Top 12 Licensed Practical Nurse Skills to Put on Your Resume
Crafting a standout resume as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) requires highlighting a blend of clinical competencies and soft skills that demonstrate your ability to provide exceptional patient care and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams. Showcasing these top skills on your resume can significantly enhance your job prospects and set you apart in the competitive nursing field.
Licensed Practical Nurse Skills
- Patient Care
- Medication Administration
- Wound Care
- Vital Signs Monitoring
- Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- IV Therapy
- Phlebotomy
- CPR Certified
- Infection Control
- Patient Education
- HIPAA Compliance
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
1. Patient Care
Patient care involves providing a range of healthcare services to individuals, focusing on their physical, emotional, and social needs, under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse or a physician, specifically in the context of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Why It's Important
Patient care is crucial for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) because it ensures the physical and emotional well-being of patients, promotes recovery, prevents complications, and fosters a safe and compassionate healthcare environment.
How to Improve Patient Care Skills
Improving patient care, especially from the perspective of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), involves a combination of enhancing interpersonal skills, staying updated with the latest healthcare practices, and effectively managing time and resources. Here are concise strategies:
Continuing Education: Engage in lifelong learning to stay abreast of the latest in patient care techniques and healthcare technology. Participate in workshops, online courses, and seminars. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a valuable resource for finding relevant educational opportunities.
Effective Communication: Develop strong communication skills to better understand patient needs and to collaborate effectively with the healthcare team. The Institute for Healthcare Communication offers insights and training on improving healthcare communication.
Patient-Centered Care: Focus on providing care that respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) provides guidelines on implementing patient-centered strategies.
Empathy and Compassion: Show empathy and compassion in all interactions. This strengthens patient trust and can lead to better health outcomes. The Schwartz Center is dedicated to promoting compassionate healthcare.
Time Management and Efficiency: Enhance your ability to manage time effectively, ensuring that patient care is both thorough and timely. American Nurses Association (ANA) offers resources for improving nursing practices, including time management.
Adopt Technology: Embrace healthcare technologies that can improve patient care, from electronic health records (EHRs) to telehealth services. The HealthIT.gov site is an excellent starting point for learning about available technologies and their implementation.
By focusing on these areas, LPNs can significantly improve the quality of patient care they provide.
How to Display Patient Care Skills on Your Resume
2. Medication Administration
Medication administration, in regards to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), involves the accurate and safe delivery of prescribed medications to patients, following the orders of a healthcare provider. This process includes ensuring the right patient receives the right medication, in the right dose, through the right route, at the right time, and with the right documentation.
Why It's Important
Medication administration is crucial for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as it ensures the safe, accurate, and timely delivery of medications to patients, directly impacting their recovery, managing symptoms, and improving overall health outcomes.
How to Improve Medication Administration Skills
Improving medication administration, especially for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), involves enhancing accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Here are concise strategies:
Continuing Education: Engage in ongoing education about pharmacology and medication administration protocols. National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers resources and updates on best practices.
Utilize Technology: Adopt electronic medication administration records (eMAR) and barcode medication administration (BCMA) systems to reduce errors. Institute for Safe Medication Practices provides guidelines on technology use in medication administration.
Double-Check Protocol: Implement a double-check system for high-risk medications or situations. This involves verifying the medication, dose, and patient with another healthcare professional.
Patient Education: Educate patients about their medications, including names, dosages, and potential side effects, to promote adherence and self-monitoring. MedlinePlus is a resource for patient-friendly information on medications.
Adherence to the Five Rights: Always adhere to the five rights of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.
Regular Audit and Feedback: Participate in regular audits of medication administration practices and be open to feedback. Constructive feedback can identify areas for improvement and enhance patient safety.
By focusing on these areas, LPNs can significantly improve their medication administration practices, contributing to better patient outcomes and safety.
How to Display Medication Administration Skills on Your Resume
3. Wound Care
Wound care involves the prevention, assessment, and treatment of wounds, including dressings, infection control, and promoting healing, tailored to the patient's needs, within the scope of practice of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Why It's Important
Wound care is essential for preventing infection, promoting healing, and avoiding complications. It's crucial for maintaining patient comfort and preventing the progression of wounds into more serious conditions. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, effective wound care is a key component of patient care, directly impacting recovery outcomes and overall health.
How to Improve Wound Care Skills
Improving wound care as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves adhering to best practices, continuous learning, and employing a patient-centered approach. Here's a concise guide:
Stay Updated: Regularly update your knowledge on the latest wound care techniques and products. Consider resources like the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®) for current information.
Assess Thoroughly: Perform comprehensive wound assessments, including size, depth, exudate, and signs of infection. Document findings meticulously.
Use Proper Techniques: Follow evidence-based procedures for cleaning, dressing, and monitoring wounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines on infection control practices.
Patient Education: Educate patients and caregivers on proper wound care at home, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and follow-up. Resources from American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) can be useful.
Nutrition Matters: Advocate for nutritional support as it plays a crucial role in wound healing. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers guidance on nutrition for wound healing.
Interprofessional Collaboration: Work closely with healthcare team members, including physicians, registered nurses, and dietitians, to develop and implement comprehensive wound care plans.
Enhancing wound care skills not only improves patient outcomes but also contributes to professional growth.
How to Display Wound Care Skills on Your Resume
4. Vital Signs Monitoring
Vital signs monitoring involves regularly checking and recording key physiological indicators such as temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure to assess and track a patient's health status. For a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), it is a fundamental and routine task that aids in detecting any deviations from normal ranges, signaling potential health issues or the need for medical intervention.
Why It's Important
Vital signs monitoring is crucial for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) as it provides essential information about a patient's current health status and helps in early detection of potential health problems, enabling timely intervention and care.
How to Improve Vital Signs Monitoring Skills
Improving vital signs monitoring as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort. Here's a concise guide:
Stay Updated: Continuously update your knowledge on the latest vital signs monitoring technologies and best practices through reputable sources like the American Nurses Association (ANA).
Use Technology Wisely: Leverage advanced monitoring tools like digital thermometers and automatic blood pressure cuffs for more accurate readings. Familiarize yourself with their operation by referring to resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for temperature measurement and the American Heart Association (AHA) for blood pressure guidelines.
Practice Good Technique: Ensure you're following the correct procedures for each vital sign to avoid errors. Refresh your skills periodically through clinical guidelines provided by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
Engage in Continuous Learning: Participate in workshops, online courses, and seminars focused on vital signs monitoring. Online platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy offer relevant healthcare courses.
Prioritize Patient Education: Educate patients on the importance of accurate vital signs monitoring. Provide clear instructions on how they can contribute to more precise readings, especially when self-monitoring is involved.
Ensure Comfort and Calm: Approach patients in a calm and reassuring manner to prevent anxiety-related variations in vital signs. Techniques for reducing patient anxiety can be found through resources like the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
By incorporating these strategies, LPNs can significantly enhance the quality of vital signs monitoring, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
How to Display Vital Signs Monitoring Skills on Your Resume
5. Electronic Health Records (EHR)
Electronic Health Records (EHR) are digital versions of patients' paper charts, accessible in real-time and containing a patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory test results. For a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), EHRs provide critical, up-to-date patient information, facilitating efficient and effective care delivery, coordination, and communication with the healthcare team.
Why It's Important
Electronic Health Records (EHR) are important for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as they provide immediate access to comprehensive patient data, facilitating better-informed decisions, streamlined care coordination, and improved patient outcomes.
How to Improve Electronic Health Records (EHR) Skills
Improving Electronic Health Records (EHR) for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves enhancing the usability, accessibility, and quality of data within the system. Here are concise strategies:
Training and Education: Ensure LPNs receive ongoing EHR training tailored to their roles, focusing on efficient data entry, navigation, and understanding system updates.
Customization and Workflow Integration: Customize EHR interfaces to match the LPN's workflow. This includes setting up templates and shortcuts for common tasks and ensuring that they have access to necessary features.
Enhance Communication Tools: Utilize EHR's communication features to improve coordination among healthcare team members, thereby optimizing patient care.
Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for LPNs to provide feedback on EHR usability, helping IT departments to make necessary adjustments and updates.
Security Training: Provide regular training on data privacy and security to protect patient information and comply with healthcare regulations.
By focusing on these areas, LPNs can more effectively utilize EHR systems, leading to improved patient care and operational efficiency.
How to Display Electronic Health Records (EHR) Skills on Your Resume
6. IV Therapy
IV therapy, in the context of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), involves the administration of liquids directly into a vein through an intravenous line for therapeutic purposes, including hydration, medication delivery, and nutrition. LPNs may be involved in setting up, monitoring, adjusting, and discontinuing IV lines under the guidance of a registered nurse or physician, depending on state regulations.
Why It's Important
IV therapy is important for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) because it allows for the direct and rapid administration of medications, fluids, and nutrients into a patient's bloodstream, ensuring immediate absorption and effect. This method is crucial in emergencies, for hydration, correcting electrolyte imbalances, and delivering treatments that cannot be taken orally, thereby playing a key role in patient care and recovery.
How to Improve IV Therapy Skills
Improving IV therapy, especially for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), involves enhancing both technical skills and patient care through the following steps:
Regular Training: Engage in continuous education and hands-on workshops to stay updated with the latest IV therapy techniques and technologies. Infusion Nurses Society offers resources and training opportunities.
Practice Aseptic Technique: Ensure to always practice aseptic techniques to prevent infections. The CDC provides guidelines on best practices for infection control.
Use of Technology: Familiarize yourself with the use of IV pumps and electronic health records to improve efficiency and safety. The American Nurses Association offers guidance on using technology in nursing.
Patient Communication: Enhance communication skills to better educate and comfort patients, improving their overall experience. The Institute for Healthcare Communication highlights the importance of effective communication in healthcare.
Quality Improvement Projects: Participate in or initiate quality improvement projects within your workplace to address common IV therapy challenges and implement evidence-based improvements.
By focusing on these areas, LPNs can significantly improve their IV therapy skills and patient care.
How to Display IV Therapy Skills on Your Resume
7. Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is the process of making an incision in a vein with a needle to draw blood, typically performed by healthcare professionals, including Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Why It's Important
Phlebotomy is important for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) as it enables the collection of blood samples for diagnostic testing, monitoring of patients' health conditions, and administering certain medications or treatments, thus playing a critical role in patient care and management.
How to Improve Phlebotomy Skills
To improve phlebotomy skills as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), consider the following concise tips:
Continuous Education: Engage in ongoing learning through certification courses and workshops. This keeps your knowledge and skills up to date.
Practice Regularly: Gain experience through practice. This could be through volunteering or seeking opportunities in your workplace. The more you practice, the more proficient you become.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest techniques and technologies in phlebotomy by regularly reading industry publications and attending seminars.
Use Quality Equipment: Ensure you’re using the right tools that are in good condition to perform venipunctures efficiently and safely.
Patient Communication: Improve your communication skills to better interact with patients, making them feel at ease and reducing the likelihood of complications. Effective communication is key.
Peer Review and Feedback: Learn from your colleagues by observing their techniques and asking for feedback on your own. Peer review is a powerful tool for improvement.
Adhere to Best Practices: Follow the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines for phlebotomy to ensure you are adhering to the highest standards.
By focusing on these areas, LPNs can enhance their phlebotomy skills, leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient collection processes.
How to Display Phlebotomy Skills on Your Resume
8. CPR Certified
CPR Certified means that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) has completed training and passed the examination in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a life-saving technique useful in emergencies when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This certification ensures the LPN is prepared to provide CPR effectively.
Why It's Important
CPR certification is crucial for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) because it equips them with the essential skills to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, ensuring they can provide immediate and life-saving interventions to patients in critical conditions.
How to Improve CPR Certified Skills
To improve your CPR certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), consider the following concise steps:
Refresh Your Knowledge: Regularly review CPR guidelines from authoritative sources. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Red Cross offer up-to-date resources and guidelines.
Take Advanced Courses: Beyond basic CPR, explore advanced courses like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) from the AHA.
Practice Regularly: Hands-on practice is crucial. Use CPR training manikins to refine your technique. Some employers or local health organizations offer practice sessions.
Stay Updated: CPR guidelines evolve. Subscribe to newsletters from the AHA or Red Cross to receive updates on CPR and emergency cardiovascular care science.
Get Certified: Ensure your CPR certification is current. Renew your certification every two years through recognized providers like the AHA or Red Cross.
Peer Learning: Engage in study groups or peer learning sessions to share knowledge and experiences, enhancing your skills collectively.
By following these steps and staying engaged with current practices, you can enhance your CPR skills, ensuring you provide the best care possible in critical situations.
How to Display CPR Certified Skills on Your Resume
9. Infection Control
Infection Control refers to policies and practices employed by healthcare professionals, including Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), to prevent and control the spread of infections within healthcare facilities and during the provision of healthcare services. It involves hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of equipment, and adherence to protocols designed to protect both patients and healthcare workers from infectious agents.
Why It's Important
Infection control is crucial for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to prevent the spread of pathogens, protect patients and healthcare workers from healthcare-associated infections, and ensure a safe and healthy environment in healthcare settings.
How to Improve Infection Control Skills
Improving infection control, especially for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), involves adhering to established guidelines, continuous education, and implementing best practices consistently. Here’s a concise guide:
Hand Hygiene: Practice thorough handwashing before and after patient contact, using either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE (gloves, masks, gowns) correctly based on the level of patient interaction and potential exposure.
Safe Injection Practices: Follow the CDC's One & Only Campaign for safe injection practices to prevent transmission of infectious diseases.
Environmental Cleaning: Ensure regular and thorough cleaning of surfaces and equipment with EPA-registered disinfectants. Guidelines can be found at the CDC’s Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection page.
Stay Updated: Regularly update your knowledge on infection control protocols through resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Patient Education: Educate patients and their families about infection control measures, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
Vaccinations: Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations for healthcare workers to protect yourself and your patients.
Reporting and Communication: Report any infection outbreaks or breaches in infection control protocols promptly to your healthcare facility’s infection control department.
By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly contribute to improving infection control within your healthcare setting.
How to Display Infection Control Skills on Your Resume
10. Patient Education
Patient education, in the context of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), involves providing patients with relevant information, instructions, and guidance about their health conditions, treatments, medications, and care procedures to ensure they can manage their health effectively and make informed decisions.
Why It's Important
Patient education is crucial for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as it empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare, improves adherence to treatment plans, enhances patient safety by reducing the risk of errors, and ultimately leads to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
How to Improve Patient Education Skills
Improving patient education as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves several key strategies aimed at enhancing understanding, engagement, and outcomes for patients. Here’s a very short and concise description of how to achieve this:
Assess Learning Needs: Begin by assessing the patient's current understanding, learning style, and preferences. Tailor your educational approach accordingly.
Simplify Information: Use clear, simple language and avoid medical jargon. Break down complex information into manageable pieces.
Utilize Visual Aids: Incorporate visual aids like charts, diagrams, and videos to reinforce understanding. Visual aids can be particularly effective in explaining complex concepts.
Encourage Questions: Create an open environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions. Answering questions can clarify misunderstandings and reinforce learning.
Provide Written Materials: Offer brochures, pamphlets, or links to reputable websites for patients to review at home. This allows them to digest information at their own pace.
Follow-Up: Reinforce education by following up with patients, either through phone calls or during subsequent visits, to answer any new questions and assess retention of information.
For further reading and resources, consider exploring the following links:
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement offers tools and techniques for effective patient education.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for creating easy-to-understand materials.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has a library of resources that can be useful for patient education.
Remember, effective patient education is a continuous process that requires patience, creativity, and adaptability on the part of the LPN.
How to Display Patient Education Skills on Your Resume
11. HIPAA Compliance
HIPAA Compliance for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) involves adhering to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations, which protect patient health information privacy and security. LPNs must ensure that patient data is confidential, access is limited to authorized personnel, and information is shared according to legal and professional standards.
Why It's Important
HIPAA Compliance is crucial for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to ensure the protection of patient health information, maintain patient trust, and adhere to legal requirements, thereby avoiding penalties and ensuring the confidentiality and security of patient data during care provision.
How to Improve HIPAA Compliance Skills
Improving HIPAA Compliance, especially for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), involves several key steps focused on safeguarding patient information. Here’s a concise guide:
Education and Training: Regularly update your knowledge on HIPAA regulations. HHS (Health and Human Services) offers resources and training materials.
Understand PHI: Know what constitutes Protected Health Information (PHI) and the minimum necessary standard for its use and disclosure. The CDC provides a Privacy Rule brief.
Secure Communication: Use secure methods to communicate PHI, such as encrypted emails or secure patient portals. For guidance, see the HIPAA Journal.
Privacy and Security Policies: Familiarize yourself with your workplace’s HIPAA policies and procedures. The AMA offers a HIPAA Security Rule guide.
Report Violations: Understand the procedure for reporting any suspected HIPAA violation. The HHS Office for Civil Rights outlines steps for filing a complaint.
Patient Rights: Ensure patients are aware of their rights under HIPAA, including access to their medical records. The OCR provides a summary of individuals’ rights under HIPAA.
By adhering to these practices, an LPN can significantly improve their HIPAA compliance, ensuring the privacy and security of patient information.
How to Display HIPAA Compliance Skills on Your Resume
12. Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic Life Support (BLS) for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) refers to the core skills and knowledge necessary to provide immediate assistance to individuals suffering from life-threatening emergencies, primarily focusing on maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation without the use of equipment other than a protective barrier device. This includes performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and relieving choking in a safe, timely, and effective manner.
Why It's Important
Basic Life Support (BLS) is essential for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as it equips them with the critical skills needed to respond effectively to life-threatening emergencies, ensuring prompt and appropriate care to sustain life, prevent further harm, and stabilize patients until advanced medical help arrives.
How to Improve Basic Life Support (BLS) Skills
Improving Basic Life Support (BLS) skills is crucial for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to ensure effective patient care in emergency situations. Here are concise steps to improve BLS skills:
- Stay Updated: Regularly update your BLS certification through accredited programs like the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
- Practice Regularly: Practical skills can diminish without use. Engage in hands-on practice sessions, which are often provided by employers or local training centers.
- Use Online Resources: Utilize online platforms for BLS refreshers and updates. Websites like ProCPR offer courses and materials.
- Peer Learning: Practice with colleagues to improve teamwork and communication skills, essential components of effective BLS.
- Feedback and Reflection: After training sessions or actual BLS scenarios, seek feedback from instructors or peers and reflect on your performance for continuous improvement.
By following these steps, an LPN can enhance their proficiency in BLS, ensuring readiness to provide life-saving care when needed.
How to Display Basic Life Support (BLS) Skills on Your Resume
