How To Write a Licensed Vocational Nurse Resume
As a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), creating a resume that aligns with your career goals and effectively showcases your qualifications in the healthcare field is crucial. In this guide, we’ll provide real licensed vocational nurse resume examples and offer invaluable advice on structuring and customizing your resume to stand out to potential employers. We understand the unique challenges and requirements faced by LVNs, and we’ll provide industry-specific tips and insights to help you create a compelling resume that highlights your expertise, dedication, and compassionate patient care. Whether you’re a seasoned LVN looking to advance your career or a newly licensed nurse eager to make your mark, this guide will equip you with the tools to create a resume that sets you apart in the competitive healthcare job market.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
Your resume profile needs to make a strong first impression on potential employers. In 2-3 sentences, aim to capture your unique blend of skills, experience, and dedication to patient care. To make it specific to the position you’re applying for, extract relevant keywords from the job description and incorporate them into your profile. Customize the paragraph to feature your expertise in areas such as patient assessment, medication administration, treatment planning, and collaboration with healthcare teams. Emphasize your compassionate nature, attention to detail, and ability to provide quality care to diverse patient populations. A well-written profile will show your value as an LVN and entice potential employers to explore your resume further.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
A Professional LVN with 10+ years of experience delivering patient-centered care in fast-paced hospitals, private institutions, and clinics. A strong history of developing and leading quality nursing teams to enhance the quality of care and promote equity within the healthcare space.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
An LVN with two years of clinical experience specializing in providing patient-centered care in high-volume hospitals. Adept at collaborating with nursing teams to develop and execute treatment plans.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
An accomplishment-driven professional experience section is essential to your resume, demonstrating your impact and suitability for the role. As you construct this section, quantify your experience to help employers understand the scope and outcomes of your work. Identify specific achievements and provide numbers to discuss improving patient outcomes, reducing medication errors, or implementing successful care plans.
Use action verbs to add a dynamic element to your bullet points and convey your proactive approach. Focus on showing your skills in action within patient care, medication administration, treatment planning, and collaboration with healthcare teams. Placing emphasis on your accomplishments as an LVN provides tangible evidence of your skills and contributions to potential employers.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
Licensed Vocational Nurse, St. Michael’s Heart Hospital of Austin, Cardiology Division, Austin, TX
October 2011 – Present
- Collaborate with medical teams and LPNs to treat patients undergoing cardiac care and rehabilitation
- Administer medications, IV therapy, and other treatments for patients in the cardiac emergency room, including surgical preparations
- Manage four nursing assistants assigned to the care of admitted cardiac patients
- Serve as primary liaison to family members and patients, educating them on the care and treatment options that are available for cardiac patients
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Bellevue Hospital Center – Primary Stroke Center, San Francisco, CA
August 2019 – Present
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to implement patient care strategies, drive positive outcomes, and enhance clinical operations
- Administer medications under the guidance of charge nurses or other medical personnel
- Evaluate patient responses to care, monitor symptoms daily, document changes in condition, and provide treatment in alignment with care protocols
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Outside of the required training for your license as an LVN, employers value candidates who continue pursuing education to enhance their knowledge and skills. Demonstrate your commitment to professional development and continuous learning in the nursing field by including pertinent education, coursework, and certifications on your LVN resume. Starting with your highest level of education, list the degree name, institution, location, and completion date.
Certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) highlight your competency and ability to handle critical situations. Including these qualifications and certifications on your resume establishes your credibility as an LVN and provides evidence of your commitment to excellence. Create an additional section for pertinent certificates and format it similarly. List the certificate title, issuing organization, and date received.
Certifications
Template: [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support, December 2011, National Association of Practical Nurse Education
- IV Therapy, June 2012, NAPNE
- Pharmacology, April 2019, NAPNE
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[SCHOOL NAME], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example:
Associate in Nursing
SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE, San Diego, CA, September 2012 – June 2014
NCLEX-PN: June 2014
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
A key skills section is vital to any licensed vocational nurse resume. These skills showcase your expertise and capabilities while highlighting your suitability for the role. Focus on those specifically relevant to the nursing profession and the job you’re applying for. Featuring these skills demonstrates your ability to provide high-quality care, effectively communicate with patients and their families, and navigate complex healthcare settings. Check out the skills below to get an idea of what you could include on your LVN resume:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) | Acute Care |
| Case Management | EKGs |
| Electronic Medical Records | HIPAA |
| IV Administration | Medication Administration |
| Oncology | Orthopedics |
| Patient Advocacy | Patient-Centered Care |
| Patient Discharge | Patient Intake |
| Patient Management | Physical Examinations |
| Post-Operative (Post-Op) Care | Pre-Operative (Pre-Op) Care |
| Surgical Care | Telemetry |
How To Pick the Best Licensed Vocational Nurse Resume Template
How your resume looks is just as important as how it’s written, so choose a template that allows your professional background to shine. The best resume template for a licensed vocational nurse is clean, orderly, and visually appealing. Opt for a template that focuses on your most relevant accomplishments and key skills, allowing them to take center stage. There should be plenty of white space and a clear differentiation between sections for easy readability. Remember, a resume template tailored to the healthcare industry should convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail, so avoid overly decorative fonts and flashy graphics.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-level
Alex Bohannian
(212) 948-4781
[email protected]
San Francisco, CA 12345
Profile
An LVN with two years of clinical work experience, specializing in providing patient-centered care in high volume hospitals. Adept at collaborating with nursing teams to develop and execute treatment plans.
Professional Experience
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Bellevue Hospital Center – Primary Stroke Center, San Francisco, CA
August 2019 – Present
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to implement patient care strategies, drive positive outcomes, and enhance clinical operations
- Administer medications under the guidance of charge nurses or other medical personnel
- Conduct evaluation of patient responses to care, monitor symptoms daily, document changes in condition, and provide treatment in alignment with care protocols
Nurse Extern, Northwell Health Urgent Care, San Francisco, CA
June 2018 – August 2019
- Provided support to registered nurses and physicians in an urgent care treating over 30+ patients per day, which included diagnosing and treating walk-in patients
- Delivered administrative support to office personnel to ensure accurate record keeping and documentation in the electronic record system (EHR)
Key Skills
- Patient Care
- Clinical Workflows
- Vital Sign Monitoring
- Communication
- Acute Care
Education
Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing
City College of San Francisco, CA September 2017 – June 2018
Certifications
- NCLEX-PN completed July 2019
Anne D. Ricci
(123) 345-1295
[email protected]
San Diego, CA 12345
Profile
A Nursing Professional (LVN) with seven years of experience delivering high quality healthcare services in acute care environments. A proven track record of delivering empathetic and compassionate treatment to diverse patient populations
Professional Experience
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Whitman Place Assisted Living Community, San Diego, CA
June 2016 – Present
- Coordinate with a team of 25+ doctors, nurses, and other health care and social work professionals to ensure a high quality of life for 75 residents
- Interface with residents to ensure compliance with medication, provide enrichment activities such as film, workshops, and events, and communicate with empathy and compassion to achieve a patient satisfaction rating of 91%
- Collect samples, prepare residents for treatments, educate patients on care plans
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Private Practice of Dr. James Garcia, San Diego, CA
September 2014 to June 2016
- Delivered support to Dr. Garcia in providing holistic care for geriatric patients
- Maintained respectful relationships with patients, with focus always on improving their quality of life
- Prepared patients for examination or treatment, providing explanations and education of procedures and medications
- Measured and recorded vital statistics, such as blood pressure and respiration
Education
Associate in Nursing
San Diego City College, San Diego, CA, September 2012 – June 2014
NCLEX-PN: June 2014
Key Skills
- Patient Care
- Case Management
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Medication Administration
- Clinical Workflows
Certifications
- Long-term care certification, National Association of Practical Nurse Education
Sebastian Torres
(649) 495-2953
[email protected]
1057 Wayneport Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Profile
A Professional LVN with 10+ years of experience delivering patient-centered care in fast-paced hospitals, private institutions, and clinics. A strong history of developing and leading quality nursing teams to enhance the quality of care and promote equity within the healthcare space.
Professional Experience
Licensed Vocational Nurse, St. Michael’s Heart Hospital of Austin – Cardiology Division, Austin, TX
October 2011 – Present
- Collaborate with medical teams and LPNs to treat patients undergoing cardiac care and rehabilitation
Administer medications, IV therapy, and other treatments for patients in the cardiac emergency room, including surgical preparations - Manage four nursing assistants assigned to the care of admitted cardiac patients
- Serve as primary liaison to family members and patients, educating them on the care and treatment options that are available for cardiac patients
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Austin Regional Clinic: Cedar Park, Cedar Park, TX
December 2006 – June 2011
- Coordinated with a dynamic healthcare team to provide quality treatment to walk-in patients, including physicals, assessments, and symptom monitoring
- Administered medicine under doctor’s guidance, educated patients on wound care, treatments, and medications, and input data into the Kareo EHR system
Education
Vocational Nursing Certificate
Austin Community College Austin, TX, May 2006
NCLEX-PN passed: June 2006
Key Skills
- Patient Care
- Case Management
- Team Leadership
- Medication Administration
- Clinical Workflows
Certifications
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support, December 2011, National Association of Practical Nurse Education
- IV Therapy, June, 2012, NAPNE
- Pharmacology, April, 2019, NAPNE
Frequently Asked Questions: Licensed Vocational Nurse Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for Licensed Vocational Nurse resumes?+
We understand that crafting the professional experience section of a resume can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right words to describe your nursing work. To help you overcome this obstacle, we've compiled a comprehensive list of common action verbs that would work perfectly for an LVN resume. These dynamic words will help you communicate your role, tasks, and accomplishments effectively. These action verbs will bring your experience to life and demonstrate your capabilities as a medical professional. Consider using some of these words in your licensed vocational nurse resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Administered | Assessed |
| Collaborated | Communicated |
| Conducted | Coordinated |
| Delivered | Developed |
| Diagnosed | Enhanced |
| Identified | Implemented |
| Improved | Managed |
| Oversaw | Performed |
| Planned | Provided |
| Supported | Treated |
How do you align your resume with a job description?+
Employment for licensed vocational nursing is projected to increase by 6 percent between 2021 and 2031. Over the decade, we can expect over 41,000 new jobs to enter the workforce. The competition for new LVN positions will remain about the same at this rate, so you'll need to make an effort to stand out from other candidates.
Especially if you're looking to go after a specific job, aligning your resume will be critical. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills, qualifications, and experiences the employer seeks. Incorporate keywords and phrases throughout your resume, particularly in the profile, skills section, and work experience bullet points. Highlight your specific accomplishments, certifications, and experiences that align with the nursing job requirements.
What is the best Licensed Vocational Nurse resume format?+
The chronological format is generally the most effective for licensed vocational nurses. This format allows you to showcase the depth of your experience and how you've progressed in the field, which is crucial in the healthcare industry. It enables hiring managers to grasp your career trajectory and understand what settings you've worked in and which skills you've developed.
However, in certain situations, a combination format may be suitable for LVNs who are transitioning careers, have gaps in their work history, or want to emphasize specific skills and qualifications. The combination format combines the chronological and functional formats, allowing you to feature relevant skills and achievements while still presenting a clear employment history. We recommend choosing the layout that best aligns with the employer's needs and your career goals.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
In today’s competitive job market, crafting a solid cover letter is essential for increasing your chances of securing an interview. The best way to create a compelling letter is to customize it to the healthcare facility you’re applying to. Check out our comprehensive cover letter guide to learn how to do this. Explore our entry-level nurse and certified nursing assistant (CNA) cover letter guides for examples in related occupations.
