LPN Resume Examples & Templates
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LPN Resume Examples and Templates
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Clear clinical impact with numbers
Your experience lists quantifiable outcomes such as a 15% reduction in wound complications, zero medication errors over 24 months, and a 20% improvement in door-to-treatment metrics. Those metrics show direct clinical impact and fit the LPN role, helping hiring managers and ATS spot performance evidence quickly.
Relevant skills and certifications
You include core LPN skills like medication administration, wound care, infection control, IV therapy, and EHR experience. The continuing education in infection control and IV therapy aligns with the job needs and reinforces your clinical readiness for acute and long-term care settings.
Strong, focused experience section
Your experience lists three healthcare settings with clear duties tied to outcomes. You show direct patient care in surgical, emergency, and long-term care units. That range matches the job description and shows you can handle both acute and chronic patient needs.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary needs tighter tailoring
Your intro covers useful strengths but stays general. Tighten it to one concise sentence that names years of LPN experience, key clinical skills, and the setting you want. That helps recruiters scan your value quickly for this LPN role.
Add more ATS keywords and tools
Your skills list is solid but could include common ATS keywords like 'IV cannulation', 'medication reconciliation', 'vital signs monitoring', and the specific EHR system you used. Add these to boost match rates for LPN listings.
Clarify licensure and language details
You don't show current LPN licensure status or language proficiency. State your license number or eligibility and your Mandarin/English levels. That removes uncertainty for employers hiring licensed practical nurses.
Senior LPN Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong quantifiable impact in experience
You show clear, measurable results like a 48% reduction in medication discrepancies and 22% fewer wound-related readmissions. Those numbers prove clinical impact and leadership in quality improvement, which hiring managers and ATS both favour for a Senior LPN role in acute and surgical settings.
Relevant clinical skills and procedures listed
Your skills section and experience call out IV therapy, wound management, NPWT, medication administration, and EMR training. Those specifics match core tasks for a senior nursing role and help your resume pass keyword scans for acute and specialty hospital roles.
Leadership and precepting experience
You led an eight-person team, precepted 14 new LPNs, and developed competency checklists adopted by the unit. That shows people management, teaching ability, and process ownership, which employers expect from a Senior LPN overseeing ward workflows.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more tailored and concise
Your intro lists great strengths but reads broad. Tighten it to two short sentences that state your years, top clinical strengths, and a specific benefit you deliver, like reducing errors or lowering length of stay. That makes your value obvious to recruiters at a glance.
Few technical keywords for hospital systems
You mention EMR but you omit specific systems like Epic, Cerner, or local platforms. Add exact EMR names and any clinical tools you used. That improves ATS matching and helps employers see direct system fit for their acute-care tech.
Formatting may limit ATS parsing
Your role bullet lists use HTML lists and rich formatting. Convert sections to plain text bullets and standard headings. Keep dates and job titles on single lines. That helps ATS read dates, job titles, and achievements reliably.
Lead LPN Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Quantified clinical impact
You quantify results across roles, which proves impact. For example, you cite a 42% drop in medication errors, 18% better retention, and 24-hour faster discharges. Those numbers show leadership and quality improvements that hiring managers for a Lead LPN role will value.
Clear leadership and team development examples
You show direct team leadership and staff development. You supervised 10 LPNs, preceptored 12 new nurses, and delivered training with 100% compliance during CQC simulations. That aligns well with expectations for clinical leadership and staff governance.
Relevant skills and clinical focus
Your skills list and experience focus on the right areas. You highlight medication management, safeguarding, care coordination, and clinical audit. Those keywords match Lead LPN duties and will help with ATS screening.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more role-tailored
Your intro lists strong abilities, but it reads broad. Tighten it to state the exact value you bring as a Lead LPN, such as leading ward governance, reducing medication harm, and improving discharge flow.
Some achievements need clearer context
You present strong percentages, but some lack baseline context. Add absolute numbers or timeframes where possible, for example how many errors fell from X to Y, or exact discharge times before and after your change.
Skills section could include technical and regulatory keywords
Your skills list is solid but short. Add keywords like 'CQC standards', 'medication reconciliation', 'IV therapy competency', and 'escalation protocols' to improve ATS matches and show regulatory knowledge.
LPN Supervisor Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong measurable outcomes
You show clear impact with numbers that hiring managers want. Examples include a 42% drop in medication errors, 22% faster discharge turnaround and a 35% fall in pressure ulcers. Those figures prove you drive clinical improvements and fit the LPN Supervisor role focused on quality and safety.
Relevant leadership and staffing experience
You led and mentored 18 enrolled nurses across two surgical wards and kept shift coverage at 98%. That shows hands-on rostering, delegation and staff development. Those duties match core LPN Supervisor tasks like staffing, supervision and daily clinical coordination.
Targeted clinical training and credentials
You list a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing and a certificate in clinical supervision. You also describe a competency-based in-service program that raised clinical scores 30%. Those items show both formal training and practical upskilling relevant to supervising clinical teams.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more concise and metric-led
Your intro is solid but a bit broad. Tighten it to two short sentences that lead with your most relevant metrics. For example, start with years, team size and one key outcome. That helps recruiters quickly see you match LPN Supervisor needs.
Add licensure and regulatory keywords
You mention South African regulations but you do not list a registration or license number. Add SANRC registration, scope of practice and keywords like 'Enrolled Nurse', 'SANC', and 'clinical governance' to improve ATS match and compliance clarity.
Expand skills with tools and processes
Your skills list names core areas but misses tools and processes. Add EMR names, incident-reporting systems, rostering software or audit frameworks you used. That boosts ATS hits and shows you can run clinical operations day-to-day.
1. How to write a LPN resume
Landing a position as an LPN can be tough, especially when you're up against many qualified applicants. How can you ensure your resume grabs attention? Hiring managers want to see your practical experience and how you've positively impacted patient care, not just a list of duties. Many job seekers mistakenly focus on generic tasks instead of showcasing their specific achievements and skills.
This guide will help you craft a resume that highlights your unique qualifications and experiences. You'll learn to transform simple statements into impactful achievements, like demonstrating your proficiency in patient care and medication administration. We'll focus on key sections such as your work experience and resume summary, giving you a polished document that stands out. By the end, you'll have a resume that effectively represents your nursing career.
Use the right format for a LPN resume
When crafting a resume for an LPN position, opting for a chronological format is usually your best bet. This layout highlights your career progression, showcasing your nursing experiences in reverse-chronological order. It's ideal if you have a steady work history in nursing and want to emphasize your growth and development in the field. On the other hand, if you're changing careers or have gaps in your employment, consider a functional or combination format. This allows you to focus on relevant skills and experiences over job titles.
Regardless of the format you choose, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly. This means using clear section headings, avoiding complex graphics, tables, and columns. An easy-to-read structure helps potential employers quickly identify your qualifications.
Craft an impactful LPN resume summary
Your resume summary serves as a snapshot of your professional qualifications, making it easier for employers to see your fit for the LPN role. For experienced candidates, a strong summary is vital. Use the formula: [Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]. If you're entry-level or changing careers, you might prefer an objective statement that outlines your career goals and relevant skills.
A summary for an LPN could highlight your clinical skills, patient care experience, and any specialties. Be sure to keep it concise, around 3-4 sentences. Tailoring this section to match the job description can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed.
Good resume summary example
Experienced LPN with over 5 years of experience in acute care settings. Proficient in patient assessments, medication administration, and care planning. Recognized for improving patient satisfaction scores by 20% at Ernser Inc.
This works because it clearly states years of experience, specialization in acute care, mentions key skills, and highlights a measurable achievement.
Bad resume summary example
Motivated nursing professional looking for a position as an LPN. I have some experience and I am eager to learn.
This fails because it lacks specific details about experience, skills, and achievements. It doesn’t convey confidence or expertise in the nursing field.
Highlight your LPN work experience
List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, including the job title, company name, and dates of employment. Each entry should feature bullet points that start with strong action verbs, focusing on your responsibilities and achievements. Quantifying your impact is crucial, so use metrics where possible, like 'Administered medications to 30+ patients daily' instead of simply stating 'Responsible for medication administration.' Consider the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points effectively.
This approach not only shows your duties but also your contributions to the healthcare team. Highlighting specific accomplishments can make your resume stand out.
Good work experience example
Administered medications and monitored vital signs for over 30 patients daily, improving patient recovery times by 15%.
Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans, enhancing patient satisfaction scores by 20%.
This works well because it uses strong action verbs, quantifies achievements, and shows teamwork and patient care focus.
Bad work experience example
Took care of patients and helped with daily tasks at Denesik Group.
This fails because it lacks specific details and metrics. The bullet point is vague and doesn’t highlight any measurable impact or responsibilities.
Present relevant education for a LPN
When listing your education, include the school name, degree obtained, and graduation year or expected date. For recent graduates, this section should be more prominent, and you may include your GPA, relevant coursework, or honors. For those with more experience, this section can be less prominent, often omitting GPA unless it’s exceptional. Also, consider including relevant certifications in this section or as a separate one.
As an LPN, any nursing-related education or certifications will be valuable to show in this section.
Good education example
Associate Degree in Nursing, 2020
Carroll-Larson College
GPA: 3.8, Dean's List
This works because it presents clear, relevant information, including GPA and honors that enhance the educational background.
Bad education example
Nursing School, 2018
This fails as it lacks specifics about the degree and level of achievement. It doesn’t provide enough context to understand the candidate's education.
Add essential skills for a LPN resume
Technical skills for a LPN resume
Soft skills for a LPN resume
Include these powerful action words on your LPN resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a LPN
Consider including additional sections like certifications, volunteer experience, or relevant projects. These sections can showcase your initiative and commitment to the nursing field. They can also highlight unique experiences that set you apart from other candidates.
Good example
Certifications:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), State of [Your State], 2020
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified, 2021
This works well as it clearly lists relevant certifications that are essential for the LPN role, showcasing qualifications and commitment to professional standards.
Bad example
Volunteer Experience: Helped at a local charity.
This fails because it's too vague and lacks specific details about what skills or contributions were made. It doesn't reflect the candidate's competency in a nursing context.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a LPN
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools that help employers sort through resumes. They scan for keywords and specific formatting to identify qualified candidates. For an LPN, optimizing your resume for ATS is crucial because a poorly formatted or keyword-lacking resume might get rejected before a human ever sees it.
To improve your chances, use standard section titles like 'Work Experience', 'Education', and 'Skills'. Make sure to include relevant keywords from LPN job descriptions, such as 'patient care', 'medication administration', and 'clinical assessments'. Avoid complex formatting like tables or images that ATS might not read correctly.
Stick to clear, readable fonts and save your resume in formats like PDF or .docx. Some common mistakes include using creative synonyms instead of exact keywords and relying on formatting that ATS might ignore. Missing critical keywords about your skills or certifications can also lead to rejection.
ATS-compatible example
Skills:
- Patient Care
- Medication Administration
- Clinical Assessments
- IV Therapy
- Wound Care
Why this works: This skills section uses clear headings and includes essential keywords that ATS looks for in LPN resumes, making it easy to identify your qualifications.
ATS-incompatible example
Abilities:
- Taking care of patients’ needs
- Administering drugs
- Checking vital signs
- Nursing tasks
Why this fails: This section uses vague and creative terms instead of precise keywords like 'medication administration' or 'clinical assessments', which ATS might not recognize. It also employs a non-standard section title that could confuse the system.
3. How to format and design a LPN resume
When you're putting together your resume as an LPN, choosing the right template matters. Go for a clean, professional layout that’s easy to read. A reverse-chronological format works best, highlighting your most recent experience first. This layout not only enhances readability but also makes it easier for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to parse your information.
Keep your resume to one page if you're early in your career, but two pages might be acceptable if you've got extensive experience. Focus on concise, relevant details that show your skills and achievements. Remember, hiring managers often skim resumes, so clarity is key.
For fonts, stick to professional and ATS-friendly options like Calibri or Arial at sizes between 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers. Make sure there's enough white space and consistent spacing throughout your document. This makes it visually appealing and easier to navigate.
Common mistakes to avoid include using overly complex templates with graphics or columns, which can confuse ATS. Too much color or non-standard fonts can also detract from a professional appearance. Lastly, ensure you have clear section headings to guide the reader.
Well formatted example
Debra Ankunding
123 Main St.
Anytown, USA 12345
(123) 456-7890
debra.ankunding@email.com
Experience
LPN, Ziemann
May 2020 - Present
- Provided patient care under the supervision of RNs
- Assisted with daily living activities and monitored patient health
This clear layout ensures readability and is ATS-friendly. The use of standard headings and concise bullet points makes it easy for hiring managers to find key information quickly.
Poorly formatted example
Caleb Luettgen V
1234 Elm St, Apt 56
Somecity, USA 65432
(987) 654-3210
caleb.luettgen@email.com
Experience
May 2019 - Present
| LPN, McCullough-Schinner |
--- Provided patient care and performed various duties to aid nursing staff.
--- Assisted with medications and treatments.
This format fails because it uses a column layout that can confuse ATS and makes the content harder to read. The excessive use of symbols and non-standard formatting detracts from a professional appearance.
4. Cover letter for a LPN
Writing a tailored cover letter for an LPN role is your chance to show employers why you're the right fit. It complements your resume by highlighting your passion for nursing and your unique qualifications. A strong cover letter can set you apart from other candidates.
Start with a header that includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's details if you know them. In the opening paragraph, mention the specific LPN position you're applying for. Show excitement for the role and the healthcare facility. Briefly touch on your most relevant experience or where you found the job listing.
In the body, connect your experience to the job requirements. Highlight key projects, technical skills like patient care or medication administration, and relevant soft skills such as empathy and teamwork. Use examples to demonstrate your qualifications and tailor your content to the specific job description.
- Header: Your contact info, date, and employer's details.
- Opening Paragraph: State the job title, express enthusiasm, and mention your qualifications.
- Body Paragraphs: Connect your experience and skills to the job requirements.
- Closing Paragraph: Reiterate interest, express confidence, and include a call to action.
Maintain a professional tone while showing genuine enthusiasm. Every cover letter should be customized for each application, so avoid using a generic template.
Sample a LPN cover letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the LPN position at St. Mary's Hospital, as advertised on your careers page. With over three years of experience in providing compassionate patient care in a fast-paced environment, I am eager to contribute to your dedicated team.
In my previous role at Green Valley Health Center, I managed daily patient care tasks, including administering medications and assisting with treatments. I am proud to have improved patient satisfaction scores by 20% through my attentive care and strong communication skills. My experience working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals has sharpened my teamwork abilities, ensuring seamless patient care.
I am particularly drawn to St. Mary's commitment to community health and holistic patient care. I believe my background in patient advocacy aligns well with your mission. I am confident that my proactive approach and dedication to nursing can make a meaningful difference in your team.
I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills can benefit St. Mary's Hospital. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed healthcare team.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a LPN resume
Creating a resume as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves careful attention to detail. Avoiding common mistakes can greatly enhance your chances of landing that job. Recruiters look for clarity and relevance, so make sure every element on your resume counts.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, it's essential to present your skills and experiences effectively. Let's explore some common pitfalls you should steer clear of.
Avoid vague language in your experience
Mistake Example: "Assisted patients with daily activities."
Correction: Be specific about your roles and contributions. Instead, write: "Provided hands-on care to patients, including bathing, dressing, and administering medications, improving their daily living experience."
Don't use a one-size-fits-all resume
Mistake Example: "Seeking a nursing position in a healthcare setting."
Correction: Tailor your resume for each position. Instead, say: "Dedicated LPN seeking a position at Sunnydale Nursing Home to provide compassionate care and support to elderly patients."
Watch for typos and grammar errors
Mistake Example: "Provided care for patiens in a fast-paced enviorment."
Correction: Proofread your resume carefully. A better example would be: "Provided care for patients in a fast-paced environment." Consider asking a friend to review it, too.
Overstate or understate your qualifications
Mistake Example: "I am the best LPN in my area."
Correction: Use objective language to describe your skills. Instead, say: "Experienced LPN with over 5 years providing quality patient care in diverse settings."
Include irrelevant information
Mistake Example: "Enjoy hiking and photography in my spare time."
Correction: Focus on skills and experiences that relate to nursing. Instead, include: "Certified in CPR and First Aid, with ongoing education in wound care and patient safety."
6. FAQs about LPN resumes
Creating a resume for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position requires showcasing your clinical skills, patient care experience, and relevant certifications. Here are some frequently asked questions and tips to help you craft a strong resume that stands out.
What essential skills should I highlight on my LPN resume?
What essential skills should I highlight on my LPN resume?
Focus on skills like:
- Patient care and assessment
- Medication administration
- Basic life support (BLS) certification
- Record keeping and documentation
- Communication and teamwork
These skills show employers your readiness for the role.
What is the best format for an LPN resume?
What is the best format for an LPN resume?
Use a reverse-chronological format. Start with your most recent experience and work backward. This format highlights your career progression and relevant experience effectively.
How long should my LPN resume be?
How long should my LPN resume be?
Keep your resume to one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. Be concise and focus on the most relevant information.
How can I showcase my clinical rotations or internships?
How can I showcase my clinical rotations or internships?
List your clinical rotations under a separate section titled 'Clinical Experience.' Include the facility name, location, and a brief description of your responsibilities and skills used.
Should I include certifications on my LPN resume?
Should I include certifications on my LPN resume?
Yes, include all relevant certifications, such as:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- CPR and First Aid
- Any specialized training (e.g., IV therapy)
This shows your commitment to professional development.
Pro Tips
Highlight Your Patient Care Experience
Emphasize your hands-on experience with patients. Use specific examples to show how you've positively impacted patient outcomes. This can set you apart from other candidates.
Use Action Verbs
In your job descriptions, start bullet points with action verbs like 'administered,' 'assisted,' or 'monitored.' This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
Customize your resume for each job application. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume aligns with the employer's needs.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding LPN resume
Creating an effective LPN resume is key to landing your desired position. Here are some essential takeaways to consider:
- Use a clean, professional format that’s easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Highlight your relevant nursing skills and experiences tailored specifically to the LPN role.
- Employ strong action verbs and quantify your achievements to showcase your impact in previous roles.
- Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems.
Take the time to refine your resume and consider using online tools or templates to help you present your qualifications effectively. You're on the right path!
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