Top 20 Interview Questions and Answers for CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) (2025)

Preparing for a CNA interview in 2025 requires more than just technical knowledge; it calls for emotional intelligence, clinical awareness, and the ability to align with healthcare values. Below is a well-structured collection of behavioral, situational, technical, and cultural fit questions, each accompanied by simple, practical answers to help you excel in your interview.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Can you describe a time you comforted a distressed patient?
  I once calmed a confused dementia patient by speaking softly and guiding them back to their room, maintaining patience and compassion throughout.
• 2. Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker. How did you handle it?
  I clarified roles and calmly discussed our differences, which led to better teamwork and mutual understanding on future shifts.
• 3. Describe a situation where you had to multitask under pressure.
  During a staff shortage, I managed feeding, bed changes, and call lights by prioritizing patient needs and communicating with the nurse.
• 4. How have you handled a mistake in your work?
  I once gave the wrong meal tray; I immediately informed the nurse, corrected it, and reviewed procedures to avoid future errors.
• 5. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient.
  I learned a resident’s favorite song and played it during her daily care routine, helping ease her anxiety and build rapport.

Situational Questions

• 6. What would you do if a patient refuses care?
  I would respectfully explain the importance of the care, try again later, and notify the nurse to ensure proper follow-up.
• 7. How would you respond if a patient became aggressive?
  I’d maintain a calm demeanor, ensure safety, de-escalate the situation, and immediately report it to the supervising nurse.
• 8. A patient reports pain—what is your response?
  I would ask them to describe the pain and promptly inform the nurse while continuing to provide comfort and support.
• 9. How do you handle a situation where multiple patients need assistance at the same time?
  I would assess urgency, attend to critical needs first, and communicate with my team to delegate remaining tasks efficiently.
• 10. What would you do if you saw a colleague neglecting their duties?
  I would discreetly address the issue or report it to a supervisor to ensure the patients' well-being is prioritized.

Technical Questions

• 11. What are the vital signs you monitor as a CNA?
  Temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure, and sometimes oxygen saturation are essential for patient monitoring.
• 12. How do you ensure infection control while performing daily tasks?
  I follow standard precautions like handwashing, glove use, and sanitizing surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.
• 13. Can you explain proper body mechanics when lifting a patient?
  I bend at the knees, keep my back straight, and use leg muscles to lift while avoiding twisting or sudden movements.
• 14. How do you document patient care?
  I record care activities, vital signs, and any observations clearly and accurately, maintaining HIPAA compliance at all times.
• 15. What is the process for transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair?
  I lock the wheelchair, assist the patient to sit, use a gait belt, and ensure safety with slow, supported movement.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. Why did you choose to become a CNA?
  I’m passionate about caregiving and enjoy being part of a team that makes a difference in patients’ lives daily.
• 17. How do you handle feedback from supervisors?
  I view feedback as an opportunity to grow and improve my care delivery and teamwork skills.
• 18. How would you support a diverse patient population?
  I respect cultural differences, ask about preferences, and provide personalized care that honors individual values.
• 19. How do you manage stress during demanding shifts?
  I stay focused, practice deep breathing during breaks, and rely on teamwork to maintain efficiency and morale.
• 20. What values do you bring to our healthcare team?
  Compassion, reliability, teamwork, and dedication to patient dignity and comfort are the values I uphold daily.