Free Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Templates & Examples

Licensed Practical Nurse Resume Template (Text)

1. Contact Info

Your contact details should be prominently displayed and professionally formatted at the top of your resume.

Be sure to include:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address
• City and state (ZIP code is optional)
• LinkedIn profile or relevant portfolio (if applicable)

PRO TIP

Avoid including sensitive information such as your Social Security number, marital status, or personal photos on your resume unless explicitly requested by the employer.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introduction (2-4 sentences) that highlights your key qualifications and professional identity. It serves as a compelling pitch to hiring managers, designed to spark interest and prompt them to explore your resume further.

Typically located at the top of your resume, the profile can take the form of either a summary or an objective, each serving distinct purposes. This position emphasizes its importance in framing your candidacy:

• A resume summary showcases essential qualifications, skills, and achievements relevant to patient care in the nursing domain, making this format particularly beneficial for those with established work history or transferable experience who aim to highlight their contributions as a compassionate licensed practical nurse.
• A resume objective looks ahead, emphasizing your career ambitions and the impact you aim to make. It’s ideal for new graduates or those switching fields, such as nursing assistants transitioning into licensed practical nursing roles.

Let’s explore the differences between a resume summary and a resume objective through the following examples:

Licensed practical nurse resume summary example:

Licensed practical nurse resume objective example:

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is a fundamental component of your application. Employers assess not only the roles you’ve held but also how you’ve contributed to each position and improved patient care.

This section illustrates how your background as a licensed practical nurse aligns with the job’s requirements, showcasing your skills in patient management and healthcare support.

The work experience section should contain:

• Job title
• Employer name and location
• Dates of employment (month/year)
• 3–5 bullet points outlining your nursing duties and patient care contributions

Tailor your work experience bullet points to the licensed practical nurse role by using specific nursing terminology. Start with action verbs that resonate with the field, such as “Administered,” “Monitored,” or “Educated.”

Incorporate quantifiable achievements into your statements to highlight your contributions. Specific metrics, like patient satisfaction scores or reduced wait times, can showcase your impact and set you apart from other applicants.

In general, consider following the format of: [action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Explore more examples of work experience for licensed practical nurses further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section provides a concise overview of your nursing abilities as a licensed practical nurse. When you build this section using an ATS-friendly resume format, hiring managers can quickly assess your qualifications. Skills can be categorized into three key areas:

• Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how licensed practical nurses interact with others. Essential soft skills for this role include empathy, communication, adaptability, and teamwork. These traits are vital for establishing rapport with patients and collaborating effectively with healthcare teams to ensure quality care.
• Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities gained through education, training, or experience. For licensed practical nurses, examples include monitoring vital signs, administering injections, and assisting with patient hygiene.
• Technical skills are the practical abilities required to operate specific tools and technologies in various professions. For licensed practical nurses, this includes using patient care equipment, medication administration systems, and Electronic Health Record (EHR) platforms.

In general, aim to present a well-rounded selection of skills that directly correspond with the job’s criteria to highlight your strengths. For additional examples tailored specifically for licensed practical nurses, explore more skills resources available.

PRO TIP

If you’re a newer licensed practical nurse, place your skills section higher on the resume, right after your summary. For those with more experience, position this section lower and weave your skills into your work history to showcase your expertise effectively.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for highlighting your qualifications. Start by listing your most recent or relevant nursing degree, including the type of degree and the institution’s name. If you’re a recent graduate, consider adding your graduation year, GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher, any honors received, and relevant coursework that showcases your skills and knowledge in the field.

Licensed practical nurse resume education section example:

PRO TIP

When listing multiple degrees on your resume, ensure you present them in reverse-chronological order, prominently featuring your highest degree first, such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) followed by Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

6. Certifications

Certifications are a clear indication of your qualifications and current expertise in nursing. While not always included in a traditional resume, this section is important for most licensed practical nurses. Employers often seek specific credentials, especially for roles in long-term care or rehabilitation facilities.

Highlight any relevant certifications and licenses that improve your profile. It’s essential to keep these credentials updated and present them in a clear format to make an impact.

Licensed practical nurse certification examples:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License, New Jersey | New Jersey | Expires: 01/2028
• Basic Life Support (BLS) | American Heart Association | Expires: 11/2027
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) | American Heart Association | Expires: 03/2028
• IV Therapy Certification | National Center for Competency Testing | Expires: 06/2028

Popular Resume Bullets for Licensed Practical Nurses

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder —based on what hiring managers respond to most.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV