Himalayas logo

Licensed Vocational Nurse Resume Examples & Templates

4 free customizable and printable Licensed Vocational Nurse samples and templates for 2026. Unlock unlimited access to our AI resume builder for just $9/month and elevate your job applications effortlessly. Generating your first resume is free.

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Resume Example and Template

What's this resume sample doing right?

Compelling introduction

The introduction clearly highlights over 5 years of experience and dedication to patient care. This immediately establishes the candidate's credibility for the Licensed Vocational Nurse role.

Strong experience details

The work experience section lists relevant duties like caring for up to 20 patients daily and collaborating with healthcare teams. This shows the candidate's ability to handle responsibilities typical of a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Relevant skills listed

The skills section includes essential competencies like 'Patient Care' and 'Medication Administration', which align well with the requirements for a Licensed Vocational Nurse. This enhances the resume's relevance for the role.

How could we improve this resume sample?

Lacks quantifiable achievements

The experience descriptions could benefit from quantifiable results, like improvements in patient outcomes or efficiency. Adding specifics would strengthen the impact of the candidate's contributions as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Limited use of healthcare keywords

The resume could use more industry-specific keywords relevant to the Licensed Vocational Nurse role, such as 'patient assessment' or 'care coordination'. This would improve ATS matching and highlight relevant expertise.

No clear career objective

While the introduction is strong, adding a focused career objective could help clarify the candidate's goals and how they align with the Licensed Vocational Nurse position. This makes the candidate's intentions clearer.

Senior Licensed Vocational Nurse Resume Example and Template

What's this resume sample doing right?

Strong impact in work experience

The work experience section highlights quantifiable achievements, like improving patient care satisfaction scores by 25%. This shows your ability to enhance patient outcomes, which is essential for a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Clear summary statement

Your introduction effectively outlines your experience and skills, showcasing over 10 years in patient care. This sets a strong tone for the resume, making it clear you're a qualified candidate for a Licensed Vocational Nurse role.

Relevant skills listed

The skills section includes vital competencies like 'Patient Care' and 'Team Leadership.' These align well with the expectations for a Licensed Vocational Nurse, making it easier for hiring managers to see your fit for the role.

How could we improve this resume sample?

Lacks specific healthcare technologies

The skills section doesn't mention specific healthcare technologies or systems, such as EHR software. Including these can enhance your resume's effectiveness and appeal to employers looking for tech-savvy candidates.

Limited detail on past roles

While your responsibilities are clear, adding more context about your role at Osaka Community Health Center could strengthen your profile. Consider detailing specific patient care scenarios or challenges you overcame to show your versatility.

No mention of certifications

If you hold any relevant certifications, like CPR or IV therapy, it's important to include them. This adds credibility and demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional development as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Lead Licensed Vocational Nurse Resume Example and Template

What's this resume sample doing right?

Strong leadership experience

You effectively highlight your leadership role by mentioning your supervision of a 15-member nursing team. This showcases your capability to manage and guide others, which is vital for a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Quantifiable achievements

Your resume includes impressive numbers, like a 30% improvement in patient satisfaction scores and a 25% reduction in medication errors. These metrics demonstrate your impact in previous roles, making you a strong candidate for the Licensed Vocational Nurse position.

Relevant skills listed

You include essential skills like 'Patient Care' and 'Clinical Assessment.' This alignment with the key competencies for a Licensed Vocational Nurse makes your resume appealing to employers and ATS.

Compelling introduction

Your introduction clearly states your extensive experience and focus on patient care. This sets a positive tone and highlights your qualifications right from the start, which is crucial for the Licensed Vocational Nurse role.

How could we improve this resume sample?

Limited detail in previous role

While you mention your experience at Greenwood Hospital, you could add more specific achievements or outcomes from that role. Detailing your contributions can strengthen your candidacy for the Licensed Vocational Nurse position.

Generic education description

The education section could benefit from more specific coursework or skills acquired during your diploma. Highlighting relevant subjects can provide context to your training and make it more relevant to potential employers.

Skills section could be expanded

You have a solid skills list, but adding specific technical skills or certifications related to the Licensed Vocational Nurse role could enhance your profile. Consider including skills like 'Wound Care' or 'IV Therapy' to increase relevance.

Lack of a clear objective statement

Your resume would be stronger with a clear objective statement tailored to the Licensed Vocational Nurse role. This can help frame your experience and aspirations in a way that resonates with employers.

Supervising Licensed Vocational Nurse Resume Example and Template

What's this resume sample doing right?

Strong leadership experience

The resume highlights significant experience supervising a team of 15 LVNs and nursing assistants. This demonstrates effective leadership skills, which are crucial for a Licensed Vocational Nurse role, especially in managing patient care and team dynamics.

Quantifiable impact on patient care

By mentioning a 30% improvement in patient care satisfaction scores due to implemented training programs, the resume effectively showcases the candidate's ability to enhance patient outcomes, which is vital in nursing roles.

Relevant clinical experience

Experience coordinating care for over 100 patients daily illustrates the candidate's capability to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining quality care, a key requirement for Licensed Vocational Nurses.

Tailored skills section

The skills listed, such as 'Patient Care' and 'Team Leadership', align well with the demands of the Licensed Vocational Nurse position, ensuring the resume appeals to both hiring managers and ATS systems.

How could we improve this resume sample?

Lacks detailed educational background

The education section only briefly mentions the diploma. Expanding on relevant coursework or clinical experiences could better highlight the candidate's foundational knowledge, which is important for a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Generic summary statement

The summary could be more compelling by including specific achievements or unique attributes that differentiate the candidate, making it more engaging and tailored to the Licensed Vocational Nurse role.

Limited use of action verbs

The resume could benefit from a wider variety of strong action verbs. Using terms like 'Enhanced' or 'Facilitated' can add dynamism to the descriptions and convey a more proactive approach in previous roles.

No mention of certifications

If the candidate has any additional certifications or ongoing education that support their role as a Licensed Vocational Nurse, including those would add credibility and strength to their qualifications.

1. How to write a Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

Navigating the job market as a Licensed Vocational Nurse can be tough, especially with so many resumes competing for attention. How can you ensure yours stands out? Hiring managers prioritize your relevant experience and measurable achievements over generic descriptions. Unfortunately, many candidates get caught up in using buzzwords instead of clearly demonstrating their impact in previous roles.

This guide will help you craft a resume that highlights your nursing skills and accomplishments effectively. You'll discover how to turn basic duties into compelling statements, such as transforming "Cared for patients" into "Managed care for 15 patients daily, improving satisfaction scores by 30%." We'll focus on key sections like work experience and resume summaries. After reading, you'll have a polished resume that truly reflects your qualifications.

Use the right format for a Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

When crafting a resume for a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), the chronological format usually works best. This format lists your work history in reverse-chronological order, showcasing your most recent experience first. If you've had a steady career progression or want to highlight your nursing experience, this layout is ideal. However, if you're switching fields or have gaps in your employment, a functional or combination format might be more suitable. It's crucial to keep your resume ATS-friendly by using clear sections and avoiding complex graphics or tables.

Here are some key points to consider when choosing your format:

  • Chronological is best for steady career growth.
  • Functional works for those with gaps or career changes.
  • Combination is useful for showcasing both skills and work history.
  • Keep it simple and organized for ATS compatibility.

Craft an impactful Licensed Vocational Nurse resume summary

A resume summary for a Licensed Vocational Nurse should highlight your nursing experience, skills, and key achievements. If you have years of experience, use a summary; if you're entering the field or changing careers, opt for an objective statement. A strong summary formula is: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. This gives employers a quick snapshot of your qualifications and shows them what you bring to the table.

For instance, if you've worked in pediatrics and have specific skills like patient care and medication management, mention these in your summary. Tailor the summary to reflect the job description keywords to improve your chances with ATS.

Good resume summary example

Compassionate Licensed Vocational Nurse with over 5 years of experience in pediatric care. Skilled in patient assessment and medication administration, with a record of improving patient recovery times by 20% at Medhurst Group.

Why this works: It provides a clear overview of experience, specialization, and a quantifiable achievement, making it appealing to employers.

Bad resume summary example

Licensed Vocational Nurse looking for a position in a hospital. I have some experience and skills that could be beneficial.

Why this fails: It's vague and lacks specific details about experience and achievements, making it less impactful.

Highlight your Licensed Vocational Nurse work experience

List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, clearly stating your Job Title, Company Name, and Dates of Employment. Use bullet points to outline your responsibilities and achievements, starting each with strong action verbs. For an LVN, focus on patient care tasks, collaboration with healthcare teams, and any specialized nursing procedures you performed. Quantifying your impact can make your accomplishments stand out. For example, instead of saying you were 'responsible for patient care,' say you 'managed care for 15 patients daily, improving satisfaction scores by 30%.' Consider using the STAR method to structure your accomplishments.

A few key action verbs to use include: delivered, monitored, collaborated, assessed, and educated.

Good work experience example

Provided direct patient care to 20+ patients daily, collaborating with nursing staff to create individualized care plans, resulting in a 15% increase in patient satisfaction at Hirthe Group.

Why this works: It begins with a strong action verb and quantifies the impact, showing a clear achievement related to patient care.

Bad work experience example

Assisted with patient care and did various tasks as needed.

Why this fails: It's too vague and lacks specifics, making it hard for employers to see the candidate's actual contributions.

Present relevant education for a Licensed Vocational Nurse

When listing your education, include the School Name, Degree, and Graduation Year. For recent graduates or those still in training, make this section more prominent. You can also include your GPA or any relevant coursework or honors. For experienced nurses, this section can be less prominent, and often the GPA is omitted. Additionally, mention any relevant certifications here or create a dedicated section for them if you have multiple.

Ensure your education reflects your qualifications for the LVN position, showcasing your training and any specialized courses you've taken.

Good education example

ABC Vocational School, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Graduated May 2022, GPA: 3.8, Relevant Coursework: Pediatric Nursing, Geriatric Care.

Why this works: It clearly states the degree, school, and relevant details that enhance the candidate's qualifications.

Bad education example

XYZ School, Nursing Degree, 2021.

Why this fails: It's too vague and lacks important details like the degree type or relevant coursework that could strengthen the candidate's application.

Add essential skills for a Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

Technical skills for a Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

Patient assessmentMedication administrationWound careIV therapyPatient educationVital signs monitoringCharting and documentationInfection controlBasic life support (BLS)Clinical procedures

Soft skills for a Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

CommunicationEmpathyTeamworkAttention to detailProblem-solvingTime managementAdaptabilityCritical thinkingInterpersonal skillsStress management

Include these powerful action words on your Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:

AdministeredCollaboratedMonitoredAssistedEducatedDocumentedImplementedEvaluatedCoordinatedImprovedDevelopedManagedTrainedSupportedCommunicated

Add additional resume sections for a Licensed Vocational Nurse

Consider adding sections for Certifications, Projects, or Volunteer Experience. These can demonstrate your commitment to nursing and highlight any specialized training or leadership experiences. Including languages you speak can also set you apart, especially in diverse healthcare settings.

Make sure these additional sections are relevant to the LVN role and present valuable information that supports your application.

Good example

Certifications: CPR and First Aid Certified, IV Therapy Certification.

Why this works: It lists relevant certifications clearly, showing dedication to professional development.

Bad example

Participated in a few community events.

Why this fails: It's too vague and doesn't specify the nature of the activities or their relevance to the nursing role.

2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a Licensed Vocational Nurse

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are tools that help employers manage job applications. They scan resumes for specific keywords and can easily reject those that don’t match the job description. For a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial because it ensures your qualifications get noticed.

To make your resume ATS-friendly, follow these best practices:

  • Use standard section titles like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills."
  • Incorporate relevant keywords from job descriptions, such as "patient care," "medication administration," or specific certifications like "CPR" or "IV therapy."
  • Avoid complex formatting. Stick to plain text without tables, columns, or images that might confuse the ATS.
  • Choose standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman for readability.
  • Save your resume in commonly accepted formats like PDF or .docx.

Common mistakes include using creative synonyms instead of the exact keywords from job descriptions. Relying on headers and footers can lead to important information being ignored. Omitting critical skills or certifications can also hurt your chances of getting noticed.

ATS-compatible example

Skills:
- Patient Care
- Medication Administration
- IV Therapy
- CPR Certified

Why this works: This skills section uses clear, standard language and includes relevant keywords that ATS look for in LVN positions. It aligns perfectly with the qualifications employers seek.

ATS-incompatible example

Expertise:
- Caring for patients
- Giving medications
- Emergency response certified

Why this fails: This section uses non-standard headers and vague phrases that ATS may not recognize as relevant. It misses critical keywords like "IV Therapy" and "CPR Certified," which are essential for an LVN role.

3. How to format and design a Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

When crafting a resume for a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) position, choosing the right template is crucial. A clean, reverse-chronological layout works best because it highlights your most recent experience first. This format is not only easy to read but also compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by many healthcare employers.

Your resume should ideally be one page for entry-level or mid-career positions, while two pages can be acceptable if you have extensive relevant experience. Always focus on being concise and ensuring every word counts.

For font choices, stick with professional options like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia in sizes 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers. Adequate white space is essential for readability, so be consistent with your spacing. Avoid overly creative designs that can confuse both human readers and ATS.

Common mistakes to avoid include using complex templates with columns or graphics that ATS might misread, excessive colors or non-standard fonts, and packing too much information into the resume, which can create a cluttered look. Clear, standard section headings will also help your resume flow better.

Well formatted example

Dorsey Nikolaus
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Email: dorsey@example.com | Phone: (123) 456-7890

Experience

  • LVN - Shields-Borer, City, State (2021 - Present)
  • Patient Care Assistant - Kunze, City, State (2019 - 2021)

Education
Vocational Nursing Diploma - Littel School of Nursing, City, State (2019)

This clean layout ensures readability and is ATS-friendly. It highlights relevant experience and education clearly, making it easy for hiring managers to find key information quickly.

Poorly formatted example

Miss Abram Jenkins
LVN
Email: abram@example.com | Phone: (987) 654-3210

Experience

  • Shields-Borer - LVN (2021-Present)
  • Kunze - Patient Care Assistant (2019-2021)

Education
Littel School of Nursing - Nursing Diploma (2019)

While this resume includes important information, the lack of white space and the compact layout can make it hard to read. ATS may struggle to parse the formatting, which could hurt the chances of getting noticed.

4. Cover letter for a Licensed Vocational Nurse

Writing a tailored cover letter for a Licensed Vocational Nurse position is essential. It complements your resume and shows your genuine interest in the role. A strong cover letter can make you stand out in a competitive job market.

Start with your header, which should include your contact information, the date, and the employer's details if you know them. Your opening paragraph should be engaging. Clearly state the Licensed Vocational Nurse position you're applying for and express your enthusiasm for the role and the organization.

In the body of your letter, connect your experience directly to the job requirements. Highlight key projects, relevant technical skills like patient care, medication administration, and any certifications. Mention soft skills such as communication and empathy. Use quantifiable achievements to show your impact. Tailor your content to the specific company's culture and use keywords from the job description.

  • Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the role and express confidence in your ability to contribute. Include a call to action, like requesting an interview, and thank them for their time.

Maintain a professional yet conversational tone throughout your letter. Customizing your letter for each application is crucial. Avoid generic templates to showcase your unique qualifications.

Sample a Licensed Vocational Nurse cover letter

Dear Hiring Team,

I am writing to express my interest in the Licensed Vocational Nurse position at CareWell Health Systems, which I found on your careers page. With over five years of experience in patient care and a passion for improving health outcomes, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

In my previous role at Sunnydale Medical Center, I provided compassionate care to diverse patient populations. I managed medication administration and collaborated with healthcare teams to create individualized care plans. One of my proudest achievements was reducing patient wait times by 20% through improved triage processes. My training in IV therapy and wound care complements my hands-on experience.

I'm particularly drawn to CareWell Health Systems because of your commitment to community health and wellness. I believe my skills in patient education and my dedication to teamwork will make a positive impact in your facility. I am eager to bring my experience to your team and help provide exceptional care to your patients.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity for an interview to discuss how I can contribute to CareWell Health Systems.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe

5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

Creating a resume for a Licensed Vocational Nurse is all about showcasing your skills and experience in the healthcare field. You want to make sure you avoid common mistakes that could prevent your qualifications from shining through. Attention to detail is crucial in this profession, so it should reflect in your resume as well.

By steering clear of these pitfalls, you increase your chances of landing that interview and advancing your nursing career.

Avoid vague job descriptions

Mistake Example: "Helped patients with their needs."

Correction: Be specific about your responsibilities. Instead, write: "Assisted patients with daily living activities, including bathing, grooming, and meal preparation, ensuring comfort and safety."

Generic applications

Mistake Example: "I am a hardworking nurse who can provide care."

Correction: Tailor your resume for each application. For example: "As a Licensed Vocational Nurse with experience in pediatrics at Children's Hospital, I excel in providing compassionate care to young patients and their families."

Typos and grammatical errors

Mistake Example: "Administered medication to patiens and monitored their vitals."

Correction: Carefully proofread your resume. Fix it to say: "Administered medication to patients and monitored their vital signs to ensure proper care."

Overstating qualifications

Mistake Example: "Expert in all aspects of nursing care."

Correction: Be honest about your skills. Instead, write: "Proficient in basic nursing skills, patient care, and medication administration, with ongoing training in specialized areas."

Poor formatting for ATS

Mistake Example: Using graphics and unusual fonts that might confuse software.

Correction: Use a clean, simple format with standard fonts. Stick to clear headings and bullet points for easy readability by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

6. FAQs about Licensed Vocational Nurse resumes

Creating a resume as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) involves showcasing your skills, clinical experience, and certifications. Here are some FAQs and tips to help you craft a standout resume that highlights your qualifications effectively.

What skills should I include on my LVN resume?

Focus on both hard and soft skills. Include clinical skills like patient care, medication administration, and wound care. Also, highlight communication, empathy, and teamwork skills, as these are vital in nursing.

What is the best format for an LVN resume?

A reverse-chronological format works best. Start with your most recent experience at the top. This format makes it easy for employers to see your career progression and relevant experience quickly.

How long should my LVN resume be?

Keep your resume to one page, especially if you have less than ten years of experience. Be concise and focus on the most relevant information.

How do I showcase my clinical experience effectively?

Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and achievements in previous roles. Mention specific tasks and the types of patients you cared for, such as in pediatrics or geriatrics.

Should I include certifications on my LVN resume?

Yes, list your relevant certifications prominently. Include your LVN license, CPR certification, and any specialized training. This shows your commitment to professional development and patient safety.

Pro Tips

Highlight Relevant Experience

When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate directly to the LVN role. Mention specific procedures you've performed and the types of care you've provided to different patient populations.

Use Action Verbs

Start your bullet points with strong action verbs like 'administered,' 'assisted,' and 'monitored.' This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging, showcasing your proactive approach in patient care.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills and experiences with the employer's needs. This can improve your chances of getting noticed.

7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Licensed Vocational Nurse resume

Creating a strong Licensed Vocational Nurse resume is essential for showcasing your qualifications effectively.

  • Use a clean, professional, ATS-friendly format to ensure your resume is easy to read.
  • Highlight relevant skills and experience that align with the specific requirements of the LVN role.
  • Employ strong action verbs and quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
  • Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout your document.

Take the next step in your job search by exploring resume templates or building tools that can help you stand out as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Similar Resume Examples

Simple pricing, powerful features

Upgrade to Himalayas Plus and turbocharge your job search.

Himalayas

Free
Himalayas profile
AI-powered job recommendations
Apply to jobs
Job application tracker
Job alerts
Weekly
AI resume builder
1 free resume
AI cover letters
1 free cover letter
AI interview practice
1 free mock interview
AI career coach
1 free coaching session
AI headshots
Not included
Conversational AI interview
Not included
Recommended

Himalayas Plus

$9 / month
Himalayas profile
AI-powered job recommendations
Apply to jobs
Job application tracker
Job alerts
Daily
AI resume builder
Unlimited
AI cover letters
Unlimited
AI interview practice
Unlimited
AI career coach
Unlimited
AI headshots
100 headshots/month
Conversational AI interview
30 minutes/month

Himalayas Max

$29 / month
Himalayas profile
AI-powered job recommendations
Apply to jobs
Job application tracker
Job alerts
Daily
AI resume builder
Unlimited
AI cover letters
Unlimited
AI interview practice
Unlimited
AI career coach
Unlimited
AI headshots
500 headshots/month
Conversational AI interview
4 hours/month