Log InSign Up

16 CNA Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various cna interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

CNA Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common CNA Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career as a CNA?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge your interest in the field and whether or not you have a passion for it. Second, they may be trying to get a sense of your motivations for pursuing a career as a CNA. This is important because it can help them understand whether or not you are likely to stick with the career long-term. Finally, they may simply be curious about your story and how you came to decide that you wanted to become a CNA.

Example: “I was inspired to pursue a career as a CNA because I wanted to help people. I enjoy helping others and I thought this would be a great way to do that. I also like the idea of working in a healthcare setting and being able to help people in a more direct way.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful CNA?

The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the CNA values qualities that are important for the job. It is important to know whether the CNA values qualities that are important for the job because it can help the interviewer determine whether the CNA is a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are many qualities that are important for a successful CNA, but some of the most important ones include being compassionate, patient, detail-oriented, and able to work well under pressure. CNAs must be able to provide care and support to patients and their families, often during difficult and emotional times. They must be able to work long hours on their feet and be comfortable with handling various medical tasks.”

What do you think sets CNAs apart from other health care professionals?

One reason an interviewer might ask this question is to gauge a CNA's level of professional pride and commitment. It's important for CNAs to be proud of the work they do and to see themselves as part of a larger team of health care professionals working together to provide quality care. This question can also help an interviewer determine if a CNA is knowledgeable about the scope of their role and the responsibilities that come with it.

Example: “There are several things that set CNAs apart from other health care professionals. One is the fact that CNAs are typically more involved in direct patient care than other types of health care professionals. This means that they have more opportunities to develop close relationships with patients and their families. Additionally, CNAs are often responsible for providing emotional support to patients and their families. This can be a very important role, as many people dealing with serious medical conditions can benefit from having someone to talk to who understands what they are going through. Finally, CNAs typically have less formal education than other types of health care professionals, which can make them more approachable and easier to communicate with.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by CNAs?

An interviewer might ask "What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by CNAs?" to get a sense of the candidate's understanding of the role of a CNA. It is important to know the challenges faced by CNAs in order to be able to provide the best possible care to patients.

Example: “The biggest challenges faced by CNAs are time management, heavy workloads, and emotional stress.”

What do you think are the best things about being a CNA?

There are a few reasons an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your level of experience, or they might be trying to get a sense of your bedside manner. Either way, it's important to be honest and give a few specific examples. For example, you might say that you enjoy being able to help patients with their daily activities, or that you like the feeling of making a difference in someone's life.

Example: “There are many great things about being a CNA. One of the best things is that CNAs get to help people every day. They help people with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They also provide emotional support to patients and their families. CNAs often form close relationships with their patients and their families and feel a great sense of satisfaction when they are able to help them through a difficult time. Another great thing about being a CNA is that it is a very rewarding career. CNAs make a difference in the lives of their patients and their families every day, and they know that they are making a difference.”

What do you think would make your job as a CNA more enjoyable?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the CNA's level of commitment to the job and to see if they are looking for ways to improve their work experience. It is important for the interviewer to know if the CNA is looking for ways to improve their job because it shows that they are committed to their career and are always looking for ways to make their job more enjoyable.

Example: “There are a few things that I think would make my job as a CNA more enjoyable. First, I think it would be great if we had more time to spend with each patient. I know that sometimes we are short-staffed and have to move on to the next patient before we're really done with the first one, and that can be frustrating. It would also be nice if we could get to know our patients better. I think it would make the job more enjoyable if we could establish closer relationships with them and their families. Finally, I think it would be helpful if we received more training on how to deal with difficult behaviors from patients. Sometimes patients can be angry or combative, and it would be nice to have some more tools to deal with those situations.”

What do you think would make your job as a CNA more challenging?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your level of experience, see how you handle difficult situations, or get a sense of your work ethic. Regardless of the reason, it is important to be honest and thoughtful in your answer. Some possible challenges you could mention include: having to lift and move patients, providing personal care, dealing with emotional stress, or working long hours. Whatever challenges you mention, be sure to explain how you would overcome them. This question allows you to demonstrate your dedication to the role and show that you are up for any challenge that comes your way.

Example: “There are a few things that could make my job as a CNA more challenging. First, if the patients I am caring for have more complex medical needs or are in a lot of pain, it can be more difficult to provide them with the care they need. Additionally, if I am working with a smaller staff or on a unit with a high patient-to-nurse ratio, it can be challenging to provide each patient with the attention they deserve. Finally, if the facility I am working in is short-staffed or underfunded, it can be difficult to provide high-quality care.”

What do you think are the most important things that CNAs can do to improve patient care?

The interviewer is likely asking this question to gain insight into the CNA's thoughts on how they can improve patient care. It is important for the interviewer to know how the CNA plans to improve patient care because it will give them a better idea of the CNA's dedication to their job and their patients.

Example: “There are many things that CNAs can do to improve patient care, but some of the most important include:

1. Providing prompt and attentive care to patients' needs.

2. Ensuring that patients are comfortable and safe.

3. Helping patients with their activities of daily living.

4. educating patients and families about their health condition and care.

5. advocating for patients' rights and best interests.”

What do you think are the best ways for CNAs to keep up with new developments in their field?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the CNA's dedication to professional development and lifelong learning. It is important for CNAs to keep up with new developments in their field because the healthcare industry is constantly changing and evolving. By staying up-to-date on new developments, CNAs can provide the best possible care to their patients.

Example: “There are several ways for CNAs to keep up with new developments in their field. One way is to attend conferences and seminars related to nursing care. These events can provide valuable information about new techniques, products, and services that can improve patient care. Another way to stay up-to-date is to read professional journals and articles. This literature can keep CNAs informed about current trends and issues in the nursing field. Additionally, many nursing organizations offer memberships that include access to online resources, educational materials, and networking opportunities with other professionals.”

What do you think are the biggest obstacles that CNAs face when trying to provide quality patient care?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the CNA's understanding of the challenges that CNAs face in providing quality patient care. It is important to understand the obstacles that CNAs face in order to provide quality patient care. By understanding the obstacles, the CNA can develop strategies to overcome them.

Example: “The biggest obstacles that CNAs face when trying to provide quality patient care include time constraints, staffing shortages, and heavy workloads. With time constraints, CNAs may not have enough time to complete all of their tasks or may have to hurry through tasks, which can lead to mistakes. Staffing shortages can result in CNAs being overworked and unable to take breaks, which can also lead to mistakes. Heavy workloads can make it difficult for CNAs to keep up with everything they need to do and can also lead to errors.”

What do you think are the best ways for CNAs to deal with difficult patients?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a CNA. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in finding out how CNAs deal with difficult patients. This can help the interviewer to understand the CNA's work style and how they handle challenging situations. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer to gauge the CNA's level of experience and expertise in dealing with difficult patients. Finally, this question can also help the interviewer to identify any areas where the CNA may need additional training or support.

Example: “There are a few different ways that CNAs can deal with difficult patients. One way is to try and understand where the patient is coming from. Many times, patients can be difficult because they are in a lot of pain or they are scared. If the CNA can take a step back and understand why the patient is acting the way they are, it can be easier to deal with them. Another way to deal with difficult patients is to stay calm and collected. It can be easy to get frazzled when dealing with someone who is being difficult, but if the CNA can remain calm, it will help diffuses the situation. Finally, it is important to be firm with patients. There will be times when a patient may try to take advantage of a CNA or they may become verbally abusive. In these situations, it is important for the CNA to set boundaries and be firm with the patient.”

What do you think are the best ways for CNAs to deal with challenging situations?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a certified nursing assistant. One reason is to gauge the CNA's ability to handle difficult situations. This question can also help the interviewer understand the CNA's bedside manner and how they would handle interacting with patients who may be experiencing a difficult situation. Additionally, this question can give the interviewer insight into the CNA's problem-solving skills.

Example: “There are a few different ways that CNAs can deal with challenging situations. One way is to take a step back and assess the situation. This means taking a look at what is happening and trying to understand why it is happening. Once you have a better understanding of the situation, you can then start to develop a plan to address it. Another way to deal with challenging situations is to stay calm and focused. This can be difficult, but it is important to remember that staying calm will help you think more clearly and make better decisions. Finally, it is also important to communicate with your team members and supervisor. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everyone knows what is going on.”

What do you think are the most important things that CNAs can do to prevent burnout?

One reason an interviewer might ask this question is to gauge whether the CNA is aware of the potential for burnout and has strategies for preventing it. It's important to prevent burnout because it can lead to job dissatisfaction, poor job performance, and eventually quitting. For CNAs, who have a demanding and often emotionally taxing job, it's especially important to be proactive about preventing burnout. Some ways to prevent burnout include staying organized, taking breaks when needed, setting boundaries, and seeking support from colleagues or a supervisor.

Example: “There are a few things that CNAs can do to prevent burnout:

1. First and foremost, it is important to have a good support system in place. This could include family, friends, co-workers, or even a therapist. Having someone to talk to about the stresses of the job can be very helpful in preventing burnout.

2. It is also important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This means getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. Taking time for yourself will help you to be better able to handle the demands of your job.

3. Finally, it is important to try to find meaning in your work. This could involve connecting with your patients on a personal level or finding ways to make your job more enjoyable. When you feel like you are making a difference, it can be easier to cope with the challenges of the job.”

What do you think are the best ways for CNAs to stay motivated in their work?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a certified nursing assistant. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the well-being of CNAs and wants to know what can be done to help them stay motivated in their work. Second, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the CNA's personal philosophy on motivation and whether they have any helpful tips to share. Finally, this question can help the interviewer gauge the CNA's level of commitment to their job and their dedication to providing quality care.

Example: “There are a few different ways that CNAs can stay motivated in their work. First, it is important to have a positive outlook and be passionate about helping others. Additionally, setting goals and reward systems for oneself can help to stay motivated. Finally, it is helpful to stay organized and efficient in one's work in order to maintain a high level of motivation.”

What do you think would make your job as a CNA more rewarding?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your level of commitment to the job, or they might be trying to get a sense of what you think the most rewarding aspects of the job are. Either way, it is important to be honest and thoughtful in your answer.

Some things that could make the job more rewarding include:

-Having a good relationship with the patients you care for

-Feeling like you are making a difference in someone's life

-Having a good team to work with

-Knowing that you are helping to keep people healthy and safe

Example: “There are a few things that I think would make my job as a CNA more rewarding. First, I think it would be great to have more opportunities to interact with patients and get to know them on a personal level. I also think it would be helpful to receive more training on how to provide care for specific conditions, so that I could feel more confident in my abilities. Finally, I think it would be nice to receive recognition from my peers and supervisors for the hard work that I put in every day.”

What do you think are the best ways for CNAs to maintain work-life balance?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a CNA. First, it can give the interviewer some insight into how the CNA views their role in relation to their personal life. Second, it can help the interviewer understand what the CNA feels is important in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Finally, it can give the interviewer some ideas about how the CNA might be able to improve their own work-life balance.

It is important for CNAs to maintain a healthy work-life balance because it can help them avoid burnout. Burnout can lead to a decrease in job satisfaction, an increase in absenteeism, and a decrease in job performance.

Example: “There are a few ways that CNAs can maintain work-life balance. One way is to make sure that they have enough time for themselves outside of work. This can be done by scheduling time for activities that they enjoy, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends. Additionally, CNAs can try to set realistic goals for themselves both at work and at home. This will help to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Finally, CNAs should communicate openly with their supervisors and co-workers about their needs and expectations. By doing so, they can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that their work schedule is manageable.”