Do you have a passion for helping people and a desire to break into the healthcare industry? If so, then you should consider becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected growth of 17% for CNAs through 2024, resulting in over a quarter of a million new jobs. Typical education requirements involve completion of an accredited CNA program, which can range from 75 to 150 hours depending on state. The program includes classroom work, field work, and completion of a competency exam before employment.
If you think a career as a CNA is for you, then start practicing these 10 CNA interview questions and answers.
1. What made you decide to be a CNA?
This is often the first question an interviewer will ask. The interviewer wants to know if you have the passion for people that is required to work in the healthcare industry. Include that phrase in your answer and you’ll breeze through this question.
2. What strengths do you possess that will make you a good CNA?
A good CNA needs good communication skills to effectively deal with patients, as well as the patience to deal with those who are ornery. Highlight these two strengths in your answer to ace this question.
3. Do you have a problem working night shifts?
This is a trap question. Any answer other than no may run the risk of disqualifying you in the 24/7 nature of many healthcare facilities.
4. You notice a Nurse or Doctor is not doing their job properly: what do you do?
This question is designed to test your ethics. Always say you would follow protocol and report the person/incident through the proper channels.
5. Why did you leave your last job?
This is always a tricky question, which is exactly why it is asked across all industries. Mention a lack of growth opportunity (if that’s the honest answer) and you should be fine. If you were fired or left under other circumstances, figure out a way to describe it in such a way that makes it clear you’re happier to be pursuing the prospective job you’re interviewing for.
6. How would you handle a rude patient?
Remember how you mentioned patience as a strength for question 2? If you have previous experience in the healthcare field, give a specific example of how you kept your cool and got the job done. If you don’t have experience, then give a specific example of how you handled a rude person at a previous job.
7. Would your personal opinion of a patient affect your ability to do your job?
The purpose of this question is to see if you have the ability to keep personal opinions from clouding professional judgements. Specifically say you possess this ability for your answer to this question.
8. How will you assure a seamless shift transition?
Many healthcare facilities operate 24/7. The smooth operation of said facilities depends on a seamless shift transition. Highlight your strong communication skills for your answer here.
9. What is your five-year plan?
Many facilities like to hire aspiring Registered Nurses (RN) for their CNA roles. Mention a plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing and you’ll impress your interviewer.
10. Why do you want to work at our facility?
This question is to see if you did any research on the company. Mention something from the website to show you did your homework.
Do you need extra advice on these 10 CNA interview questions and answers? Reach out to me on Twitter (@BPucino) and I’d be glad to help!
