15 Licensed Practical Nurse Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various licensed practical nurse interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Licensed Practical Nurse Interview Questions
- What made you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
- What are the most important qualities for a successful LPN?
- What challenges have you faced during your career?
- What was the most difficult patient case you have ever handled?
- How do you deal with difficult or challenging patients?
- What are your thoughts on the current state of healthcare?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest changes in nursing?
- What do you think is the biggest misconception about LPNs?
- What do you love most about your job?
- What are your career goals?
- Why did you choose your current employer?
- What do you think sets your facility apart from others?
- Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a patient.
- Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult co-worker or supervisor.
- Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation.
What made you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your interest in the field, or they may be trying to see if your career goals align with their needs. It is important to be honest in your answer and explain why you decided to pursue a career in nursing. This will help the interviewer understand your motivations and whether or not you would be a good fit for their team.
Example: “There are many reasons why someone might want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). For some, it may be a desire to help others in a direct and hands-on way. Others may be attracted to the relatively short amount of time it takes to complete an LPN program, as compared to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Some may also appreciate the flexibility that comes with being an LPN, as they can often find work in a variety of settings.
Whatever the reason, becoming an LPN requires completing an accredited practical nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Once licensed, LPNs must adhere to their state's regulations regarding continuing education and renewing their license.”
What are the most important qualities for a successful LPN?
There are many qualities that are important for a successful LPN. Some of the most important qualities include:
-Compassion: It is important to be compassionate in order to be able to effectively care for patients.
-Communication: It is important to be able to communicate effectively in order to be able to provide instructions and information to patients and other medical staff.
-Organization: It is important to be organized in order to be able to keep track of patients' medical records and medications.
-Attention to detail: It is important to pay attention to detail in order to catch errors and prevent mistakes.
Example: “The most important qualities for a successful LPN are:
1. Compassion: A successful LPN will be compassionate towards their patients and will work to ensure that they receive the best possible care.
2. Communication: A successful LPN will have excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with their patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
3. Organization: A successful LPN will be well-organized in order to keep track of their patients' medical records and medications.
4. Time management: A successful LPN will be able to manage their time efficiently in order to provide quality care for their patients.”
What challenges have you faced during your career?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the applicant's ability to handle difficult situations. It is important to be able to show that you can remain calm and collected in the face of adversity.
Example: “I have faced many challenges during my career as a licensed practical nurse. One of the biggest challenges has been working with patients who have chronic illnesses. I have also worked with patients who are in pain and need help managing their pain medication. Another challenge has been working with patients who have mental health issues.”
What was the most difficult patient case you have ever handled?
An interviewer may ask a licensed practical nurse about the most difficult patient case they have handled in order to gauge their experience and ability to handle difficult situations. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to get a sense of how the nurse handles difficult cases and what kinds of challenges they may face in the future.
Example: “The most difficult patient case I have ever handled was a patient who was suffering from severe depression and had attempted suicide multiple times. This patient required constant supervision and monitoring, as well as close communication with their mental health team. It was a very challenging case, but ultimately we were able to help the patient get the treatment they needed and they eventually recovered.”
How do you deal with difficult or challenging patients?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a licensed practical nurse. First, it is important for the interviewer to understand how the nurse deals with difficult or challenging patients. This can give the interviewer some insight into the nurse's bedside manner and how they handle difficult situations. Additionally, the interviewer wants to know if the nurse has any strategies for dealing with difficult or challenging patients. This can help the interviewer understand how the nurse copes with difficult patients and whether they have any helpful tips for other nurses.
Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult or challenging patients will vary depending on the individual situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult or challenging patients may include:
- remaining calm and professional at all times
- being respectful and understanding of the patient's perspective
- clearly communicating expectations and boundaries
- using active listening skills to understand the patient's needs
- working collaboratively with the patient to find mutually agreeable solutions
- seeking support from colleagues or supervisors when needed”
What are your thoughts on the current state of healthcare?
The interviewer is likely asking this question to get a sense of the Licensed Practical Nurse's views on the current state of healthcare and how it may impact their work. It is important for the interviewer to understand the Licensed Practical Nurse's thoughts on the current state of healthcare so that they can gauge whether or not the nurse is a good fit for the organization.
Example: “The current state of healthcare is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, there are amazing advances being made in medical care and treatments. We are able to do things now that were unthinkable even a few years ago. On the other hand, the cost of healthcare is skyrocketing, and not everyone has access to quality care. There are also serious concerns about the sustainability of our current healthcare system. Overall, I think the current state of healthcare is both exciting and worrisome.”
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest changes in nursing?
An interviewer would ask a Licensed Practical Nurse how they stay up-to-date with the latest changes in nursing in order to ensure that the nurse is keeping up with new developments in the field. It is important for nurses to stay up-to-date with the latest changes in nursing so that they can provide the best possible care to their patients.
Example: “There are a few different ways that I stay up-to-date with the latest changes in nursing. I regularly read nursing journals and attend nursing conferences. I also make sure to keep up with the latest research by reading studies and articles. Additionally, I talk to other nurses and ask them about any new developments or changes they are aware of. By doing all of these things, I am able to stay current on the latest changes in nursing.”
What do you think is the biggest misconception about LPNs?
The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the LPN's understanding of the role of an LPN and how it differs from that of a registered nurse. It is important for the interviewer to know that the LPN understands the scope of their practice and is able to articulate this to others.
Example: “The biggest misconception about LPNs is that they are not as qualified as RNs. This is simply not true. LPNs receive the same level of education and training as RNs, and are just as capable of providing high-quality patient care.”
What do you love most about your job?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. One reason is to get a sense of what motivates the Licensed Practical Nurse. Another reason is to see if the Licensed Practical Nurse is satisfied with their current position and if they would be likely to stay with the organization for a long period of time. Finally, this question allows the interviewer to gauge the Licensed Practical Nurse's level of enthusiasm for their job. It is important for the interviewer to know these things because they can help to predict job satisfaction and turnover rates.
Example: “I love the satisfaction that comes with helping others and knowing that I am making a difference in someone's life. I also enjoy the challenges that my job presents and the opportunity to learn new things.”
What are your career goals?
The interviewer is trying to determine if the Licensed Practical Nurse is interested in staying with the company long-term. It is important to know if the employee is planning on staying with the company because it helps the company plan for the future.
Example: “My goal is to become a registered nurse. I would like to work in a hospital setting, where I can help people on a daily basis. I am also interested in working in a research capacity, where I can help contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.”
Why did you choose your current employer?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to get a sense of your priorities and what you value in a workplace. This can be important in determining whether or not you would be a good fit for their organization. Additionally, they may be curious about your reasoning behind choosing your current employer and whether or not you are satisfied with your current situation. This can give them insight into your work ethic and how you make decisions. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to understand why you chose your current employer so that they can get a better sense of who you are as a person and a professional.
Example: “I was attracted to my current employer because of the company's reputation and the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment. I also appreciate the support that my employer provides to its employees.”
What do you think sets your facility apart from others?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a licensed practical nurse. It could be to gauge the nurse's level of satisfaction with their current workplace. It could also be to see if the nurse is familiar with the competition and what they offer. Finally, it could be to get a sense of the nurse's priorities and values.
It is important for interviewers to ask this question because it can help them understand what the nurse is looking for in a job. If the nurse is looking for a position that is more competitive, the interviewer can gauge whether the nurse is a good fit for their organization. If the nurse is looking for a position that values teamwork and collaboration, the interviewer can determine if the nurse would be a good fit for their team. Ultimately, this question can help the interviewer understand the nurse's priorities and values, which can help them make a decision about whether or not to hire the nurse.
Example: “Our facility provides high-quality, compassionate care to our patients and their families. We offer a wide range of services and are constantly expanding our offerings to meet the needs of our community. We have a team of highly skilled and experienced nurses who are dedicated to providing the best possible care for our patients.”
Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a patient.
An interviewer would ask this question to assess a prospective Licensed Practical Nurse's bedside manner and level of care. It is important for a Licensed Practical Nurse to be able to provide compassionate, individualized care to each patient. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the prospective nurse's ability to do so.
Example: “I remember one time when I was working the night shift, and one of my patients was having a lot of trouble sleeping. I could tell that she was really agitated and uncomfortable, so I decided to stay with her for a while and talk to her. We ended up talking for hours, and she finally fell asleep. It was a really rough night for her, but I'm glad I was able to be there for her.”
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult co-worker or supervisor.
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a licensed practical nurse. First, it can help them to gauge how well the nurse handles difficult situations. Second, it can give them insight into how the nurse deals with conflict. Finally, it can help them to understand what kind of support the nurse needs from their supervisor.
Example: “I had a difficult co-worker who was constantly complaining and making negative comments. I tried to be positive and ignore her, but it was hard. I spoke to my supervisor about the situation and she helped me to deal with her.”
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation.
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a licensed practical nurse about a time when they had to deal with a difficult situation. First, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of how the nurse deals with difficult situations and whether they are able to remain calm under pressure. Second, it provides the interviewer with a chance to see how the nurse uses their problem-solving skills to resolve the situation. Finally, it gives the interviewer an opportunity to see how the nurse communicates with others during a difficult situation. All of these factors are important when assessing a potential licensed practical nurse.
Example: “I had to deal with a difficult situation when one of my patients was admitted to the hospital with a serious illness. The patient's family was very distraught and wanted to be constantly updated on the patient's condition. I had to juggle my time between taking care of the patient and keeping the family updated. It was a challenging situation, but I was able to manage it by staying calm and organized.”