Top 10 Questions for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Interview

1. What are the key responsibilities of an LPN in a hospital setting?

• Providing basic nursing care to patients, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with personal hygiene
• Monitoring patients’ conditions and reporting any changes to the registered nurse or physician
• Performing wound care, dressing changes, and other nursing procedures
• Educating patients and their families about their health conditions and treatments
• Working as part of a healthcare team to provide comprehensive care to patients

2. Describe your experience with wound care and dressing changes.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Assessing the wound for size, depth, and drainage
• Evaluating the patient’s pain level and overall condition

Dressing Selection and Application

• Selecting the appropriate dressing based on the type and stage of the wound
• Applying the dressing sterilely and securely

Monitoring and Documentation

• Monitoring the wound for signs of infection or complications
• Documenting the wound care and dressing changes in the patient’s medical record

3. How do you handle challenging patient behaviors, such as aggression or non-compliance?

• Remaining calm and professional, even in difficult situations
• Using verbal de-escalation techniques to reduce aggression and promote cooperation
• Setting clear boundaries and expectations for patient behavior
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as social workers or psychologists, to address underlying issues that may contribute to challenging behaviors
• Documenting the incident and reporting it to the appropriate supervisor or authority

4. Describe your experience with medication administration.

• Verifying the patient’s identity and the medication order
• Calculating the correct dosage and preparing the medication
• Administering the medication via the prescribed route (e.g., oral, intramuscular, intravenous)
• Monitoring the patient for any adverse reactions to the medication
• Documenting the medication administration in the patient’s medical record

5. How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively in a busy healthcare setting?

• Assessing the urgency of each task and prioritizing accordingly
• Delegating tasks to other team members when appropriate
• Using time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to stay focused and productive
• Communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner
• Seeking support from supervisors or colleagues when needed

6. Describe your experience with infection control and prevention.

• Following standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection, such as hand hygiene, wearing personal protective equipment, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• Recognizing and reporting signs and symptoms of infection
• Educating patients and their families about infection prevention and control measures
• Participating in infection control audits and training programs
• Staying up-to-date on the latest infection control guidelines and recommendations

7. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest nursing practices and advancements?

• Reading nursing journals and attending conferences
• Taking continuing education courses
• Participating in professional organizations
• Networking with other nurses and healthcare professionals
• Utilizing online resources and databases

8. Describe your experience with tracheostomy care.

• Suctioning the tracheostomy tube to remove secretions
• Changing the tracheostomy tube and dressing
• Monitoring the patient for any signs of infection or complications
• Educating the patient and their family about tracheostomy care
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as respiratory therapists, to provide comprehensive care to the patient

9. How do you handle conflicts with other healthcare professionals?

• Remaining professional and respectful, even in challenging situations
• Communicating openly and honestly about the conflict
• Seeking a common ground and working together to find a mutually acceptable solution
• Involving a supervisor or manager if necessary
• Documenting the conflict and its resolution

10. What are your strengths and weaknesses as an LPN?

• Strong clinical skills and a commitment to providing compassionate care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexible and adaptable to changing situations
• A strong work ethic and a commitment to professional development

• Limited experience with some specialized nursing procedures
• Working under pressure in fast-paced environments
• Balancing multiple tasks and priorities
• Delegating tasks to others
• Recognizing and addressing my own limitations

LPNs, also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), play a crucial role in providing quality healthcare services to patients in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

1. Patient Care

LPNs are responsible for providing hands-on patient care, including:

• Monitoring vital signs and assessing patients’ overall health
• Providing basic nursing care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients
• Administering medication and treatments as prescribed by physicians

2. Wound Care

LPNs are trained to assess and treat wounds, including:

• Cleaning and dressing wounds
• Providing wound care education to patients and their families
• Monitoring wound healing and reporting any concerns to physicians

3. Medication Administration

LPNs are authorized to administer medications under the supervision of physicians, including:

• Verifying medication orders
• Preparing and administering medications
• Monitoring patients for any adverse reactions

4. IV Therapy

LPNs are trained to start and maintain intravenous (IV) therapy for patients, including:

• Inserting IV catheters
• Administering IV fluids and medications
• Monitoring IV sites for any complications

Preparing thoroughly for your LPN interview is essential to increase your chances of success.

1. Research the Facility and Position

Take the time to learn about the healthcare facility and the specific LPN position you are applying for.

• Visit the facility’s website to gather information about their mission, services, and nursing staff.
• Review the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications.

2. Practice Your Answers

Anticipate common interview questions and practice your answers in advance.

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide specific examples of your skills and experiences.
• For example, if asked about a time you handled a difficult patient, you could use the STAR method to describe the situation, the actions you took, and the positive outcome.

3. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Emphasize your relevant skills and experience during the interview.

• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For instance, instead of saying “I have experience providing wound care,” you could say “I have provided comprehensive wound care to over 100 patients in the past two years.”
• Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of nursing best practices and your commitment to providing high-quality patient care.

4. Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the position and the facility.

• Inquire about the unit’s nurse-to-patient ratio, the opportunities for professional development, and the facility’s commitment to patient satisfaction.
• Asking insightful questions shows that you are engaged and eager to learn more about the position and organization.