Top 12 CNA Skills to Put on Your Resume
Crafting a standout resume as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requires highlighting the specific skills that showcase your expertise and dedication to patient care. This guide outlines the top 12 skills to include on your resume, ensuring you present yourself as a well-rounded and competent professional in the healthcare field.
CNA Skills
- Patient Care
- Vital Signs
- CPR Certified
- HIPAA Compliance
- Wound Dressing
- ADL Assistance
- Charting Software (e.g., Epic)
- Infection Control
- Medical Terminology
- Mobility Assistance
- Glucose Monitoring
- Electronic Health Records (EHR)
1. Patient Care
Patient care, in the context of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves providing basic healthcare and assistance with daily activities to patients under the supervision of nursing staff. This includes tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, checking vital signs, and ensuring patient comfort.
Why It's Important
Patient care is crucial for a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) as it ensures the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of patients, promotes faster recovery, prevents complications, and enhances the overall quality of healthcare services. Effective patient care also builds trust and satisfaction, fostering positive patient-caregiver relationships.
How to Improve Patient Care Skills
Improving patient care as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) involves a mix of technical skills, empathy, and effective communication. Here are concise strategies:
Enhance Communication Skills: Effective communication with both patients and healthcare team members is crucial. Practice active listening and clear, compassionate verbal exchanges. Mayo Clinic offers guidelines on improving communication skills.
Focus on Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of your patients can significantly improve their care experience. This article from Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of empathy in healthcare.
Maintain Professional Development: Continuously updating your skills and knowledge is vital. The American Red Cross provides various courses and resources for CNAs to stay current with the latest in patient care techniques.
Adopt a Patient-Centered Approach: Treat each patient as an individual, respecting their preferences and involving them in decision-making. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement offers resources on implementing a patient-centered approach.
Uphold High Standards of Hygiene: Proper hygiene and infection control are fundamental in patient care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive guidelines on infection prevention and control.
By focusing on these areas, CNAs can significantly enhance the quality of care they provide to their patients.
How to Display Patient Care Skills on Your Resume
2. Vital Signs
Vital signs are measurements of the body's basic functions, used to assess a patient's health status. For a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), these typically include temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure. They are crucial for monitoring a patient's condition and detecting potential health problems.
Why It's Important
Vital signs are crucial for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) as they provide immediate and essential information about a patient's health status. Monitoring vital signs helps in detecting potential health issues early, ensuring timely intervention, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, ultimately contributing to effective patient care and safety.
How to Improve Vital Signs Skills
Improving vital signs involves monitoring and addressing changes in body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you play a crucial role in observing these signs and implementing or assisting in interventions to maintain them within normal ranges. Here are concise ways to improve each vital sign:
Body Temperature: Maintain a comfortable room temperature and use additional blankets or cooling methods as necessary. Ensure the patient is appropriately dressed for their comfort and the environment. CDC Guidelines on Temperature
Pulse Rate: Encourage regular, moderate physical activity as tolerated and appropriate. Assist patients with stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. American Heart Association
Respiration Rate: Support proper breathing techniques and ensure the patient is sitting up straight, if possible. Assist in administering prescribed respiratory therapies or medications. American Lung Association Breathing Exercises
Blood Pressure: Promote a healthy diet low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables. Assist in regular physical activity and weight management efforts. Monitor for and minimize stressors. American Heart Association Blood Pressure
Remember, always follow the care plan established by the healthcare team and communicate any changes in vital signs to a nurse or physician promptly.
How to Display Vital Signs Skills on Your Resume
3. CPR Certified
CPR certification for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) indicates that the individual has completed training and passed the examination on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques, enabling them to provide emergency care for patients 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 essential skills to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving lives and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients under their care.
How to Improve CPR Certified Skills
To improve your CPR certification skills as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), follow these concise steps:
Refresh Your Knowledge Regularly: Stay up to date with the latest CPR guidelines by revisiting the American Heart Association (AHA) or Red Cross websites.
Practice Frequently: Hands-on practice is crucial. Enroll in refresher courses or workshops offered by local healthcare facilities or community centers.
Use Online Resources: Leverage online tutorials and videos for visual and auditory learning. Websites like ProCPR offer resources and practice tests.
Feedback and Assessment: Seek feedback from certified instructors during practice sessions to improve your technique.
Stay Physically Prepared: CPR can be physically demanding. Maintain good physical condition to perform CPR effectively when required.
By following these steps and utilizing available resources, you can enhance your CPR skills, ensuring you're prepared to respond effectively in emergencies.
How to Display CPR Certified Skills on Your Resume
4. HIPAA Compliance
HIPAA Compliance refers to adhering to the regulations set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, aimed at protecting the privacy and security of patient health information. For a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), it involves ensuring patient information is handled confidentially and disclosed only as permitted by law, safeguarding medical records, and maintaining patient privacy during care.
Why It's Important
HIPAA compliance is crucial for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to ensure the protection of patient health information, maintain patient trust, and adhere to legal requirements, thus avoiding significant fines and penalties for violations.
How to Improve HIPAA Compliance Skills
Improving HIPAA Compliance, especially for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves understanding and implementing best practices to protect patient information effectively. Here are concise steps:
Education and Training: Regularly update your knowledge on HIPAA rules and regulations. HealthIT.gov offers resources and training materials.
Secure Patient Information: Ensure physical and electronic records are secure. Use password-protected devices and secure storage for physical documents. The HHS Security Rule Guidance Material provides more insights.
Limit Information Sharing: Share patient information only on a need-to-know basis, adhering to the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
Communication Protocols: Be cautious when discussing patient information. Avoid public or unsecure communications. The CDC’s HIPAA Information for Professionals can offer guidance.
Report Incidents: Immediately report any suspected or actual breaches in patient information confidentiality. The HHS’s Breach Notification Rule outlines requirements.
Use of Mobile Devices: If using mobile devices to access patient information, follow best practices for security. The HHS Mobile Device Guidance offers tips.
By adhering to these steps and staying informed through reputable sources, CNAs can significantly contribute to HIPAA compliance within their healthcare settings.
How to Display HIPAA Compliance Skills on Your Resume
5. Wound Dressing
Wound dressing is the process of cleaning, protecting, and covering a wound using sterile materials to promote healing and prevent infection.
Why It's Important
Wound dressing is important for promoting healing, preventing infection, and protecting the wound from further injury or contamination.
How to Improve Wound Dressing Skills
Improving wound dressing involves careful attention to technique, materials, and patient comfort. As a CNA, you can enhance your wound dressing skills by following these concise steps:
Preparation: Gather all necessary supplies before starting. This list can help you identify what you might need.
Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly and wear gloves to prevent infection.
Assessment: Carefully assess the wound each time you change the dressing, noting any changes in size, depth, color, or smell.
Cleaning: Gently clean the wound with saline solution or as directed. This guide from Cleveland Clinic offers a clear explanation.
Application: Apply any prescribed ointment or medication and cover with the appropriate dressing. Choosing the right dressing is crucial for effective wound healing.
Documentation: Record your observations and the care provided. This wound documentation guide is a useful resource.
For more detailed guidance, consider taking a wound care certification course tailored for CNAs to expand your knowledge and skills.
How to Display Wound Dressing Skills on Your Resume
6. ADL Assistance
ADL Assistance refers to the support provided by a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in helping patients with Activities of Daily Living, which include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and continence.
Why It's Important
ADL (Activities of Daily Living) assistance is important because it supports individuals who struggle with basic self-care tasks due to illness, disability, or age, ensuring they maintain dignity, comfort, and a better quality of life. For CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants), providing ADL assistance is a fundamental part of their role, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for their patients.
How to Improve ADL Assistance Skills
To improve Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assistance as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), consider the following concise strategies:
Enhance Communication Skills: Develop clear and empathetic communication with patients to understand their needs better. Mayo Clinic offers insights on effective caregiver communication.
Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge on best practices and innovative techniques in ADL assistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides valuable resources.
Use Adaptive Equipment: Familiarize yourself with adaptive devices that can make ADLs easier for patients, such as grab bars and special utensils. Explore options at AbleData.
Prioritize Safety: Always prioritize the safety of both the patient and yourself. Understand proper body mechanics and safe lifting techniques. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines on ergonomics in healthcare.
Empower Patients: Whenever possible, encourage independence in patients by allowing them to perform tasks within their capability, adjusting as their abilities change. The Family Caregiver Alliance offers tips on encouraging patient independence.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your patients and their families to improve your care. Continuous improvement is key.
Adopting these practices can greatly enhance the quality of ADL assistance provided, leading to better patient satisfaction and outcomes.
How to Display ADL Assistance Skills on Your Resume
7. Charting Software (e.g., Epic)
Charting software, such as Epic, is a digital tool used by healthcare professionals, including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), to document patient care, track health records, and manage medical information efficiently and accurately.
Why It's Important
Charting software, like Epic, is crucial for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) as it enables accurate and timely documentation of patient care, enhances communication among healthcare team members, and supports the delivery of high-quality, coordinated patient care.
How to Improve Charting Software (e.g., Epic) Skills
To improve charting software like Epic, especially from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) perspective, focus on the following areas:
User Interface Simplification: Streamline the interface for easier navigation and data entry, reducing the time spent searching for functions or patient information. Epic Usability offers customization options that can be tailored to the needs of CNAs.
Customizable Templates: Implement customizable templates for common notes and observations to accelerate documentation. Epic's Note Templates can be a useful feature to explore.
Enhanced Training Programs: Offer targeted training programs for CNAs to enhance proficiency in using charting software. Regularly update training to reflect new features or workflows. Epic Training provides various learning modules that can be adapted.
Voice-to-Text Functionality: Integrate voice-to-text features to allow CNAs to dictate notes, reducing typing time and allowing more focus on patient care. The Dragon Medical One integration with Epic is a popular option.
Mobile Accessibility: Ensure the charting software has a robust mobile application that CNAs can use to update patient charts on the go, improving efficiency. Epic's Haiku and Canto for smartphones and tablets support this need.
Feedback Mechanism: Implement a straightforward mechanism for CNAs to provide feedback on the software's usability and suggest improvements. This ensures the software evolves to meet frontline needs effectively.
By focusing on these areas, charting software like Epic can become more efficient and user-friendly for CNAs, ultimately improving patient care and operational efficiency.
How to Display Charting Software (e.g., Epic) Skills on Your Resume
8. Infection Control
Infection control refers to policies and procedures used by healthcare workers, including CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants), to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings. This involves practices like hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling and disposal of sharps and waste, and cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment.
Why It's Important
Infection control is crucial for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to prevent the spread of infections among patients, staff, and visitors, ensuring a safe healthcare environment and promoting the well-being of everyone involved.
How to Improve Infection Control Skills
Improving infection control, especially for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves adherence to established protocols and continuous education. Here are concise strategies:
Hand Hygiene: Practice thorough hand washing and use of hand sanitizers regularly. CDC Guidelines on Hand Hygiene offer comprehensive steps.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection when necessary. Understand the proper way to don and doff PPE. OSHA PPE Facts provides detailed instructions.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment that are frequently touched. EPA’s List of Disinfectants can guide you on effective products.
Safe Injection Practices: Ensure the use of sterile needles and syringes and proper disposal after use. The CDC’s Injection Safety page offers valuable insights.
Stay Home When Sick: To prevent the spread of infection, it's important to stay home if you're experiencing symptoms of infectious diseases.
Continuous Education: Keep up-to-date with the latest infection control practices and guidelines through reputable sources like CDC’s Infection Control page.
Following these guidelines rigorously can significantly improve infection control in healthcare settings where CNAs work.
How to Display Infection Control Skills on Your Resume
9. Medical Terminology
Medical terminology is the specific language used by healthcare professionals to accurately describe the human body, its components, processes, conditions affecting it, and procedures performed upon it. For a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), understanding medical terminology is essential for effective communication with other healthcare team members, accurate documentation, and providing proper care to patients.
Why It's Important
Medical terminology is important for CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) because it allows for accurate and efficient communication with the healthcare team, ensures clarity in patient care documentation, and enhances understanding of patient conditions, treatments, and procedures, ultimately contributing to safer and more effective patient care.
How to Improve Medical Terminology Skills
Improving your medical terminology as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is crucial for effective communication in healthcare settings. Here are short and concise tips:
Utilize Online Resources: Websites like Quizlet offer flashcards and quizzes tailored to medical terminology.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps retain terms. Try MedTerms for daily medical term learning.
Engage with Educational Apps: Apps like Medical Terminology provide interactive learning experiences.
Read Medical Literature: Reading journals, textbooks, or articles can introduce and reinforce terminology. Explore PubMed for a vast database of medical articles.
Participate in Workshops or Webinars: Look for continuing education opportunities that focus on medical terminology.
Use the Language: Apply new terms in your daily tasks as a CNA to help with memorization and understanding.
By integrating these strategies into your routine, you'll enhance your medical terminology skills, benefiting your professional development and patient care.
How to Display Medical Terminology Skills on Your Resume
10. Mobility Assistance
Mobility assistance refers to the support and physical help a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides to patients or residents in moving, including walking, transferring from bed to chair, and ensuring safe movement to prevent falls or injuries.
Why It's Important
Mobility assistance is essential for a CNA as it ensures the safe and efficient movement of patients, prevents falls and injuries, maintains physical health, and enhances independence and quality of life for those with limited mobility.
How to Improve Mobility Assistance Skills
Improving mobility assistance as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) involves enhancing safety, comfort, and independence for patients. Here are concise strategies:
Education: Continuously update your skills through resources like the American Red Cross or MyCNAjobs for the latest best practices.
Communication: Engage in effective communication with patients, understanding their needs and preferences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidelines for better health communication.
Use of Assistive Devices: Familiarize yourself with various assistive devices. The National Institute on Aging provides insights on tools that can aid mobility.
Safety Measures: Implement safety measures to prevent falls. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines for safe patient handling.
Physical Support: Learn proper techniques for physical support and transferring patients. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement offers resources for improving patient care techniques.
By focusing on these areas, CNAs can significantly improve the quality of mobility assistance they provide, enhancing patient well-being and independence.
How to Display Mobility Assistance Skills on Your Resume
11. Glucose Monitoring
Glucose monitoring is the process of regularly checking the concentration of glucose (sugar) in a person's blood to manage diabetes effectively. This can involve the use of devices such as glucometers for instant readings or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for ongoing tracking. For a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), this task includes assisting patients in performing these checks, recording the results, and ensuring the patient's comfort and understanding of the process.
Why It's Important
Glucose monitoring is crucial for maintaining proper blood sugar levels, preventing complications from diabetes, and ensuring overall health and safety, especially in vulnerable patients under a CNA's care.
How to Improve Glucose Monitoring Skills
Improving glucose monitoring, especially for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), involves a blend of adopting advanced technologies, enhancing personal skills, and ensuring patient comfort and accuracy. Here are concise strategies:
Utilize Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems: Embrace CGM systems for real-time glucose levels, reducing the need for frequent finger-prick tests. Here's an overview of CGM systems.
Stay Informed: Keep updated with the latest glucose monitoring technologies and guidelines. The American Diabetes Association is a valuable resource.
Practice Good Technique: Ensure proper site preparation and technique when taking blood samples, to improve accuracy. CDC's Guide on Blood Sample Collection provides practical tips.
Patient Education: Educate patients on monitoring their glucose levels, focusing on the importance of regular monitoring and how to correctly use glucose meters. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers patient education resources.
Data Management Skills: Learn to efficiently use software or apps associated with CGM systems for tracking and interpreting patient data. This guide on managing diabetes with technology can be helpful.
Effective Communication: Develop skills to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams about glucose monitoring results and necessary adjustments in care plans.
By integrating these strategies, CNAs can significantly contribute to more accurate and efficient glucose monitoring, enhancing patient care and outcomes.
How to Display Glucose Monitoring Skills on Your Resume
12. Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Electronic Health Records (EHR) are digital versions of patients' paper charts. They contain comprehensive health information including diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results. For a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), EHRs provide accessible, up-to-date, and accurate information about patients to support caregiving and coordination of tasks.
Why It's Important
Electronic Health Records (EHR) are important for CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) as they provide quick access to accurate, up-to-date patient health information, enabling better care coordination, efficiency in tasks, and enhanced patient safety.
How to Improve Electronic Health Records (EHR) Skills
Improving Electronic Health Records (EHR) for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) involves focusing on usability, accessibility, and training. Here's how:
Enhance Usability: Simplify the EHR interface to make it more intuitive for CNAs. This includes streamlining navigation and making common tasks more straightforward. Usability.gov provides guidelines for enhancing usability in healthcare applications.
Improve Accessibility: Ensure EHR systems are accessible on various devices, including tablets and smartphones, allowing CNAs to update patient information on the go. HealthIT.gov offers insights on improving health IT accessibility.
Tailor Training: Provide EHR training that is specifically designed for CNAs, focusing on the features and information most relevant to their duties. AHRQ has resources on effective health IT training.
By focusing on these areas, EHR systems can be made more efficient and user-friendly for CNAs, ultimately leading to better patient care.
How to Display Electronic Health Records (EHR) Skills on Your Resume
