Questions to Ask a CNA
Essential questions to evaluate a Certified Nursing Assistant's qualifications, experience, and approach to patient care.
1What certifications do you currently hold and when do they expire?
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What certifications do you currently hold and when do they expire?
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Why this works
Ensures the CNA has current, valid credentials and understands the importance of maintaining certification requirements.
2How do you approach building rapport with new patients?
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How do you approach building rapport with new patients?
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Why this works
Reveals the CNA's interpersonal skills and understanding of the importance of patient comfort and trust in care delivery.
3What experience do you have with patients who have dementia or cognitive impairments?
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What experience do you have with patients who have dementia or cognitive impairments?
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Why this works
Shows specialized knowledge and experience with vulnerable populations that require specific care approaches and communication strategies.
4How do you handle difficult or uncooperative patients?
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How do you handle difficult or uncooperative patients?
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Why this works
Reveals conflict resolution skills and understanding of de-escalation techniques essential for maintaining patient safety and dignity.
5What is your approach to maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality?
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What is your approach to maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality?
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Why this works
Ensures understanding of HIPAA requirements and professional boundaries that are critical in healthcare settings.
6How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple patients with different needs?
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How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple patients with different needs?
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Why this works
Shows organizational skills and ability to manage competing demands while maintaining quality care for all patients.
7What experience do you have with patients who require assistance with activities of daily living?
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What experience do you have with patients who require assistance with activities of daily living?
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Why this works
Reveals practical experience with core CNA responsibilities and understanding of patient dignity during personal care.
8How do you communicate with family members about their loved one's care?
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How do you communicate with family members about their loved one's care?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of family dynamics and ability to provide appropriate updates while maintaining professional boundaries.
9What is your approach to infection control and safety protocols?
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What is your approach to infection control and safety protocols?
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Why this works
Ensures knowledge of critical safety measures that protect both patients and healthcare workers from preventable infections.
10How do you handle emergency situations or medical emergencies?
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How do you handle emergency situations or medical emergencies?
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Why this works
Reveals understanding of emergency protocols and ability to respond appropriately under pressure while maintaining patient safety.
11What experience do you have with patients who have mobility limitations?
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What experience do you have with patients who have mobility limitations?
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Why this works
Shows knowledge of safe transfer techniques and understanding of fall prevention strategies that are crucial for patient safety.
12How do you document patient care and observations?
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How do you document patient care and observations?
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Why this works
Ensures understanding of the importance of accurate documentation for continuity of care and legal protection.
13What is your approach to working with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds?
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What is your approach to working with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds?
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Why this works
Shows cultural competency and understanding of how to provide respectful, appropriate care to patients from different backgrounds.
14How do you handle situations where a patient's condition changes or deteriorates?
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How do you handle situations where a patient's condition changes or deteriorates?
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Why this works
Reveals understanding of when to escalate concerns and ability to recognize signs that require immediate attention.
15What experience do you have with patients who have chronic conditions?
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What experience do you have with patients who have chronic conditions?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of long-term care needs and ability to provide consistent, quality care for patients with ongoing health issues.
16How do you maintain your own physical and emotional well-being in this demanding role?
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How do you maintain your own physical and emotional well-being in this demanding role?
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Why this works
Reveals self-awareness and understanding of the importance of self-care in maintaining quality patient care and preventing burnout.
17What is your approach to continuing education and staying current with best practices?
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What is your approach to continuing education and staying current with best practices?
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Why this works
Shows commitment to professional development and understanding of the evolving nature of healthcare practices.
18How do you handle situations where you disagree with a nurse or supervisor's instructions?
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How do you handle situations where you disagree with a nurse or supervisor's instructions?
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Why this works
Reveals understanding of professional hierarchy and ability to communicate concerns appropriately while maintaining working relationships.
19What experience do you have with patients who are at end of life?
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What experience do you have with patients who are at end of life?
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Why this works
Shows sensitivity and understanding of the unique needs of patients and families during difficult times.
20How do you ensure you're providing person-centered care that respects each patient's individual needs?
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How do you ensure you're providing person-centered care that respects each patient's individual needs?
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Why this works
Reveals understanding of the importance of individualized care and ability to adapt approaches to meet each patient's unique needs and preferences.
Best Practices for Evaluating CNAs
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Assess Clinical Competency
Look for specific examples of patient care experiences and understanding of safety protocols. Ask about challenging situations they've handled successfully.
Evaluate Communication Skills
CNAs must communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Look for examples of how they handle difficult conversations.
Consider Cultural Competency
Healthcare requires understanding and respect for diverse backgrounds. Ask about their experience with patients from different cultures and communities.
Question Sequences
The Experience Assessment Sequence
The Safety and Protocol Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Technical Skills
While clinical competency is important, also assess interpersonal skills, empathy, and ability to work as part of a healthcare team.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
Pay attention to how they discuss patients, their approach to difficult situations, and their understanding of professional boundaries.
Don't Skip Reference Checks
Always verify their experience and ask previous employers about their performance, reliability, and patient interactions.