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New Graduate LVN Resume Examples & Templates

Looking to start your career as a new graduate LVN? Our new graduate LVN resume examples showcase critical skills like patient care and communication to help you stand out to employers.

Gabriela Hernandez
by Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer
Last Updated: December 10, 2025

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Michael Lee

Cleveland, OH 44103
(555)555-5555
Michael.Lee@example.com

Professional Summary

Experienced New Graduate LVN at Harmony Health Center with a proven track record in patient care and healthcare solutions. Proficient in medication administration, team collaboration, and critical thinking, with hands-on experience in improving patient outcomes.

Work History

New Graduate LVN
Harmony Health Center - Cleveland, OH
January 2025 - December 2025

  • Administered 150+ daily patient medications
  • Assisted 45% in patient care improvement
  • Collaborated with team for optimal patient outcomes

Licensed Practical Nurse
Greenfield Hospital - Cleveland, OH
January 2021 - December 2024

  • Monitored 200+ patients weekly
  • Reduced readmission rate by 30%
  • Educated patients on health management

Nursing Assistant
Meadowbrook Clinic - Cincinnati, OH
January 2019 - December 2020

  • Supported 25% in patient active mobility
  • Recorded vital signs for 50 patients daily
  • Facilitated smooth daily operations

Skills

  • Patient Care
  • Vital Signs Monitoring
  • Medical Documentation
  • Medication Administration
  • Team Collaboration
  • Patient Education
  • Healthcare Solutions
  • Critical Thinking

Certifications

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support - American Heart Association
  • Basic Life Support - American Red Cross

Education

Master of Science in Nursing Nursing
University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, CA
June 2019

Bachelor of Science Health Sciences
University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA
June 2017

Languages

  • Spanish - Beginner (A1)
  • French - Beginner (A1)
  • Mandarin - Beginner (A1)

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How to Write a New Graduate LVN Resume Summary

Your resume summary is the first impression you make on hiring managers, so it's essential to grab their attention right away. This section should clearly communicate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role of a new graduate LVN.

As a new graduate LVN, you'll want to emphasize your clinical skills, compassion, and commitment to patient care. Highlight any relevant coursework or hands-on experience that sets you apart from other job seekers.

To better illustrate what an effective resume summary looks like, check out the examples provided below. These will guide you in crafting a compelling introduction:

Weak resume summary

I am a recent LVN graduate eager to begin my nursing career. I have learned many skills in school and hope to find a job that fits my needs. I am interested in working somewhere that values teamwork and offers chances for professional development. I believe I can contribute positively if given the opportunity.

Why this summary misses the mark:
  • Lacks specific details about the applicant's training or skills gained during their education
  • Uses vague language about what they hope to find rather than articulating what they bring to the role
  • Concentrates on personal desires instead of showcasing how they can benefit the employer

Strong resume summary

Compassionate new graduate LVN with clinical training in diverse healthcare environments, including pediatrics and geriatrics. Successfully implemented a patient care plan during internship that improved patient satisfaction scores by 20%. Proficient in wound care, medication administration, and electronic health records, demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering quality patient care.

Why this summary works:
  • Begins with a clear identification as a new graduate LVN, establishing the job seeker's current status
  • Highlights a quantifiable achievement related to patient satisfaction, showcasing impact on care quality
  • Mentions specific technical skills relevant to nursing roles that improve the applicant's appeal to employers
pro-tip icon

PRO TIP

If you're a recent LVN graduate without much experience, consider using a career objective instead of a resume summary. This approach allows you to highlight your goals and enthusiasm.

Check out resume objective examples that can guide you in crafting the perfect objective for your nursing career.

Showcasing Your Work Experience

The work experience section is important for your resume as a new graduate LVN, where you'll showcase the bulk of your content. Good resume templates will always emphasize this important area to highlight what you bring to the table.

In this section, list your previous roles in reverse-chronological order, detailing your experiences. Use bullet points to effectively communicate your achievements and skills acquired during your training and any clinical placements.

To help guide you, we’ll present a couple of examples that illustrate effective work history entries for new graduate LVNs. These examples will clarify what works well and what you should avoid:

Weak work experience

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Sunrise Health Clinic – Austin, TX

  • Assisted patients with daily needs.
  • Maintained patient records and documentation.
  • Collaborated with healthcare staff.
  • Administered medications as prescribed.
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
  • Lacks specific employment dates which are important for context
  • Bullet points are vague and do not highlight key skills or accomplishments
  • Emphasizes routine tasks rather than showcasing measurable impact on patient care
Strong work experience

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Sunrise Medical Center – Las Vegas, NV

June 2023 - Current

  • Administer medications and monitor vital signs for up to 15 patients daily, ensuring timely interventions and care adjustments.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of patient care plans, leading to a 30% increase in patient satisfaction scores within three months.
  • Educate patients and families on post-discharge care, significantly reducing readmission rates by 20%.
Why this work experience section works:
  • Starts each bullet point with compelling action verbs that clearly convey responsibilities
  • Incorporates specific metrics to highlight accomplishments and contributions
  • Demonstrates essential nursing skills while showcasing measurable outcomes

While your resume summary and work experience are important components, don’t overlook other sections that deserve careful formatting. Each part contributes to a cohesive presentation of your qualifications. For more detailed guidance, be sure to check out our extensive guide on how to write a resume.

Top Skills to Include on Your Resume

A well-defined skills section is important for a strong resume as it quickly communicates your qualifications to potential employers. This section helps highlight your capabilities, allowing hiring managers to easily determine if you fit the role.

Every resume should have a mix of hard skills and soft skills. Including a diverse range of relevant skills will make your application much stronger.

Hard skills include essential technical abilities like patient monitoring, basic wound care, and vital signs assessment that are important for providing safe and effective nursing care.

Soft skills encompass critical interpersonal abilities such as active listening, teamwork, and empathy, which foster positive patient interactions and improve collaborative healthcare delivery.

Selecting the right resume skills is important for standing out to potential employers. Many organizations rely on automated systems to identify applicants who meet their specific skill requirements.

To ensure your resume resonates with recruiters, carefully review job postings related to your field. Look for frequently mentioned skills and tailor your application to highlight these competencies, increasing your chances of passing through ATS filters.

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PRO TIP

Maximize your resume's potential by using our ATS Resume Checker. Identify more than 30 common errors and ensure it navigates through applicant tracking systems effortlessly.

10 skills that appear on successful new graduate LVN resumes

To capture the attention of recruiters, it's essential to highlight high-demand skills that align with new graduate LVN positions. These skills are often showcased in our resume examples, allowing you to approach job applications with assurance and professionalism.

By the way, consider adding relevant skills from this curated list based on your qualifications and the specific requirements of the job:

  • 1

    Compassionate patient care

  • 2

    Team collaboration

  • 3

    Attention to detail

  • 4

    Basic life support (BLS)

  • 5

    Time management

  • 6

    Patient education

  • 7

    Infection control practices

  • 8

    Documentation accuracy

  • 9

    Medication administration

  • 10

    Crisis intervention

Based on analysis of 5,000+ nursing professional resumes from 2023-2024

Resume Format Examples

Selecting an appropriate resume format is important because it showcases your key nursing skills, relevant experiences, and career advancements, making a strong impression on potential employers.

Entry-Level 0 - 2 years

Functional

Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs

Functional

Best for:

Recent graduates and career changers with limited experience in nursing

Mid-Career 3 - 7 years

Combination

Balances skills and work history equally

Combination

Best for:

Mid-career professionals focused on demonstrating skills while seeking growth

Experienced 8+ years

Chronological

Emphasizes work history in reverse order

Chronological

Best for:

Dedicated nurses excelling in patient care and management roles

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely, including a cover letter can significantly improve your application. It gives you the chance to showcase your personality and explain how your skills align with the job. If you need help crafting yours, consider our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter or use our simple Cover Letter Generator to get started quickly.

As a new graduate LVN, it’s important to use a CV when applying for jobs outside the U.S., as many countries favor this format. Explore our resources on how to write a CV to learn how to structure and create an effective document that aligns with international expectations.

Additionally, reviewing various CV examples can provide insight into different styles and formats.

Soft skills like patience, active listening, and teamwork are essential for a new graduate LVN. These interpersonal skills foster trust with patients and promote collaboration among healthcare staff, ultimately improving the quality of care provided in any setting.

Highlight your transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability from previous jobs. These qualities illustrate your ability to thrive in a nursing environment, even if you lack direct experience.

Share concrete examples that align with common LVN duties, showcasing how your background prepares you for patient care and collaboration in healthcare settings.

As a new graduate LVN, you can showcase your clinical training, internships, and relevant coursework. Highlight any volunteer work in healthcare settings and emphasize your compassionate nature and strong communication skills.

For tips on crafting a resume with no experience, remember that employers value potential and dedication to patient care just as much as experience. You have what it takes to make a great impression.

To increase your resume's visibility as a new graduate LVN on LinkedIn, add your resume to LinkedIn or highlight essential skills and experiences in the "About" and "Experience" sections. This approach helps healthcare recruiters easily find you when searching for qualified applicants in the field.

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez large profile photo

Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer

Gabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Gabriela holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Puerto Rico and offers more than four years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation.

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