50 CNA Interview Questions and Sample Answers

What are CNA interview questions and answers to prepare in an upcoming job interview? When applying for certified nursing assistant employment, the interview procedure is crucial. Hiring managers will ask you a number of questions in order to learn more about you and your credentials in order to determine how well you would fit into their team.

CNA interview questions and answers

Below are CNA (certified nursing assistants) interview questions and sample answers.

Tell me about yourself.

Share something interesting about yourself that will pique the interviewer's interest. Provide information on your accomplishments, how you've helped others, how you've excelled in life, and any obstacles you've faced to paint a good picture of yourself.

Example answer

“I come from a long line of lawyers. I used to volunteer at a local hospice center when I was younger. People had a variety of problems, and I was willing to assist them with nearly anything. Since then, I've been hooked on assisting others. It's really satisfying to assist someone. I like to run and have completed a few CrossFit events, and I also volunteer with the disabled children at our local hospital.”

Why did you decide to come a CNA?

Working as a CNA in a high-stress atmosphere may be physically and emotionally taxing. Employers may use this question to gauge your enthusiasm for the job, as enthusiastic individuals are more likely to meet the difficulties and stay motivated.

Example answer

"My grandma fell down some steps when I was 16 years old and suffered serious injuries. She had to spend time in the hospital and later in a rehabilitation center as a result of her injuries. She was often complimenting the workers on how wonderfully they handled and cared for her, and I know my family enjoyed the services they offered when we couldn't be there all of the time.

Her accident motivated me to volunteer at an elderly home and eventually earn my CNA certification. I'm committed to treating others with the same care and respect that my grandma got. Despite the difficulties of the work, knowing that I am helping these people and their families makes every difficult day worthwhile. I also recognize that living in these institutions may be isolating, so I like forming personal relationships with individuals to help them feel more at ease."

Where do you see yourself going in the next five years?

"Where do you see yourself in five years?" If you mention that you want to move up and out of the business, they will be hesitant to hire you.

Example answer

“I enjoy working in the medical sector and have no plans to leave anytime soon. I've been thinking about going to nursing school, so I'm pleased you offer a tuition reimbursement program. But I truly want to be the greatest CNA I can be and work for a firm like yours someday.”

What are your strengths?

It's critical to emphasize your talents, particularly how they may benefit the business. Don't say anything like "tooting your own horn" or "not to boast," since the interviewer will assume that's precisely what you're doing. Tell them about your strengths, but do it in a humble manner.

Example answer

“My capacity to interact with individuals from all walks of life is my greatest asset. I am better able to comprehend not just what individuals require, but also how I may best serve them, since I am able to communicate effectively. This guarantees that I do the proper thing the first time and that there are no misunderstandings.”

What are your weaknesses?

This is a question to which you should always be prepared to respond prior to the interview. When you're trying to focus on the positives, it might be tough to conceive of a flaw. It's critical to demonstrate that you're aware of whatever flaws you have and that you're actively striving to better yourself and transform those flaws into strengths.

Example answer

“I find it difficult to watch people struggle with things, so I try to assist others when I see them. I have to constantly remind myself to ask people if they require assistance, since this allows them to determine whether or not they want my assistance. I've learned to be more patient and understanding of others as a result of taking a step back."

As a CNA, what sets you apart from others?

This question allows you to elaborate on why you feel this position is a good fit for you and how you will stand out from the competition. Share the specifics of your schooling if it permitted you to specialize in a certain sort of care.

Example answer

“As a recent graduate, I have the most up-to-date talents you'll discover. I've done a lot of on-the-job training. I've done my training in hospitals, residential facilities, and private residences. I've studied psychology extensively and have learnt how to not only physically assist people, but also how to react to and understand their mental states.”

Tell me about a time when you had to do something difficult.

Your response will enable you to describe how you overcome a hurdle and cope with issues. Make a list of any obstacles you experienced as a college student using the STAR technique. Have you ever been worried about paying for college? Was there a class that really pushed you?

Example answer

“Learning a second language has always been a dream of mine. When I was in high school, I began taking Spanish lessons and intended to continue in college. Things were a lot more challenging in college than they were in high school. I was having trouble with the language, so I traveled to Mexico for the summer of my sophomore year and worked at a restaurant. I learnt that if you really want something, you can always find a way to get it. I approach my work with the same attitude.”

What would you do if a patient refused care?

You may face issues or obstacles with patients as a CNA. Employers may ask you this question to see if you can manage disagreements calmly and consider the viewpoints of the patients. Your answer should demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills like communicating and listening.

Example answer

"When I come across patients who refuse to get treatment, I approach them quietly to find out why. I give them uninterrupted time to express their worries, paying great attention to ensure I grasp what's going on. I've found that showing respect for the patient helps to establish trust, making them feel more at ease with me and eager to comply.

For instance, I recently saw a patient who was angry and refused to accept my care. I knew after listening to his worries that he was frightened and unsure of what to anticipate. I guided him through the actions I was about to follow for his treatment and explained why they would be beneficial to him to calm his anxieties. I proved that I have his best interests at heart by explaining my objectives. We also spoke about how I could change the way I did those tasks to make him feel more at ease."

What would you do if you saw a colleague yelling at a patient?

Unfortunately, CNAs may see or hear about claims of patient abuse. Employers may ask you questions about these occurrences to make sure you're comfortable dealing with and reporting them. Your willingness to confront abuse demonstrates your dedication to provide high-quality treatment to patients.

Example answer

"I've witnessed coworkers verbally abusing or disrespecting patients in the past. As a spectator, I rush into the room to try to calm the situation and halt the aggressive conduct. My next step is to inform my supervisor of the issue and assist in the completion of any incident reports. If a patient comes to me with claims of abuse, I seek for their consent before reporting the allegations to my supervisor.

After reporting the abuse, I make it a point to check in with the patient on a frequent basis and make them feel at ease. I'm committed to tackling abuse for a variety of reasons, including legal and personal ones. My patients are my top concern, and I strive to ensure their health and safety at all times. I know I would never want my family to be in such a situation."

What do you do when entering a patient's room?

Employers want to know that when CNAs conduct delicate health-related duties, you retain decency and respect for the people you're caring for. Asking how you respect their privacy and create a good environment is one approach to exhibit this trait. Your response should exhibit observant and empathic abilities, which will aid you in identifying patients' needs and determining how to connect with them most effectively.

Example answer

"I knock on the door first to make sure the patient is ready for me to come in. I welcome the patient and introduce myself if this is our first meeting. When I've been working with them for a while, I welcome them and inquire how their day has gone so far. Before I begin my list of duties, I ask whether they require anything.

These procedures are necessary because they demonstrate to my patients that I value their privacy and requirements. I've discovered that making small chat with them can help me establish a relationship with them and make them feel more at ease in my company. And, of course, I always do it with a grin on my face to ensure that I am creating a welcoming and pleasant care atmosphere."

Other CNA questions

Below are questions to prepare for during an upcoming CNA job interview.

Qualifying questions:

• What kind of CNA experience do you have?

• Why did you leave your last job?

• What made you pursue the medical field?

• How would you handle managing several patients at the same time?

• Have you completed all of your education?

• Where would you like go to in the long-term?

• What are your areas of competence, in your opinion?

• What kinds of medical equipment and software are you most at ease with?

• What talents or experiences from your previous positions qualify you for this position?

• What do you like best about working as a CNA?

• What do you find most challenging about being a CNA?

• What has been your most significant professional success to date?

• What traits or abilities do you think a CNA should have to be successful?

• What are your strategies for dealing with high-pressure situations at work?

• What method do you employ to de-stress and exercise self-care?

• How would your former coworkers and bosses characterize you?

• Do you plan to pursue education or training to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse?

• What have you done in the last year to keep your nursing assistant knowledge and abilities up to date?

Situational questions

• When you're dealing with several patients at once, how do you prioritize them?

• Tell me about an instance when you had a disagreement with a coworker. What steps did you take to deal with the situation?

• Describe an instance when you had a disagreement with a boss. What steps did you take to deal with the situation?

• How would you handle a scenario in which you were asked to do something you didn't want to do?

• Give me an example of a tough patient you've had to deal with.

• Tell me about a professional difficulty you've faced and how you overcome it.

• Give me an example of a moment when you worked well with other members of the medical team.

• What would you do if a patient was becoming aggressive?

• What would you do if one of the patients under your care fell?

• How would you approach a situation when a dementia patient claims to see something in the room that you can't see/isn't there if you were working with them?

• Could you explain the stages of a pressure sore?

• Tell me about a moment when you went above and above at work, whether it was with a patient or a boss.

What to bring to a CNA interview

You'll need the following items for your interview. Gather everything you'll need for your interview once you've completed your job application:

• Your papers will be kept in this folder. A simple school folder with pockets would suffice.

• 3–5 copies of your resume are required. If any interviewers haven't seen it yet, give them a copy.

• Information on CNA certification for your state CPR card, if you have one or if your state requires it.

• If it wasn't already included in the application, include a list of references.

• If you have any, letters of recommendation.

• To take notes or write questions, you'll need paper and a pen.

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