You're past the 'new nurse' phase. You've probably trained the new hires, handled emergencies calmly, and become the nurse that others come to for advice. Maybe you've thought about charge nurse, or wondered if you should pursue your RN. Let's show what you bring to the table.
Crafting a Standout Licensed Practical Nurse Summary
Your summary is the first thing recruiters see. Here are examples that actually work for junior licensed practical nurses:
“Experienced LPN with 2 years providing skilled nursing care. Charge nurse responsibilities for 30-bed unit. Expert in wound care, including complex wounds and negative pressure therapy. Preceptor for 5 new LPN hires.”
“Licensed Practical Nurse with 3 years in home health. Manages complex patient caseload of 12-15 independently. Known for reducing hospital readmissions through patient education. Considering RN bridge program.”
“LPN with 2.5 years in dialysis center. Expert in vascular access and hemodialysis procedures. Cross-trained in peritoneal dialysis. Patient educator for new dialysis patients and families.”
“LVN with 2 years pediatric experience. Skilled in developmental assessments, immunizations, and chronic disease management. Strong parent communication. Received 'Nurse of the Quarter' recognition.”
Pro Tips for Your Summary
- Lead with years and specialty focus
- Show leadership: charge, preceptor, team lead
- Include advanced certifications earned
- Mention any RN bridge program interest or enrollment
Essential Skills for Junior Licensed Practical Nurses
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
- Show leadership and supervisory skills
- Include specialty certifications
- Mention precepting and training abilities
- Demonstrate advanced clinical judgment
Licensed Practical Nurse Work Experience That Gets Noticed
Here are example bullet points that show real impact:
- •Serve as charge nurse for 30-bed skilled nursing unit
- •Precept and mentor 5 new LPN hires through orientation
- •Manage complex wound care including VAC therapy
- •Coordinate with physicians on care plan changes
- •Supervise CNA staff and delegate appropriately
- •Participate in quality improvement initiatives
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Relevant certifications for junior licensed practical nurses:
- Education is secondary now
- Include RN bridge program if enrolled
- List continuing education and specialty training
Common Mistakes Licensed Practical Nurses Make
❌ Mistake
Resume reads like entry-level with more years
✓ Fix
Show progression: 'Promoted to charge nurse,' 'Precepted 5 new hires,' 'Led quality improvement.'
❌ Mistake
No leadership examples
✓ Fix
At 2-3 years, you should be leading. Show: charge duties, precepting, supervising CNAs, training.
❌ Mistake
Missing specialty development
✓ Fix
Show expertise: 'Wound care specialist,' 'Dialysis certified,' 'Pediatric assessment expert.'
Quick Wins
- Add charge nurse experience prominently
- Include training and mentoring numbers
- Show quality outcomes you influenced
- List specialty certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pursue RN?
If advancement is your goal, yes. RN opens more opportunities, higher pay, and broader scope. Many LPN-to-RN bridge programs are designed for working nurses.
What's the path to nursing management as LPN?
Charge nurse → Unit coordinator → DON (in some settings). Long-term care often promotes experienced LPNs to supervisory roles.
Is specialization or management better?
Depends on your goals. Specialists (wound care, dialysis) often earn more. Management offers different challenges. Both are valid paths.
The Bottom Line
Your junior licensed practical nurse resume should show what you've accomplished, not just what you've done. Focus on impact, use numbers, and keep it clean and ATS-friendly. When you're ready, use our free resume builder to create a polished, professional resume in minutes.
Average Salary: $48,000 - $60,000 | Job Outlook: Growing 6% through 2030
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