Table of contents
Popular Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Examples
Entry-level licensed practical nurse resume
An entry-level resume for a licensed practical nurse should highlight relevant clinical training, certifications, hands-on experience from internships, and essential nursing skills to show readiness for the role.
Prioritizes readability: Choosing a clean and intuitive simple resume template ensures that recruiters can swiftly pinpoint your qualifications. This clarity improves the chances of making a lasting impression during the hiring process.
Focuses on goals: This candidate demonstrates a proactive approach to professional development, evidenced by their achievements in patient care and leadership roles that improve team efficiency and improve recovery outcomes.
Mid-career licensed practical nurse resume
A mid-career licensed practical nurse resume should effectively showcase a combination of clinical experience, technical skills, and ongoing professional development to appeal to prospective employers in healthcare.
Includes mix of skills: This resume effectively combines technical nursing skills with compassionate patient care, highlighting the job seeker's ability to improve patient safety and satisfaction while delivering personalized support.
Begins with a powerful summary: This candidate's professional summary highlights their extensive experience and skills, allowing recruiters and ATS to recognize their qualifications.
Experienced licensed practical nurse resume
An experienced licensed practical nurse resume should highlight relevant skills, patient care achievements, and career growth to clearly demonstrate the job seeker's professional development and impact in healthcare.
Quantifies achievements: Quantifiable achievements, such as improving patient satisfaction by 20% or reducing medication errors by 40%, provide clear evidence of a Licensed Practical Nurse’s impact. These metrics make accomplishments tangible, allowing recruiters to quickly grasp the job seeker's effectiveness and contributions.
Highlights experience: The resume summary effectively showcases the applicant's extensive experience as a licensed practical nurse. It sets a professional tone by highlighting key achievements in patient care optimization and medication management, establishing credibility right from the start.
No experience licensed practical nurse resume
A resume for an applicant with no experience who is a licensed practical nurse should emphasize relevant skills, certifications, and any volunteer work to demonstrate the applicant's commitment and readiness for patient care roles.
Uses a simple style: The resume's straightforward layout effectively highlights qualifications, emphasizing relevant experience and educational achievements without unnecessary clutter.
Overcomes lacking experience: Incorporating volunteer work and academic achievements related to advanced nursing practice and pharmacology showcases the applicant's foundational knowledge and readiness for a practical nursing role, despite limited hands-on experience.
More resume examples
Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Template
Looking to create a standout application? Use this licensed practical nurse template as your base—just personalize it with your own details and experience.
Karen Gonzalez
Brookfield, WI 53005
(555)555-5555
Karen.Gonzalez@example.com
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented LPN with 5 years' experience enhancing patient care, leading clinical teams, and boosting operational efficiency. Expert in therapeutic administration and compliance documentation.
Work History
Licensed Practical Nurse
Harmony Health Center - Brookfield, WI
January 2024 - January 2025
- Improved patient satisfaction by 15%
- Administered care to 20+ patients daily
- Led team meetings to enhance workflows
Registered Nurse Junior
Riverside Medical Group - Waukesha, WI
January 2022 - January 2024
- Coordinated care with a team by 12%
- Managed inventory worth $10K monthly
- Delivered patient education workshops
Caregiver Specialist
CareWell Home Services - Brookfield, WI
January 2020 - December 2021
- Boosted client engagement by 30%
- Conducted health assessments bi-weekly
- Supervised care team of 5 members
Skills
- Patient Care Management
- Therapeutic Administration
- Clinical Communication
- Team Leadership
- Healthcare Documentation
- Compliance and Safety
- Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
Education
Master of Health Administration Health Management
New York University New York, NY
June 2019
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Nursing
Hunter College New York, NY
June 2017
Certifications
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Health Care Association
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Intermediate (B1)
- Italian - Beginner (A1)
Must-Have Skills on a Licensed Practical Nurse Resume
A strong skills section is important for showcasing your qualifications on a resume.
The following data highlights the most prevalent hard and soft skills for a licensed practical nurse resume based on Resume Now’s internal resume data.
When you’re ready to improve your resume, try using our AI Resume Skills Generator. It provides tailored suggestions for both hard and soft skills relevant to your job title, helping you create a comprehensive and powerful skill set.
Writing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Resume
Having explored these effective resume examples, you are now prepared to learn how to write a resume that stands out. We'll take you through each section of the process step by step, ensuring you have all the tools you need for success.
List your most relevant skills
An effective skills section on your licensed practical nurse resume should focus on both technical abilities, such as patient care and medication administration, as well as essential soft skills like empathy and teamwork. By aligning your skills with the keywords from the job listing, you demonstrate to recruiters that you can fulfill the role's requirements.
Incorporating these keywords into your skills section not only helps human reviewers see your fit but also ensures that applicant tracking systems recognize you as a strong job seeker. This strategic approach increases your chances of passing initial screenings while highlighting your readiness to excel in the position of a licensed practical nurse.
Example of skills on a licensed practical nurse resume
- Compassionate caregiver with a focus on patient comfort and well-being
- Proficient in administering medications and monitoring vital signs
- Effective communicator who builds strong relationships with patients and families
- Adaptable team player skilled in collaborating within multi-disciplinary healthcare teams
A strong skills section is important for showing your readiness for the licensed practical nurse position. It should include both the technical skills outlined in the job description and key soft skills. This mix highlights your overall preparation to succeed in this role and address the needs of your future employer successfully.
Highlight your work history
Your work experience section should highlight how you've applied your nursing skills effectively, showcasing specific instances where you made a difference in patient outcomes or contributed to team success.
When detailing each job entry, include critical information such as your job title, the name of the healthcare facility, and the dates of employment. This data helps potential employers assess your clinical background and establishes your credibility as a nursing professional. Focus on quantifiable results where possible to illustrate your impact.
Example of a licensed practical nurse work experience entry
- Licensed Practical Nurse
Sunnydale Medical Center - Springfield, IL
June 2021 - Present - Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and improving patient recovery times by 15%
- Monitor vital signs and health status of patients, promptly reporting changes to the nursing staff to facilitate timely interventions
- Assist in the development and implementation of individualized care plans for over 30 patients, improving patient satisfaction scores by 20%
- Educate patients and families about post-care instructions, fostering understanding and adherence to treatment plans through effective communication skills
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to streamline patient care processes, contributing to a 10% reduction in hospital readmission rates
Highlighting outcomes and achievements in your experience section is important for making a lasting impression on employers. This approach showcases your ability to affect positive change and solve problems, rather than simply performing tasks. By demonstrating measurable results, you not only illustrate your skills but also differentiate yourself from other job seekers in the competitive healthcare field.
Include your education
The education section of your licensed practical nurse resume should begin with your most recent academic qualifications, listed in reverse-chronological order. Include any diplomas, degrees, and specialized training that pertain to nursing while excluding your high school diploma once you have advanced beyond that level. Focus on highlighting credentials that directly relate to the healthcare field.
If you are currently enrolled in or have not yet completed a program, make sure to list your highest achieved educational level along with an anticipated graduation date if applicable. It’s beneficial to incorporate details about relevant coursework or significant academic successes, especially for those who are still studying or have recently graduated.
Common certifications for a licensed practical nurse resume
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN)
- Certified Medication Technician (CMT) – American Medication Association (AMA)
- Intravenous Therapy Certification (IV) – Infusion Nurses Society (INS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association (AHA)
Sum up your resume with an introduction
Creating a standout profile section on your resume is essential for making a strong first impression. This section serves as your elevator pitch, allowing you to quickly convey your qualifications and what makes you unique.
If you’re an experienced applicant, using a professional summary is highly beneficial. This format allows you to highlight key accomplishments and relevant experience right at the top of your resume. If you're just beginning your career, use a resume objective that outlines your dedication to advancing in your field.
Professional summary example
Compassionate licensed practical nurse with over 5 years of experience in diverse healthcare settings. Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality patient care, manage medication administration, and assist in rehabilitation efforts. Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes and ensure a safe environment.
Resume objective example
Compassionate licensed practical nurse eager to leverage strong patient care skills and attention to detail in a supportive healthcare environment. Aiming to contribute to team success by using effective communication and problem-solving abilities to improve patient experiences and promote wellness.
As a licensed practical nurse applicant, your resume profile should be concise and packed with essential information. Aim to limit it to three sentences that highlight your most relevant qualifications. Remember, you can elaborate further in your cover letter if needed.
Add unique sections to set you apart
Incorporating optional resume sections can help you highlight your unique qualifications as a licensed practical nurse. These additional sections provide an opportunity to showcase skills and experiences that set you apart from other applicants.
By including relevant hobbies or volunteer work, you reveal different dimensions of your professional persona. This allows potential employers to see how you align with their values and culture. For instance, if you volunteer at a health clinic or participate in community wellness programs, it demonstrates your commitment to healthcare beyond the workplace. These insights can significantly improve your candidacy by showcasing your dedication and well-rounded character.
Three sections perfect for a licensed practical nurse resume
- Languages: As a licensed practical nurse, effective communication with patients and their families is important. Language skills improve your ability to provide compassionate care, making them a valuable addition to your resume.
- Volunteer Work: Including volunteer work on a resume showcases your dedication to helping others while enriching your professional skills. It reflects your commitment to community service and improves your overall profile as a compassionate caregiver.
- Accomplishments: As a licensed practical nurse, quantifiable accomplishments are vital in demonstrating the quality of care you provide. Feature these achievements by folding them into your work experience or outlining them in a unique accomplishments section.
5 Resume Formatting Tips
- Choose a format that matches your career stage.
Selecting the appropriate resume format is key to effectively showcasing your skills. For experienced licensed practical nurses, a chronological format best highlights your work history. If you're just beginning your career, a functional resume can emphasize your relevant skills and training. Additionally, a combination format offers a balanced approach for individuals with varied experience.
- Pick a smart resume template.
Using a professional resume template improves readability and makes formatting straightforward. This approach allows your key qualifications to stand out at a glance. If you choose a custom format, ensure it remains clean and uses ATS-friendly fonts to boost your chances of getting noticed.
- Select an appropriate font.
Opt for a clean and professional font to improve your resume's readability. Fonts like Helvetica, Georgia, or Verdana are excellent choices that strike a balance between professionalism and visual appeal.
- Use consistent formatting.
Ensure your resume is neatly aligned to the left with uniform margins. This will improve readability and create a polished, professional look that stands out.
- Keep your resume to one or two pages.
To make a strong impression, remember that resumes should be one page long unless you have extensive experience. Focus on keeping your content concise and relevant to highlight your qualifications effectively.
Tools for Your Job Search
Are you preparing to apply for that licensed practical nurse position you've been aiming for? Before you hit send on your application, consider using our ATS Resume Checker. This valuable tool provides insights into how well your resume meets the criteria set by automated systems used by many healthcare facilities during their initial screening process.
Want to create a standout resume? Our AI Resume Builder offers tailored recommendations specific to your nursing background, along with professionally designed templates that effectively highlight your skills and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 30, 2025
Absolutely. A cover letter is important because it adds depth to your resume and provides a chance to connect with potential employers. It allows you to express your passion for the licensed practical nurse role and detail how your experience makes you an ideal job seeker. So, make sure to write a cover letter that highlights your unique qualifications.
For a quick and effective solution, check out our AI Cover Letter Generator! This tool helps you create personalized cover letters in just minutes. Plus, you can choose from various cover letter template options that complement your resume perfectly, making your application stand out even more.
A resume is usually a concise document, spanning one to two pages, that highlights your skills and experience. In contrast, a CV (curriculum vitae) can extend several pages and includes in-depth details about your academic background, research contributions, publications, and professional experiences.
You typically use a CV for specialized roles in academia, healthcare, or research. If you think a CV is what you need for your next job application, our online CV Maker is here to help! With various CV templates designed for different industries and career levels, creating a tailored CV has never been easier. Start crafting your standout document today!
A licensed practical nurse resume should ideally be one page long, as this is usually enough to showcase your skills and experiences. However, if you have extensive experience or qualifications, a two-page resume can be appropriate to fully capture your background and achievements.
Selecting the right resume format is important. For newcomers, a functional format highlights skills over limited experience. Seasoned professionals should opt for a chronological format to showcase their extensive work history. Mid-level applicants may find a combination format ideal as it balances both skills and experience.
To excel as a licensed practical nurse, focus on continuous learning. Pursue certifications that improve your skills and consider joining nursing organizations for networking opportunities. Stay updated with the latest healthcare news and attend relevant workshops or training sessions to keep your practice sharp.
Hailey is a career advice writer dedicated to helping job seekers excel in their careers.
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