Healthcare Assistant CV example (UK)
HCA recruitment is values-led and volume-heavy: employers scan for the Care Certificate, hands-on care evidence and reliability. If you're applying into the NHS, remember shortlisting happens against the person specification on the Trac form — this CV gives you the raw material.
Example CV
Professional Summary
Healthcare Assistant with 3 years across residential dementia care and an NHS elderly-care ward. Care Certificate complete; competent in clinical observations (NEWS2), personal care and moving & handling. Reliable under pressure — 100% attendance record across two years — and known for calm, dignified care.
Experience
- Deliver personal care, nutrition support and mobility assistance for up to 12 patients per shift on a 30-bed ward.
- Record clinical observations (BP, temp, SpO2, NEWS2 scoring) and escalate deteriorating patients to registered staff promptly.
- Trusted with 1:1 enhanced-care duties for patients with delirium and dementia, including falls prevention.
- Support mealtimes for patients with dysphagia following SALT guidance; zero choking incidents on my watch.
- Personal care, medication prompts and activities for residents living with dementia; key worker for 6 residents.
- Completed Care Certificate and NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care while working full-time.
- Praised in two CQC-inspection resident-family interviews (home rated Good, 2023).
Skills & Systems
Personal care & dignity · Clinical observations / NEWS2 · Moving & handling (trained) · Dementia care · Enhanced 1:1 care · Infection prevention · Food safety & nutrition support · Documentation (EPR) · Basic Life Support
Qualifications
Care Certificate (2022) · NVQ Level 2 Health & Social Care · BLS certified · Enhanced DBS on the update service
Why this CV works
- Care Certificate and DBS status are explicit — the two checkboxes every care recruiter screens first; "DBS on the update service" actively speeds your start date.
- Clinical scope is precise: NEWS2 observations and escalation show ward-readiness beyond basic care.
- Reliability is evidenced (attendance record) — in a sector wrecked by no-shows, this single line does real work.
- The CQC mention borrows institutional credibility honestly.
Keywords employers search for
Frequently asked questions
Can I become an HCA with no care experience?
Yes — it's a standard entry route. Lead with transferable evidence (caring responsibilities, customer-facing reliability), state you're ready to complete the Care Certificate, and apply to employers who advertise full training.
What's the difference between Band 2 and Band 3 HCA?
Band 3 carries extended clinical duties — venepuncture, ECGs, more complex care — evidence them explicitly if you have them, as the person specification will demand it.
Should I list my DBS on the CV?
Yes, one line: 'Enhanced DBS, registered on the update service' if true — it removes a hiring delay and recruiters look for it.
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