Steps to write an LPN resume

Here are the steps to write an effective LPN resume:

Header: Include your full name, contact information (phone number and email address), and location (city, state). Optionally, you can add a professional title, such as "Licensed Practical Nurse" or "LPN."

Objective/Summary Statement: Write a concise statement summarizing your career goals and highlighting your key qualifications and strengths as an LPN. 

Licenses and Certifications: List your LPN license and any relevant certifications. Include the state or jurisdiction where you are licensed, the license number, and the expiration date. Additionally, mention any additional certifications such as CPR or IV therapy.

Clinical Experience: Detail your work experience as an LPN, highlighting your responsibilities, achievements, and relevant skills. Include the facility name, location, job title, and employment dates. Then, use bullet points to describe your key duties and accomplishments.

Skills: Create a section to highlight your relevant skills as an LPN. Include both technical skills (e.g., medication administration, wound care) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork). 

Additional Sections (Optional): You can include additional sections to enhance your resume, depending on your experience and the job requirements. Some optional sections include:

1. Professional Memberships: List any nursing associations or organizations you belong to.
2. Continuing Education: Highlight relevant workshops, seminars, or courses you have completed.
3. Awards and Achievements: Mention any honors or recognition received for your nursing practice.

Formatting Tips

1. Use a clean and professional resume template.
2. Keep the resume length to one or two pages.
3. Utilize bullet points for clarity and readability.
4. Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.

Things to note when writing an LPN resume

When writing an LPN resume, there are several important points to keep in mind to make it effective and impactful. Here are some considerations;

1. Tweak your resume: Customize your resume to every job specification. Carefully review the job description and align your skills, qualifications, and experience with the specific requirements of the position.
2. Highlight your clinical skills: LPNs have a range of technical skills that are essential to their role. Emphasize your proficiency in medication administration, wound care, patient assessment, IV therapy, and any other specialized skills you possess.
3. Showcase your experience: Provide detailed information about your relevant work experience, including the healthcare facilities you've worked in, your job responsibilities, and notable achievements. Focus on demonstrating your ability to provide quality patient care and work effectively as part of a healthcare team.
4. Quantify your accomplishments: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to provide concrete evidence of your impact. For example, mention the number of patients you cared for, the success rates of your interventions, or any improvements you made in patient outcomes.
5. Add relevant keywords: An LPN resume should have industry-related keywords and phrases. It will help your resume pass through ATS and increase the chances of being noticed by hiring managers.
6. Emphasize soft skills: Along with technical skills, LPNs require strong interpersonal and communication skills. Highlight your ability to collaborate with colleagues, effectively communicate with patients and their families, and provide compassionate care.
7. Show continuous learning: Demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and development by mentioning any continuing education courses, workshops, or certifications you have completed. It shows that you are dedicated to staying updated on the latest practices and advancements in the field.
8. Use action verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs to make your accomplishments more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of saying "Responsible for medication administration," use "Administered medications accurately and safely."
9. Keep it brief: LPN resumes should typically be one to two pages long. Use bullet points and short paragraphs to make the content easy to read and scan.
10. Proofread carefully: Ensure that your resume is free of grammatical and spelling errors. Proofread it multiple times or ask someone else to review it for you. Mistakes can create a negative impression and hinder your chances of landing an interview.
11. Update contact information: Double-check that your contact information is accurate and up to date. Provide a professional email address and a working phone number for employers to reach you.

Other resources on Licensed practical nurses, how to become an LPN, how to write an LPN cover letter, LPN resume sample, LPN skills for resume and cover letter

Do's and Don'ts of writing an LPN resume

What does an employer look for in an LPN resume

When reviewing an LPN resume, employers typically look for the following key elements;

1. Relevant Experience: Employers seek LPNs with practical experience in healthcare settings, preferably in areas that align with the specific role they are hiring for. They want to see details about your work history, including the facilities you have worked in, the patient populations you have served, and the responsibilities you have undertaken.
2. Clinical Skills and Expertise: LPNs are expected to possess a range of clinical skills. Employers look for indications of proficiency in areas such as medication administration, wound care, IV therapy, patient assessment, and documentation. Highlighting specific skills and any specialized training or certifications you have obtained can make your resume stand out.
3. Certifications and Licensure: LPNs must hold a valid LPN license to practice. Employers verify the status of your license and may also look for additional certifications relevant to the role, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
4. Patient Care and Communication: Employers value LPNs who excel in patient care and communication. They seek candidates who can demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work well within interdisciplinary teams. Highlight any experiences that showcase your ability to provide compassionate care and establish rapport with patients.
5. Attention to Detail and Organization: Given the importance of accuracy in healthcare, employers appreciate LPNs who exhibit strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Emphasize your ability to maintain accurate records, follow protocols, and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
6. Adaptability and Teamwork: Healthcare environments are dynamic, and LPNs must be adaptable and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. Employers value candidates who can demonstrate flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and a positive attitude toward teamwork.
7. Continuous Learning and Professional Development: Employers appreciate LPNs who show a commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. Highlight any continuing education courses, workshops, or seminars you have completed to stay updated on industry advancements.