As an LVN, writing a resume that effectively showcases your clinical skills and bedside manner can be challenging. Our guide provides targeted advice to help you highlight your unique qualifications and experience, making your resume stand out to potential employers.
Enhancv's experts feature the best practices for your LVN resume:
- The most effective LVN resume samples, reflecting on experience and skills.
- +10 simple, yet impactful methods to tailor your LVN resume to the job advert.
- Using your professional achievements as the North Star to your unique value as a LVN candidate.
- 'No one cares about your education nowadays …' Let's prove this statement wrong with the best-kept industry secrets to your education and certifications.
If the LVN resume isn't the right one for you, take a look at other related guides we have:
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- Telemetry Nurse Resume Example
- Pediatric Dental Assistant Resume Example
- Veterinary Technician Resume Example
- Staff Pharmacist Resume Example
- Head Nurse Resume Example
- Psychiatrist Resume Example
Creating the best LVN resume format: four simple steps
The most appropriate LVN resume format is defined by precision and a systematic approach. What is more, it should reflect upon how your application will be assessed by recruiters. That is why we've gathered four of the most vital elements to keep in mind when designing your resume:
- It's all about presenting how your experience or skills align with the job. Use the reverse-chronological resume format , if your expertise is relevant to the LVN role. Otherwise, select the functional skill-based resume format or the hybrid resume format to shift the focus to your skill set.
- Resume header - make sure you've filled out all relevant (and correct) information, like your contact details and link to your portfolio.
- Resume length - unless you've over a decade of applicable expertise in the field, stick with a one-page resume format. If you'd like to present more of your professional experience, go up to two pages.
- Resume file - submit your LVN resume in a PDF format to ensure all information stays in the same place.
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PRO TIP
Listing your relevant degrees or certificates on your LVN resume is a win-win situation. Not only does it hint at your technical capabilities in the industry, but an array of soft skills, like perseverance, adaptability, and motivation.
Traditional sections, appreciated by recruiters, for your LVN resume:
- Clear and concise header with relevant links and contact details
- Summary or objective with precise snapshot of our career highlights and why you're a suitable candidate for the LVN role
- Experience that goes into the nuts and bolts of your professional qualifications and success
- Skills section(-s) for more in-depth talent-alignment between job keywords and your own profile
- Education and certifications sections to further show your commitment for growth in the specific niche
What recruiters want to see on your resume:
- Clinical skills and experience with patient care, including specific areas of expertise such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or acute care.
- Familiarity with healthcare technologies and electronic health records (EHR) systems.
- Proficiency in administering medications, wound care, patient monitoring, and other essential practical nursing procedures.
- State licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and any relevant certifications (IV certification, BLS/CPR, ACLS).
- Evidence of compassionate patient care, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative medical environment.
Defining your professional expertise in your LVN resume work experience section
The work experience section, often the most detailed part of your resume, is where you discuss your past roles and achievements. To effectively list your experience, consider these four key tips:
- Align your expertise with the job requirements. It's vital to integrate keywords matching the job criteria to pass initial assessments;
- Show, don’t just tell. Quantify your responsibilities by stating your actual achievements in previous roles;
- Include measurable metrics. For instance, how did your performance impact the annual ROI?
- Highlight crucial industry skills. Mention both technological knowledge and interpersonal skills in this section.
These guidelines will help you craft an impressive LVN resume work experience section that is bound to catch recruiters' attention.
Work Experience
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
07/2017-06/2020
- Implemented a tailored patient care plan for a diverse caseload of 35 patients per week, enhancing patient satisfaction scores by 25% within the first year.
- Led a cross-functional team in adopting electronic health record keeping, improving documentation efficiency by 40% and reducing errors.
- Acted as a primary instructor for patient education initiatives, covering topics like disease management and medication compliance, reaching over 100 patients monthly.
Work Experience
LVN Charge Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
01/2014-12/2016
- Managed wound care for chronic conditions, decreasing healing time by 20% through the introduction of advanced treatment protocols.
- Spearheaded immunization drives for influenza season, administering approximately 500 vaccines and reducing community spread by 30%.
- Provided key support in the implementation of a new patient monitoring system that enhanced the tracking of vital signs for critical care patients.
Work Experience
LVN Supervisor
Stanford Health Care
11/2011-10/2014
- Orchestrated the transition to a new patient care module that led to a reduction in medication administration errors by 15%.
- Developed a continuing education workshop for fellow LVNs, boosting team competencies in IV therapy and aseptic techniques.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to plan and evaluate patient care, which enhanced care coordination for 40+ patients daily.
Work Experience
Senior Licensed Vocational Nurse
UCLA Health
03/2009-08/2012
- Delivered compassionate care for over 50 long-term care residents, contributing to a 98% satisfaction rate from resident feedback surveys.
- Initiated a quality improvement project to streamline medication distribution, cutting the time spent on medication rounds by 25%.
- Trained and onboarded 15 new LVNs and nursing assistants, ensuring strict adherence to facility standards and state health regulations.
Work Experience
Travel Licensed Vocational Nurse
Amedisys Home Health Services
05/2012-09/2015
- Fostered a team environment that emphasized collaborative patient care, resulting in a 10% reduction in hospital readmissions.
- Played a pivotal role in establishing a new outpatient clinic, which now serves 500+ patients monthly, offering primary and specialized care services.
- Conducted home health visits for 30+ patients weekly, optimizing care plans and medication management, leading to better health outcomes.
Work Experience
Pediatric Licensed Vocational Nurse
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
06/2016-05/2019
- Facilitated in-service training for a team of 20 LVNs, enhancing clinical skills and knowledge in palliative care practices.
- Championed a patient-centered approach that reduced emergency department visits by 50% among the managed population.
- Developed individualized diet plans in coordination with nutritionists, benefiting over 150 diabetes patients with improved glycemic control.
Work Experience
Clinical Licensed Vocational Nurse
Davita Kidney Care
02/2015-Ongoing
- Key player in the treatment and management of care for 25+ renal failure patients requiring complex dialysis treatments.
- Implemented stress-reduction techniques that were instrumental in improving the mental well-being of chronically ill patients by 20%.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance the surgical recovery protocols, significantly lowering average patient recovery times by two days.
Work Experience
Surgical Licensed Vocational Nurse
Sutter Health
08/2013-03/2016
- Managed pre- and post-operative care for approximately 10 surgical patients daily, ensuring proper pain management and rehabilitation guidelines were followed.
- Empowered patients through the development and implementation of comprehensive health education resources, leading to more informed health choices and self-management.
- Conducted and analyzed patient satisfaction surveys, utilizing feedback to develop strategies that improved nursing services and patient engagement.
Quantifying impact on your resume
- Include the number of patients you care for on a daily or weekly basis to demonstrate workload management.
- List specific percentages to show improvement in patient care outcomes due to your actions.
- State the number of medical procedures you perform regularly to showcase proficiency and experience.
- Highlight any reduction in medication errors under your watch expressed in quantitative terms.
- Document the amount of time saved through efficient care or administrative processes you implemented.
- Mention the size of the teams you've collaborated with to emphasize your teamwork and coordination skills.
- Quantify your involvement in training or supervising new staff by specifying the number of people you've mentored.
- Present any cost savings achieved through inventory management or process improvements in dollar amounts.
Action verbs for your LVN resume
Recruiters go through tens of resumes every day. You obviously need to make yours stand out if you want to get that dream job. The easiest way to do this is by using action verbs. They give depth and clarity to your resume, which won’t go unnoticed.
Writing your LVN experience section without any real-world experience
Professionals, lacking experience, here's how to kick-start your LVN career:
- Substitute experience with relevant knowledge and skills, vital for the LVN role
- Highlight any relevant certifications and education - to showcase that you have the relevant technical training for the job
- Definitely include a professional portfolio of your work so far that could include university projects or ones you've done in your free time
- Have a big focus on your transferable skills to answer what further value you'd bring about as a candidate for the LVN job
- Include an objective to highlight how you see your professional growth, as part of the company
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Highlight any significant extracurricular activities that demonstrate valuable skills or leadership.
LVN resume skills: the essential hard skills and soft skills checklist
Ultimately, your LVN resume should hint to recruiters that you possess an array of talents that are indispensable to the role.
For example, listing the technologies and software you're apt at using (or your hard skills) and how you apply them in your day-to-day responsibilities would ensure you meet the technical requirements of the role.
But is this enough to ensure that you make a good impression on recruiters?
Go a step further by detailing the soft skills or personality traits you've attained thanks to your work and life experience.
The best way to balance hard skills and soft skills on your LVN resume is by:
- Highlighting up to three of your most noteworthy career accomplishments in a separate section.
- Listing at least one hard skill and one soft skill you've used to solve a particular challenge or problem.
- Feature niche skills and technologies that would help you stand out amongst candidates.
- Think back on the social impact your efforts have had towards improving the work environment - were you able to always maintain a professional ethic, while enhancing the team culture? Write about your contribution to the role, department, or organization itself as a metric of success.
The skills section of your resume provides you with plenty of opportunities to detail your technical and personal traits.
All you have to do is select the talents that best fit your application and expertise. Make note of some of the most prominent hard and soft skills across the industry from our list:
Top skills for your LVN resume:
HARD SKILLS
Vital Signs Monitoring
Medication Administration
Patient Care Techniques
Electronic Health Records (EHR) Management
Wound Care and Dressing
Intravenous (IV) Therapy
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Health Assessment
Charting and Documentation
Medical Equipment Operation
SOFT SKILLS
Effective Communication
Empathy and Compassion
Time Management
Team Collaboration
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Conflict Resolution
Patient Advocacy
Stress Management
PRO TIP
If the certificate you've obtained is especially vital for the industry or company, include it as part of your name within the resume headline.
The basics of your LVN resume certifications and education sections
Improve the education and certification sections of your LVN resume by:
- Dedicating more prominent space to certificates that are more recent and have helped you update your skill set
- Keeping all the information you list to the basics: certificate/degree name, institution, and graduation dates
- Writing supplementary information in the details of your certification or education section, only if you lack experience or want to show further skill alignment
- Including your credential or license number, only if the information is valid to your application or certification
Within LVN job adverts, relevant education, and certification are always listed within the key prerequisite for the role.
Ensure you meet all job requirements with some of the leading certificates in the industry:
The top 5 certifications for your LVN resume:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) - Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC)
- IV Therapy/Blood Withdrawal Certification - Various state-approved providers
PRO TIP
If you happen to have plenty of certificates, select the ones that are most applicable and sought-after across the industry. Organize them by relevance to the role you're applying for.
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Professional summary or objective for your LVN resume
LVN candidates sometimes get confused between the difference of a resume summary and a resume objective.
Which one should you be using?
Remember that the:
- Resume objective has more to do with your dreams and goals for your career. Within it, you have the opportunity to showcase to recruiters why your application is an important one and, at the same time, help them imagine what your impact on the role, team, and company would be.
- Resume summary should recount key achievements, tailored for the role, through your career. Allowing recruiters to quickly scan and understand the breadth of your LVN expertise.
The resume objectives are always an excellent choice for candidates starting off their career, while the resume summary is more fitting for experienced candidates.
No matter if you chose a summary or objective, get some extra inspiration from real-world professional LVN resumes:
Resume summaries for a LVN job
- With a robust 8-year background as an LVN in busy urban hospitals, I possess a comprehensive skill set including acute care, patient education, and chronic disease management. Recognized for excellence in delivering compassionate care, I led a department-wide initiative to reduce patient readmission rates by 15% through improved discharge planning.
- Seasoned LVN with 10 years of experience, specializing in geriatric care in high-paced nursing homes. Achieved a record of reducing medication errors by 20% through meticulous administration and documentation. Expert in creating individualized care plans and executing doctor’s orders with precision.
- As an adept educator transitioning to nursing, I bring four years of experience in curriculum design and student support. My expertise in instruction and ability to quickly assimilate new information sets the stage for a smooth career pivot into healthcare, driven by a passion to advocate for patient well-being in a clinical setting.
- Former military medic looking to leverage 6 years of field experience into a skilled LVN role. Renowned for maintaining high levels of preparedness, rapid response in high-stress scenarios, and dedication to service, I am committed to applying these strengths in a civilian healthcare environment to enhance patient outcomes.
- Recent LVN program graduate eager to apply extensive knowledge gained from in-depth clinical rotations in pediatrics, medical-surgical, and gerontology. Intrinsically motivated to contribute to a team dedicated to making a palpable difference in patient care and health promotion, with a particular interest in developing practical hands-on skills.
- Entry-level candidate with fresh knowledge from a state-accredited LVN course, seeking to utilize newfound skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and vital signs monitoring. Eager to grow under the guidance of seasoned professionals, with a strong objective to positively impact patient lives through dedicated, empathic care.
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Recruiters' favorite additional LVN resume sections
When writing your LVN resume, you may be thinking to yourself, " Is there anything more I can add on to stand out? ".
Include any of the below four sections you deem relevant, to ensure your LVN resume further builds up your professional and personal profile:
Key takeaways
- Pay special attention to the tiny details that make up your LVN resume formatting: the more tailored your application to the role is, the better your chances at success would be;
- Select the sections you include (summary or objective, etc.) and formatting (reverse-chronological, hybrid, etc.) based on your experience level;
- Select experience items and, consequently, achievements that showcase you in the best light and are relevant to the job;
- Your profile will be assessed both based on your technical capabilities and personality skills - curate those through your resume;
- Certifications and education showcase your dedication to the particular industry.
LVN resume examples
Explore additional lvn resume samples and guides
and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level LVN
As an Entry-Level LVN, you are responsible for providing basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. On your resume, you should discuss your clinical experience, relevant certifications, and any volunteer work in healthcare settings. Highlighting skills such as patient communication, basic medical procedures, and teamwork will strengthen your application. Demonstrate your worth by mentioning any awards received in nursing school or positive feedback from supervisors during clinical rotations.
Senior LVN
As a Senior LVN, you are responsible for supervising nursing staff, coordinating patient care, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. On your resume, highlight your experience in leadership roles, your ability to manage complex patient cases, and your success in improving departmental efficiency. You should include skills such as patient assessment, medication administration, and team collaboration. Additionally, emphasize your track record of positive patient outcomes and your role in mentoring junior staff to demonstrate your significance.
By Role
LVN Hospice Nurse
As an LVN Hospice Nurse, you are responsible for providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients and supporting their families in end-of-life stages. On your resume, highlight your experience with pain management, patient documentation, and family communication. Be sure to include skills such as empathy, strong organizational abilities, and teamwork. Mention your dedication to enhancing patient quality of life and your commitment to continuous learning in the field.
LVN Office Nurse
As an LVN Office Nurse, you are responsible for providing basic patient care, administering medications, and assisting physicians during examinations and procedures. On your resume, be sure to discuss your clinical experience, patient interaction capabilities, and any specialized training you have undergone. Highlight skills such as proficiency in electronic medical records, strong communication abilities, and attention to detail. Demonstrate your worth by mentioning your reliable work ethic and any instances where you contributed to improved patient care outcomes.
LVN Staff Nurse
As an LVN Staff Nurse, you are responsible for providing basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors, including administering medication, monitoring patient health, and assisting with daily activities. Highlight your clinical experience, ability to collaborate with healthcare teams, and commitment to patient care on your resume. Include skills such as patient assessment, proficiency in electronic health records, and effective communication. Emphasize your dedication to improving patient outcomes and your adaptability in fast-paced environments to demonstrate your worth.
LVN Charge Nurse
As an LVN Charge Nurse, you are responsible for overseeing patient care, coordinating with healthcare teams, and ensuring compliance with medical policies and procedures. On your resume, be sure to highlight your leadership experience, ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals, and any achievements in improving patient outcomes. Include skills such as strong communication, critical thinking, and proficiency in medical software. Demonstrate your contributions by mentioning how you've enhanced team productivity and improved patient care standards.
LVN Clinic Nurse
As an LVN Clinic Nurse, you are responsible for providing patient care, administering medications, and assisting with diagnostic tests under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. On your resume, be sure to discuss your clinical experience, patient interaction skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Highlight skills such as proficiency in electronic health records, effective communication, and strong organizational abilities. To demonstrate your worth, emphasize your commitment to patient satisfaction and your ability to collaborate effectively with a healthcare team.
LVN Supervisor
As an LVN Supervisor, you are responsible for overseeing nursing staff, ensuring quality patient care, and coordinating clinical operations within your team. On your resume, highlight your experience in leadership roles, your ability to manage and develop staff, and your expertise in patient care coordination. Include skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and proficiency in healthcare management software. Demonstrate your value by mentioning your track record of improving patient outcomes and your success in maximizing team efficiency.
LVN Case Manager
As an LVN Case Manager, you are responsible for coordinating patient care, managing healthcare plans, and ensuring effective communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams. On your resume, highlight your experience in patient care coordination, any specialized healthcare training you've undergone, and your ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. Include skills such as strong communication, problem-solving, and proficiency in healthcare software systems. Demonstrate your worth by mentioning any achievements in improving patient outcomes and your ability to adapt to dynamic healthcare environments.
LVN Home Health Nurse
As an LVN Home Health Nurse, you are responsible for providing comprehensive care to patients in their homes, including monitoring vital signs, administering medication, and supporting daily living activities. Highlight your experience with patient care, your ability to work independently, and any specialized training you have received. Emphasize your strong communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills. Demonstrate your commitment to compassionate care and your proven track record of improving patient outcomes.
LVN Pediatric Nurse
As an LVN Pediatric Nurse, you are responsible for providing compassionate care and support to young patients and their families. On your resume, be sure to discuss your experience in pediatric settings, your knowledge of child development, and your ability to collaborate with healthcare teams. Include skills such as excellent communication, attention to detail, and empathy to highlight your qualifications. Demonstrate your value by emphasizing your commitment to improving patient outcomes and your adaptability in fast-paced environments.
LVN Psychiatric Nurse
As an LVN Psychiatric Nurse, you are responsible for providing compassionate care and support to patients with mental health conditions, monitoring their progress, and administering medications as prescribed by healthcare providers. On your resume, you should highlight your experience working with diverse patient populations, any specialized training in psychiatric care, and your commitment to patient-centered treatment. It's important to include skills such as strong communication, empathy, crisis intervention, and teamwork to effectively function in this role. Make sure to mention your dedication to improving patient outcomes and your ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations, as they demonstrate your professional value.
LVN Geriatric Nurse
As an LVN Geriatric Nurse, you are responsible for providing compassionate care to elderly patients, ensuring their well-being and supporting their daily needs. In your resume, highlight your experience in elderly patient care, your ability to work in a team-focused environment, and any relevant certifications you hold. Include skills such as patient assessment, medication administration, and effective communication. Demonstrate your dedication to improving patient outcomes and your commitment to maintaining a supportive and caring environment.
LVN School Nurse
As an LVN School Nurse, you are responsible for providing basic healthcare to students, managing chronic health conditions, and conducting health screenings. On your resume, highlight your experience in pediatric care, your ability to communicate effectively with both students and staff, and any relevant certifications you hold. Make sure to add skills like patient assessment, emergency response, and health education. Include examples of innovative health programs you’ve implemented and any successful collaborations with parents or community health resources to demonstrate your contribution to the school environment.
