If you’re looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may be a good option for you.
LPNs provide basic nursing care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They also provide direct care to patients in homes and communities.
To become an LPN, you must go through an in-depth interview process.
The interviewer will ask you a variety of questions to determine whether you have the skills and temperament to be a successful nurse.
Classification of LPN Interview Questions:
The questions you’ll be asked in an LPN interview can be classified into several categories:
- Questions about your qualifications and experience
- Questions about your knowledge of nursing care
- Questions about your ability to work with patients
- Questions about your attitude and temperament
Qualifications and Experience Questions:
These questions are designed to assess your personal background and your professional qualifications.
You may be asked what schools you’ve attended, whether you’re licensed to practice nursing in another state (if you are), what work experience you have, where your previous jobs were located, and why you want to become an LPN.
Knowledge of Nursing Care Questions:
These questions test your knowledge of nursing care and your ability to think on your feet.
You may be asked to describe the duties of an LPN, explain the difference between a Licensed Practical Nurse and a Registered Nurse, or describe the steps you would take to care for a patient with a particular condition.
Ability to Work With Patients Questions:
These questions assess your ability to interact with patients and their families in a sensitive and professional manner.
The interviewer may simply ask you how you would respond to a certain situation or give you a hypothetical scenario and ask how you’d handle it.
Attitude and Temperament Questions:
These questions reveal your emotional stability, maturity, healthiness, level of motivation, ability to communicate with others, and overall approach to nursing.
You may be asked why you chose a career in nursing, what your expectations of the job are, whether you’re willing to work on-call, and whether you feel confident in caring for patients’ personal needs.
So, what are some of the LPN interview questions you may be asked?
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Table of Contents
The Most Common LPN Interview Questions and Answers
Now that you know what to expect, it’s helpful to have an idea of the types of questions you may be asked in an LPN interview.
While the questions may vary depending on the interviewer, here are some common examples:
1. Tell me about your qualifications and experience.
A question about your qualifications and experience is designed to reveal that you’re knowledgeable about nursing care, familiar with the duties of an LPN, able to think quickly on your feet, and professional in your conduct.
Your interviewer will be looking for specific examples of how you meet these criteria.
Example answer:
I graduated from a nursing program at ABC University in 2010 with my LPN license.
I’ve been working as a nurse’s aide since then, and I assisted patients with personal care needs such as bathing, dressing, and using the restroom.
In 2011, I moved to XYZ City where I was employed by an assisted living facility for seniors.
My responsibilities included running errands for the residents, monitoring their meals, and checking in on them throughout the day.
I’m presently working as a home health aide with an agency that allows me to travel between clients’ homes.
In addition to bathing and dressing my patients, I assist with medication management and changing bandages.
See also: Nursing Interview Questions and Answers
2. What is your understanding of the duties of an LPN?
Your interviewer wants to make sure that you’re familiar with the role of an LPN and that you understand what will be expected of you if you are hired.
Be prepared to describe the basic duties of an LPN, such as taking vital signs, administering medication, and providing basic nursing care.
Example answer:
I understand that the primary duty of an LPN is to provide direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Responsibilities include documenting the patient’s condition, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, providing personal care needs such as bathing and dressing.
Also, assisting with feeding and meal preparation if necessary, and following up on reports from other members of the healthcare team.
See also: 5 Rights of Delegation in Nursing
3. What do you think sets nursing apart from other healthcare professions?
Nursing is unique among other healthcare professions because it requires a combination of technical skills and compassionate care.
See also: Compassion in Nursing
Nurses must be able to effectively assess and treat patients’ physical condition, while also addressing their emotional and social needs.
They play a critical role in the overall healthcare team and are often the first point of contact for patients and their families.
Example answer:
I believe that nursing is unique among other healthcare professions because it requires a combination of technical skills and compassionate care.
Nurses must be able to effectively assess and treat patients’ physical condition, while also addressing their emotional and social needs.
I think this combination is what sets nursing apart and makes it such an important part of the healthcare team.
See also: Dementia Nurse Interview Questions
4. Why did you choose nursing as your chosen profession?
Your interviewer wants to know that you’ve given thought to why you want to be a nurse and that you understand the challenges and rewards of the profession.
Be prepared to give specific examples that illustrate your interest in nursing.
Example answer:
I chose nursing as my profession because I love taking care of people, and I believe it’s the perfect career for me.
During high school, I volunteered at a local retirement home where I helped nurses by passing out medication or checking on patients who were unable to get up on their own.
I also worked as a nurse’s aide in a hospital for two years, and I enjoyed the challenge of caring for patients who were sick or recovering from surgery.
I think nursing is a very rewarding career because you have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
See also: Is Nursing for Me Quiz
5. What are your long-term career goals?
Your interviewer wants to make sure that you’re planning on staying in nursing for the long haul and that you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your career.
Be prepared to share your long-term career goals and explain why you want to be a nurse.
Example answer:
My long-term career goal is to become a registered nurse. I want to be a nurse because I enjoy taking care of people and I feel like it’s my calling.
I also think that nurses have the ability to make a real difference in patients’ lives.
I’m committed to staying in nursing for the long haul and making a positive impact on the profession.
See also: SMART Goals for Nursing
6. How would your friends or family describe you?
Your interviewer is trying to get a sense of how you interact with others, especially in a professional setting.
Pay careful attention to what is said about you and try not to be offended if some of your characteristics are viewed as negative.
Then, think of ways to tie the feedback into qualities that might make you a good nurse.
Example answer:
My friends and family would describe me as friendly, compassionate, and hardworking.
I’m always willing to go the extra mile to help someone out, and I have a strong work ethic.
I think these qualities would make me a good nurse because they would allow me to connect with patients and provide compassionate care.
See also: Float Pool Nurse Interview Questions
7. What are the biggest challenges you anticipate facing as an LPN at our facility?
Your interviewer is looking for your ability to think critically and anticipate potential challenges.
Be prepared to give specific examples of the types of challenges you might face as an LPN at their facility, or in a position similar to the one you are interviewing for.
Example answer:
I think the biggest challenge I’ll face as an LPN is working with patients who are resistant to treatment or who are in pain.
I’m confident that I can handle this challenge by staying calm and using effective communication techniques.
I also anticipate challenges with managing my time efficiently, so I’m prepared to develop a good time management system.
See also: Cardiac Nurse Interview Questions
8. What would be your reaction if your replacement is late?
Your interviewer wants to know how you handle stress and adversity in the workplace.
Be prepared to give a thoughtful answer that demonstrates your ability to stay calm under pressure.
Example answer:
If my replacement is late, I’ll take a deep breath and assess the situation.
I’ll try to remain calm and professional, and I’ll do whatever is necessary to make sure the patients are taken care of.
I’m confident that I can handle any situation that comes up, and I’ll always put the patients first.
See also: Outpatient Nurse Interview Questions
9. Why are you quitting your previous employer?
Your interviewer wants to know the reasons behind your job changes, and they’re trying to get a sense of whether you’re a quitter or a problem-solver.
Be prepared to give a thoughtful answer that doesn’t paint you in a negative light.
Example answer:
I’m not quitting my previous employer; I’m transferring to another department to gain more experience.
I want to use my skills and talents, so I’m constantly evaluating my opportunities.
Moving departments will allow me to become a well-rounded nurse.
Another example answer:
I’m leaving my previous employer because they weren’t able to meet my needs.
I was looking for an organization that could offer me more growth opportunities and stability, and I didn’t feel like my previous employer was able to provide that.
I’m looking for a long-term career in nursing, so finding the right fit is important to me.
See also: CRNA Interview Questions
10. How do you comfort elderly patients who are in pain?
Your interviewer wants to know how you would handle a difficult situation.
Be prepared to give a detailed answer that showcases your skills and compassionate nature.
Example answer:
I usually start by assessing the patient’s pain level and then developing a care plan that will help to reduce their pain.
I always take my time with patients, and I make sure to communicate with them on a regular basis.
I also try to keep the environment calm and soothing, and I try to be respectful of their wishes.
See also: Interview Questions for Geriatric Nurses
LPN Interview Questions to Ask the Employer
When interviewing for a position as an LPN, it’s important to ask the interviewer questions about the job and the organization.
Never shy away from asking questions.
This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the position and the organization.
Here are a few questions to get you started:
1. Describe the team that I would be working with.
This question will help you to get a sense of the dynamics within the organization.
You’ll be able to determine whether the team is cohesive and supportive, or if it’s filled with tension and drama.
You could also ask to follow up questions such as:
- What is the team’s communication style?
- How do team members collaborate and problem solve?
- Do team members work well together?
2. What is the culture of the organization like?
This question will help you to get a sense of the organization’s values and how employees are expected to behave.
You’ll be able to determine whether the culture is supportive and respectful, or if it’s competitive and stressful.
You could also ask to follow up questions such as:
- What are the expectations for employees?
- What is the dress code?
See also: Can Nurses Wear Dresses?
By asking the follow-up questions, you’ll be able to get an idea of what it would be like to work for the organization.
3. What type of training and development opportunities are available for LPNs?
This question will help you to determine whether the organization is invested in its employees.
You’ll be able to find out whether the organization offers training and development opportunities, and whether those opportunities are tailored to meet your needs.
You could also ask to follow up questions such as:
- What type of training is offered?
- Is the training mandatory?
- How often is the training offered?
See also: Do Nurses Have to Do Continuing Education?
An institution that offers you training and development opportunities will be a great fit for you.
Conclusion: Interview Questions for LPNs
Interviewing for a position as an LPN can be nerve-wracking.
But by preparing for the interview by anticipating the questions that will be asked, you’ll be able to showcase your skills and strengths.
Moreover, show your confidence by asking the employer/interviewer questions about the job and the organization.
This will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not the position is a good fit for you.
Good luck with your interview!
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