Hard skills include technical abilities such as vital signs monitoring, wound care, and skill in medical equipment usage, which are essential for providing safe patient care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Examples & Templates
Looking to shine in your job search? Our licensed practical nurse resume examples showcase essential skills like patient care, communication, and teamwork to help you stand out to employers.
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Popular Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Examples
Check out our top licensed practical nurse resume examples that emphasize important skills such as patient care, medication administration, and effective communication. These samples will guide you in showcasing your qualifications to potential employers.
Ready to build your ideal resume? Our Resume Builder offers user-friendly templates specifically designed for healthcare professionals, helping you make a lasting impression.
Recommended
Entry-level licensed practical nurse resume
What this resume does well:
This entry-level resume for a licensed practical nurse highlights the job seeker's extensive clinical skills and achievements, including significant experience in medication administration and patient monitoring. New professionals must effectively showcase their hands-on experiences and relevant competencies to attract employers, even when their direct work history may be limited.
Mid-career licensed practical nurse resume
What this resume does well:
This resume effectively showcases key qualifications by highlighting the job seeker's extensive patient care experience and leadership accolades. The strategic presentation of skills and accomplishments illustrates their readiness for advanced responsibilities in nursing, reflecting growth and dedication to the profession.
Experienced licensed practical nurse resume
What this resume does well:
The work history section highlights the applicant's substantial experience as a licensed practical nurse, showcasing their ability to streamline procedures and coordinate care effectively. Their achievements, such as increasing efficiency by 15% and improving outcomes by 20%, are clearly presented, improving readability for hiring managers.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Yuki Nguyen
Minneapolis, MN 55412
(555)555-5555
Yuki.Nguyen@example.com
Professional Summary
Diligent Licensed Practical Nurse with 5 years of experience. Excels in patient care, medication management, and coordinating healthcare outcomes efficiently.
Work History
Licensed Practical Nurse
Harmony Health Center - Minneapolis, MN
January 2023 - December 2025
- Administered medications to 30 patients daily
- Monitored vital signs, optimizing patient care
- Coordinated with 5 RN staff for patient recovery
Nursing Assistant
Riverside Medical Group - Cedar Valley, MN
January 2021 - December 2022
- Supported daily activities for 25 patients
- Assisted in reducing patient wait time by 15%
- Facilitated patient transportation with 5% incident reduction
Health Technician
Meadowbrook Clinic - Cedar Valley, MN
January 2020 - December 2020
- Recorded patient data for 200+ cases
- Improved patient check-in process by 10%
- Assisted with medical supply inventory management
Skills
- Patient Care
- Medication Administration
- Vital Sign Monitoring
- Health Education
- Clinical Documentation
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
- Effective Communication
Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association
- First Aid Certification - Red Cross
Education
Bachelor of Science Nursing
University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, Illinois
May 2019
High School Diploma
Springfield High School Springfield, Illinois
June 2016
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Intermediate (B1)
- German - Beginner (A1)
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How to Write a Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Summary
Your resume summary is the first impression you’ll make on potential employers, so it’s important to start strong. As a licensed practical nurse, you should emphasize your hands-on patient care skills and ability to work effectively in diverse healthcare settings.
Highlight key qualifications such as your clinical expertise, compassionate communication, and teamwork abilities. These elements are essential for showcasing what makes you an ideal job seeker in this rewarding field.
To better understand how to craft an powerful summary, take a look at these licensed practical nurse resume summary examples. They will illustrate effective strategies and common pitfalls:
Weak resume summary
I am a dedicated licensed practical nurse with substantial experience in various healthcare settings. I seek a position where I can apply my skills and develop professionally. A supportive work environment with room for personal growth is important to me. I am eager to contribute positively if given the chance.
Why this summary misses the mark:
- Lacks specific details about the applicant’s skills or accomplishments, making it too generic
- Relies heavily on personal aspirations rather than highlighting benefits to the employer
- Fails to demonstrate unique qualifications or experiences that set the job seeker apart
Strong resume summary
Compassionate licensed practical nurse with over 3 years of experience in long-term care facilities, focusing on patient rehabilitation and chronic disease management. Successfully improved patient mobility scores by 20% through the implementation of personalized care plans and exercise regimens. Proficient in medication administration, wound care, and using electronic health record systems to improve patient safety.
Why this summary works:
- Begins with a clear indication of experience level and specific areas of focus
- Highlights a quantifiable achievement that reflects significant improvement in patient outcomes
- Demonstrates relevant skills that are critical for success in nursing positions
PRO TIP
If you’re new to the nursing field and don’t have much experience, consider using a career objective on your resume. This approach highlights your goals and passion. To guide you, check out various resume objective examples specifically for licensed practical nurses.
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is the centerpiece of your resume as a licensed practical nurse. This is where you'll provide the bulk of your content, and effective resume templates always incorporate this important area.
This section should be organized in reverse-chronological order, listing your previous roles. Use bullet points to highlight key achievements and contributions that demonstrate your skills in patient care.
Now, let's review a couple of examples that will illustrate what makes a strong work history for licensed practical nurses. These examples will clarify what works well and what to avoid:
Weak work experience
Licensed Practical Nurse
Green Valley Medical Center – Springfield, IL
- Assisted patients with daily activities
- Administered medications as directed
- Maintained patient records and documentation
- Collaborated with the healthcare team
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
- Lacks specific employment dates for context
- Bullet points are overly simplistic and do not highlight unique skills or achievements
- Describes routine tasks without showcasing any measurable impact on patient care or outcomes
Strong work experience
Licensed Practical Nurse
Health First Medical Center – Melbourne, FL
March 2020 - Current
- Administer medications and injections to patients while monitoring vital signs, ensuring compliance with treatment protocols
- Develop personalized care plans in collaboration with registered nurses, improving patient satisfaction scores by 30% within one year
- Educate patients and families on health management techniques, increasing adherence to prescribed regimens by 40%
Why this work experience section works:
- Opens each bullet point with powerful action verbs that clearly showcase the nurse's contributions
- Incorporates quantitative data to highlight improvements in patient care and satisfaction
- Demonstrates relevant nursing skills that align with the job expectations for a licensed practical nurse
While your resume summary and work experience are indeed important, don't overlook the importance of other sections. Each part contributes to a complete picture of your qualifications. For more detailed guidance, make sure to explore our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
A skills section is essential for any resume because it quickly communicates your qualifications to potential employers. It highlights the specific abilities that make you a strong job seeker, ensuring your application stands out.
For licensed practical nurses, highlight both technical skills and interpersonal abilities. Emphasize proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) software, patient care techniques, and medication administration systems to demonstrate your capability in providing safe and effective nursing care.
Soft skills encompass interpersonal qualities like patience, active listening, and teamwork that foster trust and collaboration among healthcare professionals while improving patient experiences.
When selecting skills for your resume, it’s important to align with what employers expect from job seekers. Many organizations use automated systems to screen resumes, making it essential that your resume skills match their requirements.
To effectively highlight the right abilities, carefully examine job postings for insights on which skills are most valued. This practice helps ensure that you catch the attention of recruiters and pass through any ATS filters successfully.
PRO TIP
Ensure your resume stands out in the digital crowd by using our ATS Resume Checker to uncover over 30 common pitfalls and improve your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
10 skills that appear on successful licensed practical nurse resumes
Improve your resume to attract potential employers by highlighting key skills that are highly sought after for licensed practical nurses. Our resume examples showcase these essential skills, allowing you to approach job applications with greater confidence.
Here are 10 vital skills you should consider incorporating into your resume if they align with your qualifications and the specific job requirements:
Patient care
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Time management
Compassion
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Medication administration
Health education
Infection control practices
Record keeping
Based on analysis of 5,000+ nursing professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Selecting the appropriate resume format is important for licensed practical nurses because it highlights key skills, relevant experience, and career growth to appeal to potential employers effectively.
Entry-Level 0 - 2 years
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs
Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with limited experience in healthcare
Mid-Career 3 - 7 years
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally
Best for:
Mid-career professionals focused on demonstrating their skills and growth potential
Experienced 8+ years
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order
Best for:
Experienced leaders in patient care and nursing education
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my licensed practical nurse resume?
Absolutely, including a cover letter can significantly improve your application by showcasing your personality and detailing your relevant skills. It’s a great way to connect with hiring managers and explain why you're the perfect fit for the position. If you’re looking for assistance, check out our resources on how to write a cover letter or use our Cover Letter Generator for quick results.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
When applying for jobs internationally, a CV is often preferred over a resume. This is particularly true in Europe and Asia where detailed career histories are valued. For guidance on CV formatting and creation, explore our collection of CV examples and helpful writing resources on how to write a CV.
What soft skills are important for licensed practical nurses?
Soft skills such as communication, patience, and teamwork are essential for licensed practical nurses. These interpersonal skills foster trust with patients and ensure effective collaboration with healthcare teams, ultimately leading to improved care and a positive work atmosphere.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
Highlight your transferable skills such as communication, empathy, and critical thinking when applying for licensed practical nurse roles. These abilities, even without extensive nursing experience, show your potential to excel in patient care. Use examples from past jobs or volunteer work to illustrate how you've successfully navigated challenges and demonstrate your readiness for this rewarding field.
How should I format a cover letter for a licensed practical nurse job?
To format a cover letter for licensed practical nurse positions, start by placing your contact details at the top. Then, include a greeting and an engaging introduction that captures attention, followed by a concise summary of your relevant skills and experiences. Always customize your content to align with the specific job requirements, and conclude with a strong closing statement encouraging further dialogue.
Should I use a cover letter template?
Yes, using a cover letter template tailored for licensed practical nurses improves your ability to present key skills such as patient care and medication administration in a structured manner, allowing you to effectively communicate your relevant experience to hiring managers.
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