobility assistance refers to the support and physical help a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides to patients in moving, walking, and transferring from one position to another, ensuring their safety and promoting independence and movement efficiency.

Why It's Important

Mobility assistance is crucial for maintaining a patient's physical health, preventing falls and injuries, and enhancing their independence and quality of life. It supports the safety and well-being of both the patient and the Certified Nursing Assistant.

How to Improve Mobility Assistance Skills

Improving mobility assistance involves enhancing safety, promoting independence, and ensuring comfort. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), focusing on patient-centered techniques and utilizing proper equipment are key. Here are concise strategies:

1. Education and Training: Continuously update your knowledge on mobility assistance techniques and equipment. The American Red Cross offers training courses.

2. Use of Assistive Devices: Familiarize yourself with and properly use devices like walkers, canes, and wheelchairs. The National Institute on Aging provides insights on choosing assistive devices.

3. Ergonomics and Body Mechanics: Apply ergonomic principles to protect both your and the patient's safety. OSHA offers guidelines on ergonomics in healthcare.

4. Personalized Care Plans: Work closely with healthcare professionals to create and update personalized care plans, including mobility goals. CDC’s STEADI initiative offers resources for fall prevention and mobility planning.

5. Encourage Independence: Motivate and support patients to participate in their mobility as much as safely possible to maintain their independence. The National Institute on Aging has resources on encouraging self-care and independence in elderly patients.

Remember, effective communication and patient comfort are paramount. Always assess and adapt to the individual needs of each patient.

How to Display Mobility Assistance Skills on Your Resume

9. ADL Support

ADL Support, in the context of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), refers to the assistance provided by CNAs to individuals with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include basic personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mobility.

Why It's Important

ADL support is crucial for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) as it involves assisting patients with Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This support is vital for maintaining the patients' health, dignity, and quality of life, especially for those who are elderly, recovering, or have disabilities, ensuring they receive compassionate and effective care.

How to Improve ADL Support Skills

Improving Activities of Daily Living (ADL) support involves enhancing the quality and effectiveness of care provided by Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to help patients with their day-to-day activities. Here's a very short and concise guide:

1. Enhance Communication Skills: Effective communication with patients improves understanding of their needs and preferences, leading to better care.

2. Update Training Regularly: Ensure CNAs undergo continual education on the latest ADL support techniques and best practices.

3. Use Assistive Devices: Incorporate assistive devices to promote independence and safety in performing ADLs.

4. Promote Independence: Encourage patients to do as much as they can on their own, gradually increasing their ability to perform ADLs independently.

5. Personalize Care Plans: Tailor care plans to meet the individual needs and preferences of each patient, considering their physical and mental capabilities.

6. Implement Teamwork: Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of a patient's well-being.

By focusing on these key areas, CNAs can significantly improve the quality of ADL support they provide, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.

How to Display ADL Support Skills on Your Resume

10. Charting Accuracy

Charting accuracy for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) refers to the precise and correct documentation of patient care and observations, ensuring all entries in medical records are factual, detailed, and up-to-date. This is crucial for maintaining high-quality patient care and legal compliance.

Why It's Important

Charting accuracy is crucial for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) because it ensures patient safety, guides treatment decisions, and maintains legal and ethical records, ultimately supporting effective care and health outcomes.

How to Improve Charting Accuracy Skills

Improving charting accuracy as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) involves several key steps focused on attention to detail, understanding patient needs, and effectively communicating with the healthcare team. Here is a concise guide:

1. Understand Patient Care Plans: Familiarize yourself with each patient's care plan to ensure accurate charting of provided services. [National Library of Medicine](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209/

2. Continual Education: Stay updated with the latest charting practices and healthcare guidelines through online courses and resources. CDC Training and Continuing Education Online

3. Use of Technology: Leverage electronic health record (EHR) systems for more precise and efficient charting. HealthIT.gov

4. Effective Communication: Regularly communicate with nurses and other healthcare team members to clarify any uncertainties before charting. Joint Commission

5. Attention to Detail: Double-check your entries for accuracy in patient identification, date, time, and the specific care provided. Institute for Healthcare Improvement

6. Follow Protocols: Adhere strictly to your facility's charting and documentation protocols to maintain consistency and accuracy. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

By focusing on these areas, CNAs can significantly improve the accuracy of their charting, contributing to better patient outcomes and more effective healthcare delivery.

How to Display Charting Accuracy Skills on Your Resume

11. Medication Administration

Medication Administration, in the context of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), refers to the CNAs' role in assisting with the distribution and consumption of medications under the supervision of a licensed nurse or healthcare provider. CNAs may help in preparing, organizing, and reminding patients to take their medications but do not directly administer medication in most jurisdictions.

Why It's Important

Medication administration is crucial for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to ensure patients receive the correct medications at the right time, dosage, and route, safeguarding their health, managing symptoms, and preventing medication errors or adverse reactions.

How to Improve Medication Administration Skills

Improving medication administration, especially for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves strict adherence to best practices and ongoing education. Here are concise steps to enhance the process:

1. Follow the Five Rights: Always ensure the right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

2. Continuing Education: Regularly update your knowledge on medication administration through courses and certifications. American Nurses Association provides resources and education.

3. Use Technology: Implement electronic medication administration records (eMAR) to reduce errors. Institute for Safe Medication Practices offers guidelines on technology use.

4. Communication and Teamwork: Communicate effectively with healthcare team members and participate in briefings or handoffs. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has tips on improving communication in healthcare settings.

5. Report and Learn from Errors: Encourage a culture of safety where errors are reported and used as learning opportunities. The Joint Commission discusses reporting mechanisms and safety improvement strategies.

How to Display Medication Administration Skills on Your Resume

12. Phlebotomy Skills

Phlebotomy skills involve the ability to safely and accurately perform venipuncture, which is the process of making a puncture in a vein with a needle, to collect blood samples for medical testing, transfusions, or donations. For a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), acquiring these skills can enhance their capability to assist in patient care and support the healthcare team.

Why It's Important

Phlebotomy skills are important for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to accurately and safely collect blood samples for diagnostic purposes, support efficient patient care, minimize discomfort, and reduce the risk of infection or injury. This competency enhances the CNA's versatility and value in a healthcare setting.

How to Improve Phlebotomy Skills Skills

Improving phlebotomy skills, especially for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Understand the Basics: Refresh your knowledge on human anatomy, focusing on the circulatory system, to understand the best sites for venipuncture. CDC Guidelines for Blood Collection can provide a solid foundation.

2. Take a Phlebotomy Course: Enroll in a phlebotomy course that offers both theoretical and hands-on training. Websites like American Society for Clinical Pathology offer resources and certification details.

3. Practice: Utilize practice kits and volunteer for supervised sessions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become.

4. Learn from Mistakes: Each unsuccessful venipuncture attempt is a learning opportunity. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve.

5. Stay Updated: Phlebotomy techniques and guidelines evolve. Regularly read relevant journals and participate in workshops. LabRoots offers webinars and articles on the latest in phlebotomy.

6. Seek Feedback: Always ask for feedback from your supervisors or more experienced colleagues to improve your technique and approach.

7. Mind the Patient: Enhance your patient communication skills. Making your patient feel comfortable can make the procedure smoother for both of you.

By continuously learning, practicing, and seeking feedback, you can significantly improve your phlebotomy skills as a CNA.

How to Display Phlebotomy Skills Skills on Your Resume