CV examples / Healthcare & medical
Healthcare Assistant CV Example
Most healthcare assistant jobs in Irish hospitals and nursing homes ask for a QQI Level 5 qualification in healthcare support, plus manual handling and other mandatory training. List those first, then describe the settings you have worked in and the care you provided, such as dementia care, mobility support and accurate observations.
Professional summary example
Healthcare assistant with QQI Level 5 and [X] years in hospital and nursing home settings, providing person-centred personal care and accurate observations.
Skills employers search for
- Personal care
- Patient mobility and manual handling
- Vital signs
- Infection control
- Feeding assistance
- Patient observation
- Record keeping
- Dementia care
Tools and systems
- Care planning systems
Personal strengths
- Compassion
- Calm under pressure
- Clear communication
- Teamwork
Example achievements
Replace each [X] with your own numbers.
- Supported [X] residents a shift with personal care and mobility
- Recorded vital signs and reported changes to the nurse in charge
- Followed infection control procedures with full audit compliance
- Helped [X] residents with dementia take part in daily activities
Turn duties into results
Weak
Helped patients
Strong
Provided personal care for [X] residents per shift, recording vital signs and escalating changes promptly
Action verbs to start your bullet points
- Assisted
- Supported
- Monitored
- Recorded
- Maintained
- Helped
- Communicated
- Ensured
Qualifications and certifications to list
- QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support
- Manual handling
- Patient handling
- Hand hygiene
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults
Typical education: QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support
Common mistakes on a Healthcare Assistant CV
- Missing QQI Level 5 and training certificates
- No setting described
- Duties only, no examples
- No mention of Garda vetting
Build your Healthcare Assistant CV
The builder opens with these skills and example achievements ready to edit. One column, ATS-friendly, PDF or Word.
Open the builderCover letter opening line
I am applying for the Healthcare Assistant role at [employer]. I hold QQI Level 5 in Healthcare Support and have [X] years caring for older adults, including people living with dementia.
Questions
Do I need QQI Level 5 to work as a healthcare assistant?
Most HSE and private employers ask for a QQI Level 5 qualification in healthcare support or a related major award. If you are still completing it, say which modules you have finished.
Which certificates should an HCA list?
Manual handling, patient handling, hand hygiene, infection control, safeguarding and basic life support, each with the date completed. Employers check these before you start.
Should I mention Garda vetting?
Yes. A line such as 'Garda vetted, [year]' or 'happy to complete Garda vetting' saves the employer a question.