LPN interview questions and answers
This LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) interview profile brings together a snapshot of what to look for in candidates with a balanced sample of suitable interview questions.
10 good LPN interview questions
- If you were given instructions from a RN you didn’t agree with, what would you do?
- Imagine a patient or a family member were dissatisfied with the provided care. How would you handle it?
- What would you do if a patient refused to take their medication?
- You enter a patient’s room and you find their vital signs are not very good. What do you do?
- What do you find most rewarding in your job?
- What is the most difficult part of being a LPN?
- What are some routine procedures that a LPN performs?
- How do you ensure the comfort of an elderly patient?
- Do you have experience in administering injections?
- How do you handle stress?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. If you were given instructions from a RN you didn’t agree with, what would you do?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle disagreements professionally.
Sample answer:
“I would approach the RN privately, discuss my concerns, and seek clarification. It’s essential to maintain open communication for the well-being of the patient.”
2. Imagine a patient or a family member were dissatisfied with the provided care. How would you handle it?
This gauges the candidate’s interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities.
Sample answer:
“I would listen to their concerns empathetically, apologize for any inconvenience, and take immediate steps to address the issue. Clear communication and understanding are key.”
3. What would you do if a patient refused to take their medication?
Understanding the candidate’s approach to non-compliance is crucial.
Sample answer:
“I’d try to understand their concerns and provide information about the medication’s importance. If they still refuse, I’d inform the supervising RN or doctor.”
4. You enter a patient’s room and you find their vital signs are not very good. What do you do?
This tests the candidate’s ability to act promptly in emergencies.
Sample answer:
“I would immediately notify the RN or doctor on duty, ensure the patient’s safety, and follow any immediate interventions as trained.”
5. What do you find most rewarding in your job?
Gauging what motivates the candidate can help understand their passion for the role.
Sample answer:
“Seeing patients recover and knowing I played a part in their healing journey is immensely rewarding.”
6. What is the most difficult part of being a LPN?
Understanding challenges faced by the candidate provides insights into their resilience.
Sample answer:
“Balancing the emotional aspects of patient care with the technical demands can be challenging, but it’s also what makes the job fulfilling.”
7. What are some routine procedures that a LPN performs?
This checks the candidate’s technical knowledge.
Sample answer:
“Routine procedures include administering medications, wound care, taking vital signs, and assisting with daily activities.”
8. How do you ensure the comfort of an elderly patient?
Elderly care requires special attention and empathy.
Sample answer:
“I ensure they have proper bedding, assist with mobility, engage in conversations, and regularly check on their comfort.”
9. Do you have experience in administering injections?
Technical proficiency is vital for a LPN role.
Sample answer:
“Yes, I have administered various types of injections, from vaccines to insulin, always ensuring patient safety and comfort.”
10. How do you handle stress?
The ability to manage stress is crucial in healthcare roles.
Sample answer:
“I practice deep breathing exercises and ensure I take short breaks during my shift. Talking to colleagues and seeking support when needed also helps.”
What does a good LPN candidate look like?
A competent LPN possesses a blend of technical skills, compassion, and adaptability. They should be patient-centric, have excellent communication skills, and be able to work efficiently in a team.
Red flags
Beware of candidates who lack empathy, are resistant to feedback, or don’t prioritize patient care. A LPN should be adaptable, proactive, and always willing to learn.
LPN Interview Questions
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN or LVN) provide basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RN) or physicians. Their role is closely associated with human aspects of nursing like helping patients bathe. They may work in hospitals or nursing care facilities, most commonly in long-term care. Requirements for licensing and allowable duties vary from state to state, so make sure you learn as much as possible about the candidate’s background.
LPNs usually have limited decision-making duties. Yet, they need some critical-thinking to communicate important information about a patient’s condition. Great candidates will show a clear understanding of their position’s importance and ample motivation. They’ll be knowledgeable about daily procedures and possess excellent communication skills.
Use the following questions to help you evaluate candidates’ qualities. You can include relevant questions about experience in a specialized field or procedure. Questions about your facility are a good way to assess how interested candidates are in the position.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
Operational and Situational questions
- If you were given instructions from a RN you didn’t agree with, what would you do?
- Imagine a patient or a family member were dissatisfied with the provided care. How would you handle it?
- What would you do if a patient refused to take their medication?
- You enter a patient’s room and you find their vital signs are not very good. What do you do?
Role-specific questions
- What do you find most rewarding in your job?
- What is the most difficult part of being a LPN?
- What are some routine procedures that a LPN performs?
- What are vital signs and at what frequency should they be monitored?
- How do you ensure the comfort of an elderly patient?
- Do you have experience in administering injections?
- How do you replenish your knowledge in [specialty area]?
- What do you like about working as a team?
- How do you handle stress?
- Do you prefer working independently or under supervision?
Behavioral questions
- Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult patient
- Have you ever had to deliver bad news to a patient? How did you do it?
- Describe a time you didn’t get along with a superior
- Have you ever disagreed with a colleague for a treatment or nursing procedure? How did you resolve it?
- Tell me about a time a patient thanked you for providing excellent care
- Have you ever made a mistake concerning a patient? What did you learn?