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Entry Level Cna Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Addus HomeCare

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.75/hr

This rewarding, entry-level position provides consistent, flexible hours to accommodate your ... We are urgently hiring CNA's in these cities; Nashville, TN - Goodlettsville, TN - Gallatin, TN ...

Addus HomeCare

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15.68/hr

This rewarding, entry-level position provides consistent, flexible hours to accommodate your ... We are urgently hiring CNA's in these cities; Knoxville, TN - Claiborne, TN - New Tazewell, TN ...

Addus HomeCare

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

Jackson, TN

$15.68/hr

As an Addus CNA, youll play a vital role in supporting seniors and people with disabilities living ... This rewarding, entry-level position provides consistent, flexible hours to accommodate your ...

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Entry Level Cna information

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$18

$26

How much do entry level cna jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cna in Tennessee is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level CNA?

An Entry Level CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) job involves providing basic patient care under the supervision of nurses. Responsibilities typically include assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, feeding, and monitoring vital signs. CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care settings. This role is a great starting point for individuals interested in the healthcare field, offering hands-on experience and opportunities for career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level CNA?

To thrive as an Entry Level CNA, you need a high school diploma or GED, completion of a state-approved nursing assistant program, and a CNA certification. Familiarity with basic patient care equipment, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and vital sign monitors is often required. Compassion, strong communication, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for providing quality care and working on a healthcare team. These abilities are essential to ensure patient safety, comfort, and effective collaboration in various healthcare settings.

What kind of support and training can I expect as a new entry level CNA?

As a new Entry Level CNA, you can expect comprehensive orientation and on-the-job training, often including shadowing experienced CNAs and licensed nurses. Many healthcare facilities assign mentors or preceptors who guide you through daily routines, answer questions, and help you become comfortable with patient care protocols and proper documentation. Ongoing learning opportunities and periodic skills assessments are common to ensure that you maintain high standards of care and stay up-to-date with best practices. This supportive environment helps new CNAs gain confidence, build foundational skills, and prepare for future advancement within the healthcare field.

How to become an entry level CNA with no experience?

To become an entry-level CNA, you need to complete a state-approved training program and obtain certification by passing a competency exam. No prior experience is required, but strong communication skills and a compassionate attitude are important for patient care roles.

How to get your first job as an entry level CNA?

To get your first job as an entry-level CNA, complete a state-approved training program and obtain certification. Create a resume highlighting your training, certifications, and any healthcare-related experience, then apply to healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics. Networking and volunteering can also help you find opportunities in the healthcare field.

Where to work as a first time entry level CNA?

Entry level CNAs can find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare agencies. These settings typically require basic patient care skills, a valid CNA certification, and may offer flexible shifts suitable for beginners.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cna jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Cna jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cna jobs in Tennessee?

For Entry Level Cna jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cna jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cna jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Cna jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Cna job openings:

Entry Level Cna jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cna job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $37,879 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Nashville, TN

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
See more jobs at SD Department of Veterans Affairsexternal

$182K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.Qualifications:Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) Basic Requirements
  • Education. A masters or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing anesthesia accredited by Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA) at the time the program was completed by the applicant.
  • Licensure and Certification. The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment.
    • License. All APN (CNAs) must maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a CNA or equivalent, in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.
    • Basic Certification. All APN (CNAs) must maintain full and current certification by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) or an equivalent Nurse Anesthetist certification recognized by the COA.
NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (CNA) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.
The following Education, Experience, and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met for Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) II:
Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required APN (CNA) licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Nurse Anesthetist on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B).
  • Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNA). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (CNAs); no experience is required.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills and abilities present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level CNA. Entry level into practice may include but are not limited to the following:
    • Ability to translate into anesthesia care the principles of professional nursing practice including the patients' rights to autonomy, dignity, privacy, and safety.
    • Knowledge of current research and practice guidelines to frame anesthesia practice including up to date techniques, pharmacology, and equipment.
    • Ability to obtain, document and verify informed anesthesia consent and perform a pre-anesthetic patient history and physical, which includes managing pre-operative consults and interpreting data.
    • Ability to formulate a patient-specific anesthetic plan and describe salient anesthetic risks, benefits, and options to the patient.
    • Ability to administer inhalational, regional, intravenous, local, and topical anesthetics.
    • Skill in detecting and treating anesthesia or surgically related physiologic changes and ability to treat accordingly in order to maintain homeostasis.
    • Skill in assessing patient status for appropriateness of transfer of care to another healthcare provider and communicating essential patient information to other providers effectively.
    • Ability to participate in collaborative responsibility for proper patient positioning, physiologic monitoring, infection control and anesthesia documentation.
    • Skill in responding to emergency situations by providing airway management, fluid and medication administration, invasive line insertion and management and the use of advanced cardiac life support techniques.
    • Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession, (e.g., ultrasound techniques.)
    • Ability to practice anesthesia in an interdisciplinary environment utilizing a collaborative concept of anesthesia care.
    • Knowledge of quality improvement processes to maintain ongoing review and evaluation of anesthesia care to improve outcomes.
    • Ability to demonstrate a practice emphasis on safety, current established guidelines and protocols while recognizing the duty to report unsafe conditions or errors.
The following Education, Experience, and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities must be met for Advanced Practice Nurse (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) III:
  • Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNA) AND One year of specialized APN (CNA) experience equivalent to the APN (CNA) II grade level.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Progressively responsible experience in the administration of anesthetics as indicated in the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.
    • Ability to plan, administer and manage anesthesia for a broad range of complex surgical procedures skillfully employing continuous assessment and anesthetic adaptation based on patient response and comorbidities. Work assignments will vary by facility.
    • Ability to participate in assignments that are technically challenging, encompass a variety of anesthetizing locations and utilize advanced equipment and procedures while adapting techniques to solve various complex anesthesia problems including the development of individualized programs of post-op anesthesia care.
    • Skill in responsibility and accountability to perform to the extent of the CNA standards of practice as a licensed healthcare professional in any model of anesthesia practice.
    • Ability to contribute to the educational mission as a mentor or preceptor providing didactic and clinical instruction in anesthesia to student nurse anesthetists, medical and dental residents, and other health care trainees.
    • Knowledge to participate in the development, implementation and maintenance of auditing processes that ensure and improve the quality and consistency of anesthesia and associated documentation.
    • Ability to contribute to departmental administrative processes through quality assurance, shared governance, or committee representation as applicable.
    • Ability to serve as a representative on interdisciplinary teams to establish and maintain guidelines and communication.
    • Skill demonstrated in the ability to embrace the safety culture emphasis by continuously assessing for safety risks, actively reporting safety concerns, and maintaining a just culture by identifying faults in systems rather than individuals.
Physical Requirements: You must be able to perform work that requires regular and recurrent bending, lifting 30 pounds or more, stooping, climbing, twisting and/or bending, standing and/or walking almost constantly during the course of the day, reaching above the shoulder, stretching, and similar activities supporting various weights; walking and standing for 8 hours; frequent pushing medication carts, wheelchairs, litters, beds; use of fingers, both hands and both legs; emotional stability (you must be able to care for Veterans with various medical and psychiatric illnesses who at times may exhibit unpredictable behavior and may have the potential to be physically or verbally assaultive); near vision correctable at 13" to 16" / far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other / both eyes required with ability to distinguish basic colors; hearing aid permitted in order to sufficiently hear various alarms and respond immediately.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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