Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. They are especially common in nursing homes and long-term care facilities for the elderly. LPNs handle day-to-day patient care tasks like giving medications, checking vital signs, and helping patients with personal care needs. They must complete an approved educational program (usually 12-18 months) and pass a national licensing exam. Similar roles include Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) - the term used in California and Texas for the same position.
Examples in Resumes
Provided direct patient care as LPN in 120-bed skilled nursing facility
Supervised 5 nursing assistants as charge Licensed Practical Nurse on evening shift
Administered medications and maintained records as LPN for 25 residents
Coordinated care plans with RNs as Licensed Vocational Nurse in memory care unit
Typical job title: "Licensed Practical Nurses"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Licensed Practical Nurses
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where you're in charge of the unit and multiple residents need immediate attention?
Expected Answer: Looking for answers that demonstrate leadership, prioritization skills, and ability to delegate tasks appropriately while ensuring resident safety and care quality.
Q: Tell me about a time you implemented a change that improved patient care in your facility.
Expected Answer: Should show experience in process improvement, team leadership, and understanding of care quality metrics and standards.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure accurate medication administration for multiple residents?
Expected Answer: Should describe systematic approach to medication management, double-checking procedures, and documentation practices.
Q: What steps do you take when a resident shows sudden changes in condition?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate assessment skills, knowledge of proper reporting procedures, and understanding of when to escalate concerns to RN or physician.
Entry Level Questions
Q: What experience do you have with basic patient care tasks?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss hands-on experience with vital signs, personal care, and basic nursing procedures from clinical training or internship.
Q: How do you maintain patient confidentiality in your work?
Expected Answer: Should show understanding of HIPAA regulations and basic privacy practices in healthcare settings.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic patient care and vital signs monitoring
- Medication administration
- Basic documentation and charting
- Following care plans
Mid (2-5 years)
- Supervising nursing assistants
- Complex wound care
- Care plan development
- Mentoring new LPNs
Senior (5+ years)
- Charge nurse duties
- Staff scheduling and supervision
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Training and orientation of new staff
Red Flags to Watch For
- No valid state nursing license
- Gaps in work history without explanation
- Limited knowledge of medication administration
- Poor communication skills or unprofessional demeanor
- No experience with electronic health records
Related Terms
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