A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) cover letter is a written document that goes along with your resume package to introduce yourself and give the prospective employer an idea of what you hope to achieve if you are allowed to work with them.
The cover letter is usually addressed to the hiring personnel of the nursing care institution or the individual employer. It highlights your interest in being hired, your skills in the role, your qualifications, and previous experiences in the same capacity.
Whereas having a great resume is essential, you might still not secure the job you are looking for if you do not know how to write a great cover letter. In this regard, before putting pen to paper, you must give some thought to presenting your qualifications and experiences appropriately. This way, you can stand out from the vast pool of qualified applicants, increasing your chances of being hired. Consider reading through this article to better understand what you ought to include in your CNA cover letter, the best way to format your document, and how to craft it effectively.
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Essential Skills Required to Qualify
Assistants play a significant role in caring for the sick, injured, disabled, and older adults in healthcare settings and homes. The job usually involves direct contact with the patients; thus, employers often look for the following specific personal traits while considering applicants:
Compassion
Showing empathy and understanding for the patients in need of care for the individual’s well-being will go a long way in getting you hired. Thus, highlighting this skill in the cover letter makes your application stand out from others.
Patience
The ability to listen and provide adequate care despite making minimal demands on the individual and holding back anger, frustration, or impatience will stand you in good stead at getting hired.
Stamina
In the cover letter, you must also demonstrate physical and mental stamina by showing that you can work long hours, cope with stress and pressure effectively, and meet the job’s physical demands.
People skills
The role of an assistant typically involves dealing with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Therefore, you must demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with patients and fellow healthcare staff members.
Safety consciousness
One of the main concerns and responsibilities of a CNA is to ensure that patients in the care and those around them are safe. Thus, demonstrate a high level of safety awareness in your cover letter.
Dependability
A good assistant can consistently deliver as per expectations, ensure punctuality, and keep their word to maintain a reputation. Most employers look for this skill in qualified CNA applicants; thus, include it in the cover letter.
note
The CNA cover letter is a formal document. Therefore, it should be written following the appropriate format to ensure it is impactful in achieving the results you need. Left-align the text, but avoid justifying it on the page. You may indent your paragraphs, but this is not always advisable as it takes up much space, making your work go beyond the required single-page long length.
Use a font type that is professional and easy to read, such as Times New Roman, Cambria, Calibri Body, Arial Black, or Georgia. The font size should be either 11 points or 12 points maximum. Set the line spacing to 1.15, skip a single line between the main sections, and leave at least a one-inch margin on the left and right sides. There should also be about one and a half inches on the top of the page and one inch on the bottom section of your document.
Writing a Cover Letter
Now that you know the various skills to include in a cover letter and the right way to structure and format the letter, let’s move on to how to actually write the letter.
Here is a comprehensive guideline on the right way to write the cover letter:
Header
The header is your first impression and should be written most professionally. The header information includes your name, address, city, state, zip code, country, and contact information. First, skip a single line, then write the current date. Similarly, skip another single line and include the recipient’s information, such as their name, company name, and address. Next, write a formal salutation addressed to the letter’s recipient.
Show your passion for the job
In the opening paragraph, demonstrate your passion for the job by clearly addressing the letter’s purpose in the first place. Use the first sentence to describe your reason for writing the letter, citing a reference to the job description, then briefly explain why you believe you are the right person and why you should be considered for an interview.
Your qualifications detail
Once you have written an impressive opening paragraph and now have the reader’s full attention, it is time to highlight your qualifications. The details in this section include your academic qualifications, relevant training attended, and the awarded certificates. However, it is important to summarize your qualifications and background in a manner that does not replicate what is already on your CV.
Relate your previous work to the job requirements
Next, write about your previous work experiences and relate your experiences to what the employer is looking for. To achieve this, consider reading and understanding the job description beforehand. Then, tell the hiring manager the positions you held before, including the tasks and responsibilities you performed while working in that role, and mention your notable accomplishments. Moreover, mention how these experiences have positively impacted your career to give the employer a better idea of your work and what you can achieve.
Elaborate your skills and abilities
You must discuss the personal and professional qualities you possess that are necessary to perform the tasks associated with the CNA job. This includes industry-specific skills such as empathy, the ability to effectively communicate with patients and fellow staff members, patience, workplace safety consciousness, the ability to work well under pressure or stressful situations, reliability, time management skills, work ethics, knowledge of medical terminologies, the ability to keep accurate records of patient’s health conditions, and the ability to administer medication as prescribed by physicians and doctors at examinations, among others.
Mention your CNA license status and other certifications
State in your letter that you are a certified assistant and know how to perform the job’s essential functions. Ensure you provide your CNA license number and indicate its status and any other certifications you may have obtained relevant to the job.
Thank you and the call to action statement
End the letter with a short and straightforward closing statement that shows your appreciation for the employer, for taking the time to read your application materials, and for their consideration. You should also include a call-to-action statement inviting the employer to follow up and speak with you regarding the job.
Formal closing
Lastly, include an appropriate sign-off such as “yours faithfully,” “sincerely,” “yours truly,” etc., then provide your signature.
How do You Write a Cover Letter with No Experience?
Suppose you apply for a CNA job with no prior work experience. In that case, you must demonstrate your extensive knowledge of the field in your cover letter. To achieve this, consider writing a brief paragraph about yourself and your professional goals, describing the various courses you took in the program and why you decided to venture into the field. This will demonstrate that you are looking to take on the opportunity and are ready to face challenges that come your way. In addition, this will help the employer see your potential despite your lack of previous job experience.
Free Template
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Position Title]
[Healthcare Facility Name]
[Facility Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position at [Healthcare Facility Name], as advertised [mention where you found the job listing, e.g., on your website/in a newspaper/on a job board]. With a strong foundation in patient care and a commitment to providing compassionate support, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and support the high standards of care at your facility.
In my previous role at [Previous Employer Name], I gained valuable experience in [mention specific duties or areas of expertise, e.g., providing direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs]. My ability to connect with patients and build trusting relationships has been a key factor in my success as a CNA. I am particularly proud of [mention a specific achievement or experience, e.g., receiving positive feedback from patients, contributing to a team effort that improved patient care].
I am adept at handling a variety of patient needs with empathy and professionalism. My training and experience have equipped me with the necessary skills to effectively manage challenging situations while maintaining a focus on patient safety and comfort. I am also committed to continuous learning and professional development, as evidenced by [mention any additional certifications, training, or relevant coursework].
I am particularly drawn to [Healthcare Facility Name] because of [mention something specific about the facility or its reputation that appeals to you]. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in an environment that values [mention specific values or aspects of the facility, e.g., patient-centered care, teamwork, innovation].
Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my qualifications. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your team. Thank you for considering my application. I hope to bring my dedication, compassion, and nursing skills to [Healthcare Facility Name] and contribute to the excellent care you provide to your patients.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Sample Cover Letter for Certified Nursing Assistant
Dear Mrs. Brown,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position at Sunrise Senior Care, as recently advertised on your facility’s website. With a compassionate heart and a dedication to providing outstanding patient care, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed team and support the high-quality care that Sunrise Senior Care is known for.
During my tenure at Pleasantville Retirement Home, I honed my skills in providing direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities, and monitoring vital signs. My ability to connect with elderly patients and build trusting relationships has been a cornerstone of my approach to care. I am particularly proud of initiating a weekly music therapy session, which significantly improved the mood and overall well-being of our residents.
My hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment has equipped me with the ability to handle challenging situations with patience and professionalism. I am committed to ensuring patient safety and comfort and have consistently received positive feedback from patients and their families for my empathetic and attentive care. Additionally, I have completed advanced training in dementia care, further enhancing my ability to provide specialized support to patients with varying needs.
I am drawn to Sunrise Senior Care because of your facility’s reputation for innovative patient care and a strong commitment to staff development. I am particularly impressed by your community outreach programs and the holistic approach to elderly care. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in an environment that values comprehensive, patient-centered care and fosters continuous learning and professional growth.
Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my qualifications and achievements. I am eager to discuss how my background, skills, and commitment to quality care align with the needs of Sunrise Senior Care. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and enhancing the lives of your residents.
Sincerely,
Lucy Johnson
TIP
Add keywords in your cover letter. Writing a cover letter that is original and specially tailored with the right keywords from the job advertisement, appropriate skills, and quantified results, accompanied by strong action verbs, is sure to get your application materials noticed by the hiring personnel. As such, incorporate action verbs such as administered, communicated, comforted, coordinated, resolved, accommodated, assisted, volunteered, etc., into your cover letter to stand out from the crowd and be considered for an interview.
Letter Writing Tips
To ensure that you write an effective letter that is sure to get noticed by the prospective employer, you must consider the following cover letter writing tips:
Do your research
Before you start writing, you must know precisely what the hiring entity is looking for in a suitable candidate. The best way to identify this information is to talk to someone who works for the employer or ask for a job posting to understand better how to emphasize your strengths and abilities and relate them to the job.
Tailor the letter around the job description
Before writing the cover letter, make sure to read and understand the employer’s job description in detail. This will help you create a letter tailored around the skills, responsibilities, experience, and qualifications that the employer is looking for; hence, your letter will get noticed instantly.
Be concise
The cover letter should be concise because hiring managers are busy people and wouldn’t want to waste time reading long, pointless, and unnecessary information. As such, include the relevant points only and avoid being too detailed. An ideal cover letter should only be a single page long.
Align with the company
Make sure that your cover letter and the body of your application materials are aligned with the company’s goals, values, mission, and principles to stand out as a potential candidate on the list. You can do this by outlining your motivations and describing the steps you will take to accomplish them in your cover letter.
Proofread
It is also crucial that you proofread your cover letter to identify any mistakes you may have made in the writing process. Then, review the final document once or twice to ensure that everything is correct and free from typing and spelling mistakes. Proofreading and revising the document accordingly will help you create a professional impression, thus increasing your prospects of securing the job.
Conclusion
This occupation plays a significant role in the medical field. Several people have also trained in the field, making it one of today’s most sought-after job positions. Therefore, you must have a great cover letter and an up-to-date resume to be considered a potential qualified employee. Your cover letter should present your skills, qualifications, experiences, and relevant training initially and excellently while ensuring that it does not duplicate your resume. The document should be tailored to the job opening requirements, and it should be aligned with the company values, mission, and objectives.
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