What the letter should say
Facilities hire nursing assistants for reliability and kindness as much as skill, and your letter is a short chance to show both. Open with the position and the facility, and say your certification: Certified Nursing Assistant in your state, and whether it is current. Then describe the care you provide in plain terms, such as bathing, feeding, repositioning, taking vital signs and reporting changes to the nurse, with a number for how many residents or patients you care for on a shift.
Add the details a manager has to schedule around: the shifts you can work, including nights, weekends and holidays, and whether you are willing to float. Keep the letter to one page and to three or four short paragraphs. The CNA resume examples page shows the resume that goes with it, and how to write a cover letter covers the standard layout.
Example CNA cover letter for a new nursing assistant
Dear Ms. Delgado:
I am applying for the Certified Nursing Assistant position at Maple Grove Health and Rehabilitation. I earned my CNA certification in Ohio this August after completing a 120-hour state-approved program, which included 40 hours of clinical training in a long-term care facility, where I helped care for six to eight residents a shift.
During my clinical hours I assisted with bathing, dressing, feeding and repositioning, took and recorded vital signs, and reported changes in residents to the charge nurse. My instructor noted that I was patient with residents who have dementia and dependable on the floor. I have also cared for my grandmother at home for two years, so I understand what families need to hear from the people who care for their relatives.
I can work any shift, including nights and weekends. I have attached my resume and certification, and I can meet at any time that suits you. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Keisha Monroe
Cover letter examples for CNA: an experienced nursing assistant
Dear Mr. Okonkwo:
I would like to be considered for the Certified Nursing Assistant position at Brookside Care Center. I have worked as a CNA in long-term care for six years, most recently on the memory care unit at Pinecrest Senior Living, where I care for 10 residents a shift and have served as a preceptor for 5 new aides.
I am known on my unit for careful documentation, for catching early changes, such as a drop in appetite or a new skin concern, and reporting them promptly. In the past year I had no missed shifts and no write-ups, and our unit's falls dropped by a third after we adopted the hourly rounding schedule I helped set up.
My CNA certification in North Carolina is current through 2027, and I hold CPR certification. I am available for evening and weekend shifts. I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Marcus Tillery
Tips for the letter
- State your certification and the state, and say it is current.
- Give one number: residents per shift, years in long-term care, or aides you trained.
- Describe care in specific tasks, not only that you are compassionate.
- Say which shifts you can work. It is the first question a scheduler asks.
- Never include names or details that could identify a resident or patient.
- If you are applying from a different setting, such as hospital to long-term care, say why you want the move.
If you are a nursing assistant moving toward another healthcare job, healthcare resume examples covers the office and administrative side, and the guide to a medical assistant cover letter covers a nearby role.
Sources
Checked on 13 October 2026.