nurse assistant cover letter for resume

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• Free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

3 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Cover Letter Samples

• CNA Cover Letter
• Hospital CNA Cover Letter
• Entry-Level CNA Cover Letter
• Writing Your CNA Cover Letter

As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), you provide entry-level support to other medical staff, answer phone calls, and schedule appointments when needed. You also help out with basic patient care and medical supply management.

But you might feel a little confused when writing a cover letter that’s as clean as an exam room and at the same time compliments your CNA resume .

Luckily, we’ve been at this for years! After helping countless others in medical and entry-level roles, our three CNA cover letter examples will surely spark some inspiration in you, too.

CNA Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Copy this text for your CNA cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue St. Louis, MO 63101 (123) 456-7890

July 9, 2023

Emma Smith Bethesda Health Group 123 Fictional Lane St. Louis, MO 63101

Dear Ms. Smith:

As a CNA, my goal is to deliver compassionate, individualized care to each patient. This is a commitment Bethesda Health Group exemplifies in all aspects of its operations. Renowned dedication to quality care and the uplifting testimonies shared by families affected by your work has affirmed in me that Bethesda Health Group represents the gold-standard values of empathy, professional integrity, and safety. I can help enhance patient experiences, promote holistic health, and support the high standards your healthcare team upholds.

I monitored and documented the vital signs, health improvements, or deteriorations of over 73% of our patient pool at Kindred Hospital. This included but was not limited to administering basic wound care, a skill I developed and honed en route to a 78% improvement in wound healing rates.

Working in the high-pressure emergency room environment at Barnes-Jewish Hospital enabled me to develop my relevant skills in real-time crises. Responding to an average of 68 emergencies per month, my quick-thinking applications of BLS and CPR resulted in significantly improved patient stability and survival rates.

Moreover, my position at Parc Provence strengthened my capabilities in elderly patient care and advocacy through experiences in their highly regarded geriatric care unit. One significant accomplishment was implementing a standard protocol to ensure the pacification of patients’ palliative care discomfort— this was reported to improve patient comfort levels by 78%.

My diverse experiences have endowed me with a strong foundation of practical skills. Such experiences can contribute positively to the high standards of patient care at Bethesda Health Group. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to discussing how my skills and clinical experiences can add value to your esteemed team.

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Why this cover letter works

• Saluting the recruiter by their name and adding a line or two about the hiring company adds a personal touch to your CNA cover letter and shows your enthusiasm to join the team.

Pair Your Cover Letter with a Matching CNA Resume

or download as PDF

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Hospital CNA Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your hospital CNA cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85142 (123) 456-7890

Jacob Miller Sonoran Desert Institute 123 Fictional Lane Phoenix, AZ 85142

Dear Mr. Miller:

As an ardent advocate for health and wellness, whether in the yoga studio challenging my mental focus or in a professional medical setting attending to patients, I perceive both environments as well-being arenas. My passion for promoting health, surpassing mere interests, shapes my professional trajectory. I seek an opportunity to capitalize on these qualities as a hospital CNA at the esteemed Sonoran Desert Institute.

My tenure at Abrazo Health refined my patient charting and documentation skills. I was responsible for updating patient records and documenting vital signs. A testament to my diligence, I maintained a 96% precision rate in patient documentation. Another pivotal part of this role was monitoring vital signs. My intervention aided early detection of health complications in 14% of cases, facilitating swift and potentially life-saving medical responses.

Equally integral to my career growth was my stint at Valleywise Health, especially with regard to the operation of advanced medical equipment. I was tasked with handling, distributing, and troubleshooting various medical devices. The overall efficiency of our team increased by 12%, translating to improved time management and patient care.

In light of my diverse experience and skillset, and commitment to quality healthcare, I am confident my contribution to your well-regarded team would be significant. I anticipate discussing further how I could best benefit your institution. Thank you for considering my application.

Ingrid Olsen

• A compelling call to action restating your interest in the role and prompting the recruiter to invite you for an interview should suffice at the end of your hospital CNA cover letter.

Entry-Level CNA Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level CNA cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Sacramento, CA 94207 (123) 456-7890

July 9, 2023 Ava Thompson Dignity Health 123 Fictional Lane Sacramento, CA 94207

Dear Ms. Thompson:

When I saw the entry-level CNA role at Dignity Health, I was inspired by your unwavering commitment to creating healing environments that cater holistically to each patient. Reading through your foundational principles and seeing your commitment to excellent, affordable, and compassionate health care proved that Dignity Health is where I can fulfill my potential as a CNA.

During my CNA internship at Vibra Hospital of Sacramento, I developed competency in medication administration, handling an average of 23 patients daily while maintaining a medication error rate below 2.6%. This hands-on experience honed my practical skills and enhanced my ability to work under stressful conditions while prioritizing patient safety.

I also gained hands-on experience in specimen collection at Sutter Medical Center. I was often entrusted with this critical task for approximately 37 patients daily, contributing to diagnosis accuracy rates of around 92%. This role enhanced my meticulous attention to detail, patient interaction skills, and understanding of laboratory procedures.

Providing nourishment and hydration to an average of 38 patients per day at Capital Transition Care provided a deep understanding and awareness of the dietary needs and restrictions of a diverse patient population. This experience strengthened my communication skills, allowing me to interact and empathize with patients effectively.

Combining my skills and experiences, I am confident in my ability to contribute to maintaining Dignity Health’s reputation as the largest hospital provider in California and the fifth-largest health system in the nation. I am eager to bring my dedication, advocacy, compassion, and commitment to providing excellent care. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to your team and serving the diverse communities in Sacramento.

• Details about how you excelled in studies, internships, or volunteer programs will greatly enhance your suitability for the position

Related articles

• Medical assistant
• Entry level
• Customer service

How to Put Together Your CNA Cover Letter

One of the biggest things to keep in mind when writing a cover letter , is to tailor it to the job description . Don’t worry: It’s not as bad as it sounds! You simply need to demonstrate your alignment with the job role.

Show that you and the facility where you’re applying are already on the same page by reflecting their values, themes, and phrasing. Demonstrate that you already know exactly what they’re talking about.

Writing a good greeting and intro

Whenever possible, strive to write your letter to someone in particular. Use their real name, and do whatever research it takes to find it. The added bit of effort really sets off your capabilities as a CNA!

Your opener will also need to hook your audience with a convincing mini-case for why you’re the ideal new hire, citing some quick examples of your skills and abilities.

Oh, and you’ll need a good hook to make readers want to know more about you and how you can better their team!

Don’t be informal and bland like this. Who would want to read more?

Hi so I’m really interested in working for you, I hope you like my qualifications so I can start soon.

It’s way better to be specific and who, where, and what you’re talking about, and then answer those questions with qualifications whenever you can.

As an ardent advocate for health and wellness, whether in the yoga studio challenging my mental focus or in a professional medical setting attending to patients, I perceive both environments as well-being arenas. My passion for promoting health, surpassing mere interests, profoundly shapes by professional trajectory. I seek an opportunity to help capitalize on the qualities as a hospital CNA at the esteemed Sonoran Desert Institute.

Writing the letter’s body paragraphs

Each body paragraph should tell the next little slice of your story as a CNA. What drove you to become one? (And how does that line up with the facility’s mission statement?) What makes you such a good fit with that mission statement in terms of abilities and potential?

Share stories of when you’ve already built success in jobs that relate to the Certified Nursing Assistant role in some way. Even if you previously worked retail, customer care isn’t that different in some ways from patient care!

Just make sure you share credible metrics like success percentages, budget savings thanks to your supply organization skills, and improvements in efficiency rates.

Here’s how a good body paragraph looks:

I also gained hands-on experience in specimen collection at Sutter Medical Center. I was often entrusted with this critical task for approximately 37 patients daily, contributing to diagnosis accuracy rates of around 92%. This role enhanced my meticulous attention to detail, patient interaction skills, and understanding of laboratory processes.

Closing off and signing your cover letter

Now it’s time to summarize why you’re such a respectable and desirable CNA by wrapping up with a solid closer paragraph. Pepper in a few more qualifying skills and keywords that align you with the company.

Make sure you also include a call to action that urges your letter’s recipient to contact you again! Keep things moving by inviting questions or offering to provide more details about your CNA prowess.

You should also say “Thank you” to the reader for their time, whether that’s in your closing paragraph or your signoff. Either way, close your letter professionally and use your full name.

Don’t write like this! No details, no intrigue, no enthusiasm . . . and no name, even?

I can do all kinds of nursing tasks as you can see. So please hire me.

It’s always wise to acknowledge the institution’s merits alongside the location-based nuances of their mission statement. Including gratitude and a call to action really polishes things up, too!

Combining my skills and experiences, I am confident in my ability to contribute to maintaining Dignity Health’s reputation as the largest hospital provider in California and the fifth-largest health system in the nation. I am eager to bring my dedication, advocacy, compassion, and commitment to provide excellent care. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to contributing to your team and serving the diverse communities in Sacramento.

While that depends somewhat on the size of the facility where you’ll offer your excellent CNA abilities, you’ll usually perform a pretty good balance of clerical and medical tasks. Reference everything from your bedside manner to your data entry skills!

As specific as you can! Reference any programs you use when you describe your work experiences . “Electronic Medical Records” is impressive, but don’t hesitate to get into the nitty-gritty of how you help patients book appointments.

Circle back to the job description for this! And visit the institution’s website again while you’re at it, too. Core values and company culture usually come through well, and you can match your writing tone to theirs to demonstrate your alignment with their unique medical ecosystem.

Nursing Assistant Cover Letter Sample (How to Write)

Writing a perfect Nursing Assistant Cover Letter involves effectively highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and passion for patient care.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an outstanding cover letter:

• Your full name
• Your contact information (phone number, email address)

2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If not, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Hospital/Organization Name] Hiring Team.”

3. Opening paragraph:

• Express your strong interest in the Nursing Assistant position.
• Mention the specific job title and the name of the hospital or organization.
• Briefly explain why you are interested in the role and how your skills align with the job requirements.

4. Body paragraphs:

• Highlight your relevant skills and experiences in providing direct patient care.
• Mention any certifications, licenses, or educational background that make you qualified for the position.
• Provide specific examples of your accomplishments and responsibilities in previous roles.
• Emphasize your ability to work well in a team, communicate effectively, and remain calm in high-pressure situations.
• Show your passion for providing compassionate and high-quality care to patients.
• Tailor the content to match the specific needs and values of the hospital or organization you are applying to.

5. Closing paragraph:

• Express your eagerness to contribute to the medical team and provide exceptional healthcare services.
• Thank the hiring manager for considering your application.
• State your availability for an interview and mention that you look forward to discussing your qualifications in more detail.

6. Closing:

• Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
• Sign your full name.

Additional tips:

• Keep the letter concise and focused, aiming for one page in length.
• Use a professional tone and well-structured paragraphs.
• Proofread carefully to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors.
• Customize the content to align with the specific job description and the needs of the employer.

With these guidelines, you can create a compelling Nursing Assistant Cover Letter that effectively showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of landing an interview. 

Here is a sample.

Nursing Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Fiona Mass (000) 745-5421 f.mass@email

August 14, 2023

Ms. Rita Gastov Nursing Manager [Hospital/Organization Name] 7 Maryland Avenue Atlantic City, NJ 72652

Dear Ms. Gastov:

As a compassionate nursing assistant, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Nursing Assistant position at [Hospital/Organization Name]. With a solid educational background in healthcare and hands-on experience in providing compassionate patient care, I am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution to your medical team.

In my previous role as a Nursing Assistant at [Previous Employer], I gained valuable experience in providing direct patient care, monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily activities, and maintaining patient records. I am skilled in performing basic medical procedures, such as administering medications and dressing wounds, while ensuring the comfort and safety of the patients.

I have a deep understanding of the importance of effective communication and teamwork in healthcare settings. I believe in building strong relationships with patients and their families, and I am committed to providing high-quality care that promotes their well-being. My empathetic nature and ability to remain calm under pressure have helped me navigate challenging situations with professionalism and compassion.

I am highly organized, detail-oriented, and always strive for excellence in everything I do. I am excited about the opportunity to join your dedicated team at [Hospital/Organization Name] and contribute to providing exceptional healthcare services to patients.

Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with the requirements of the Nursing Assistant position at your esteemed institution.

Fiona Mass (000) 745-5421

Attachment: Resume

Recommended

• CNA Interview
• Sample Accomplishments for CNA
• How to Write a Cover Letter for Nursing?
• Nursing Unit Assistant Cover Letter Example
• How to Write an Excellent Nursing Cover Letter? Complete Guidance
• Nursing Assistant Scope of Practice

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of new posts by email.

Certified Nursing Assistant Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write a Certified Nursing Assistant Cover Letter

When writing your certified nursing assistant (CNA) cover letter , focus on how you can support patients’ comfort and well-being at the facility that posted the job. Also, emphasize your related skills like vital signs monitoring, first aid, infection prevention, or team collaboration.

This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job as a CNA.

Certified Nursing Assistant Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Certified Nursing Assistant Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Jessica Sanders Certified Nursing Assistant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 45 Address Street, Portland, OR 98765

March 1, 2024

Kelly Franklin Hiring Manager Copley Health (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Franklin,

As a Certified Nursing Assistant at Wesley Senior Care, I received the CNA of the Year award in 2019 due to my outstanding patient care and passion for my work. In my two years of experience on the job, I helped patients complete daily activities while providing them with emotional support to improve their morale.

I am drawn to the prospect of working for a highly regarded long-term care facility like Copley Health. I’d be a good match for your patient-driven approach to senior care. Some of my previous achievements include:

• My ability to notice subtle physical and emotional changes in patients that might signify clinical deterioration
• Assisting 14 elderly residents per shift with daily activities, as well as field trips and entertainment activities
• Building trusted relationships with patients by showing empathy and compassion

I would love to set up a time to talk further about how my skills and qualifications could benefit Copley Health. I am available to meet at your convenience.

Jessica Sanders

Mary Bergevin  Nursing Assistant | [email protected] | (123) 456 -7890 | 123 Main Street, Miami, FL 12345

January 01, 2024

Jessica White Senior Hiring Manager Harris Memorial Hospital (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. White,

Decreasing the nursing staff turnover rate by 27% at Miami Central Hospital was one of the proudest moments of my career. I believe that I can bring the same level of enthusiasm and professional experience to Harris Memorial Hospital.

I have over 9 years of experience as a certified nursing assistant working in some of the busiest hospitals in the Miami area. I believe that I would be an asset to your nursing team at Harris Memorial Hospital and that I would assist in reaching your patient care goals.

Some of the highlights of my career include:

• Assisted in caring for a daily caseload of 37 patients in the cancer ward
• Spent three years working in the emergency unit and dealt with a range of different patients on a daily basis
• Assisted in setting up a new e-records system to manage the care of patients more efficiently in the hospital

I would love the chance to speak to you about how my years of experience could translate into improved patient care at Harris Memorial Hospital. Please feel free to contact me with a date that best suits your schedule.

Kind regards,

Mary Bergevin

Rebecca Ellis Certified Nursing Assistant | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | 123 Main Street, Seattle, WA 12345

Jessica Taylor Senior Hiring Manager Seattle West Hospital (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Taylor,

Achieving a 97% patient satisfaction rating for this year was one of the proudest moments of my career. I achieved this goal through hard work and providing consistently excellent care to every patient I worked with.

I see that Seattle West Hospital is expanding its trauma unit and looking for additional nursing staff. I have over 11 years of experience as a CNA in one of the busiest hospitals on the West Coast. My knowledge of patient care in emergency situations will make me an asset to your nursing team.

• Training other CNA’s in the use of the new e-records medical system
• Documenting the details of 40-50 new patients each day
• Assisting in the care of up to 25 patients each day

I would love to meet with you to discuss how my years of experience will make me a valuable addition to Seattle West Hospital. Please feel free to call me with a date that suits your schedule.

Rebecca Ellis

A good CNA cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section back to the health organization and its stated hiring needs. The following advice and examples show how you can use this strategy to optimize your letter for each application.

At the top of the page, include:

• Your resume contact header, which should give your full name, address , email, phone number, and LinkedIn or other social accounts if applicable
• The recipient’s name, title, organization, and contact information (when available)

Note: Feel free to omit this section when sending your cover letter as an email message as long as your contact details are part of your email signature. Look for instructions in the job posting on whether to send by email message or attachment. When the posting doesn’t specify, it’s your choice – just bear in mind email messages are increasingly common, but an attachment is often still better for formal applications to large employers.

2. Salutation

Address your recipient by name as in the first example below – this is the quickest way to signal you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the person’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each job opening.

For traditional job applications, end your salutation line with a colon. But consider a comma instead if you know your recipient or the employer has a casual work culture (sometimes revealed by an employer description on the job posting). In rare cases, you may also trade out the standard “Dear” for a more casual “Greetings,” “Hello,” “Hi,” or even “Good morning.” But again, use your discretion and take cues from the job posting or employer description.

Dear Harris Memorial Hospital Manager:

3. “Hook” or introduction

Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the employer seeks in applicants. Then, connect that highlight to your main strengths and overall candidacy for the advertised CNA role.

As an alternative to the work highlight approach, you can set yourself apart by networking. Begin your letter by citing any personal or professional connections you have with the hiring manager. If someone on the health care team alerted you to the job, use a line like “I was excited to hear from your colleague [Name] about [Hospital]’s new CNA position.” Or, if you’ve already met your recipient, mention that with a line like “It was great speaking with you at the [event] last month.”

4. Job- or employer-specific paragraph(s)

This section is crucial, so think it through fully for each application in your job search.

On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this CNA position or employer interests you based on the job posting. (See tip No. 2 below for some related ideas.)

When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Adapt those points into one or two brief paragraphs that speak to the job opening at hand. By making this description a central part of your letter, you’ll more likely persuade the manager to give you a call.

Following this explanation, cite a few more of your skills or achievements , possibly as bullet points.

5. Conclusion

Finally, request an interview for the position. Restate your overall expertise in daily patient care and eagerness to contribute as a CNA of the hospital or facility soon. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.

Certified Nursing Assistant Cover Letter Tips

1. show you excel at daily patient care.

Start your letter with an example of your success as a CNA. For instance, maybe you stood out on your team for actively anticipating and responding to patients’ needs. Or perhaps you took on daily duties that improved focus among other nursing staff. Also, consider if you’ve earned any awards or general praise for high efficiency or adaptability in a health care setting.

As a CNA at Wesley Senior Care, I received the CNA of the Year award in 2019 due to my outstanding patient care and passion for my work. In my two years of experience on the job, I helped patients complete daily activities while providing them with emotional support to improve their morale.

2. Tell why you’re a good fit

When brainstorming points for your cover letter, think about what this CNA role or employer has in common with your background or goals. For example, maybe the hospital has a strong program for daily patient mobility, similar to your last position. Or you’re applying to one of the many CNA jobs at a skilled nursing facility, a care setting you’d like to return to.

Also, scan the job posting for details on the wider health care team. Would you be working closely with occupational therapists (OTs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) ? View your own work from that perspective and jot down any similar experience.

3. Highlight your other strengths

Add a short list of bullet points to show your success in other key CNA areas like health care documentation, vital signs monitoring, or patient and family relations.

• Helped set up a new e-records system to manage the care of patients more efficiently in the hospital

Certified Nursing Assistant Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions

What traits are useful to highlight in my cover letter -.

Desired qualities in CNAs include patience, compassion, collaboration, and calm professionalism. Consider which of these traits best describe you, then give an example or two of how you’ve shown them in a work setting.

What’s the difference between a resume and a cover letter? -

A resume may show you’re qualified for the job, but a cover letter shows you want it. More than simply repeating resume points, your cover letter should explain why the job caught your eye or why the organization strikes you as a great fit, setting the stage for a positive interview. In this way, a good cover letter sharpens your application by letting you say directly what your resume can only indicate.

How do I professionally say I’m willing to learn? -

There’s nothing unprofessional about describing yourself as “willing to learn” in your cover letter. The problem with this phrase is it's too vague to impress hiring managers. To make the idea more persuasive, get specific. Give one or more examples of your training up quickly or learning new skills as a CNA, and spell out how that helped improve patient care.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Templates and Examples

Health Care Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Medical Assistant Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Build a resume to enhance your career.

• Should Your Cover Letter and Resume Templates Match? Learn More
• The Nursing Career Ladder: CNA To LPN/LVN To RN Learn More
• What’s the Difference Between a Cover Letter and a Letter of Intent? Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More