Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) interview questions:

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in some regions, play a vital role in providing essential patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or physicians. Their responsibilities often involve hands-on care, such as assisting patients with bathing and daily activities. LPNs commonly work in healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. It’s important to note that licensing requirements and the scope of practice for LPNs can vary from state to state, so understanding a candidate’s background and qualifications is essential.

While LPNs typically have limited decision-making authority, they play a crucial role in communicating important patient information to the healthcare team. Successful LPN candidates should possess strong critical-thinking skills, an understanding of the significance of their role, and motivation to excel in their position. Additionally, they should have a solid grasp of daily nursing procedures and excellent communication abilities.

The following interview questions can help assess a candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the LPN role. You can also incorporate specific questions related to their experience in specialized fields or procedures, and inquire about their knowledge of your healthcare facility to gauge their level of interest in the position.

Role-specific questions:

• What aspects of your job do you find most fulfilling?
• What do you consider the most challenging aspect of being an LPN?
• Could you describe some of the routine tasks typically performed by an LPN?
• Can you explain what vital signs are and how often they should be monitored?
• How do you ensure the comfort and well-being of elderly patients under your care?
• Do you have experience administering injections?
• How do you stay updated and informed in your area of specialty?
• What do you appreciate most about working collaboratively as part of a healthcare team?
• How do you cope with stress in a healthcare environment?
• Do you have a preference for working independently or under supervision in your role as an LPN?

Operational and Situational questions:

• If you received instructions from a registered nurse that you disagreed with, how would you handle the situation?
• How would you address a situation where a patient or their family member expressed dissatisfaction with the care provided?
• In the event that a patient refused to take their prescribed medication, what steps would you take?
• If you entered a patient’s room and discovered that their vital signs were not within the normal range, what actions would you immediately initiate?

Behavioral questions:

• Describe an experience you’ve had dealing with a challenging patient.
• Have you ever been in a situation where you had to deliver unfavorable news to a patient? How did you handle it?
• Recall a time when you had difficulties working with a superior.
• Share an instance when you disagreed with a colleague regarding a treatment or nursing procedure. How was the disagreement resolved?
• Tell me about a memorable moment when a patient expressed gratitude for the exceptional care you provided.
• Have you ever made an error related to patient care? If so, what did you learn from it?