The role of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is one of the most vital within the healthcare sector, providing compassionate, hands-on care to patients across a wide range of settings. An LPN’s responsibilities typically include monitoring patient health, administering basic medical care such as checking blood pressure, dressing wounds, recording patient information, and providing support to registered nurses and doctors. With healthcare demand on the rise, Licensed Practical Nurses are highly sought after in hospitals, clinics, care homes, and community settings. In the UK, salaries for nurses vary depending on experience and location, but the average range for an LPN or equivalent nursing support role can be anywhere between £24,000 to £32,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning upwards of £36,000. This makes nursing not only a fulfilling career but also a financially secure one.
As a UK-based career coach with over 25 years of experience, I, Jerry Frempong, can tell you that standing out in today’s competitive healthcare job market requires a meticulously written CV. Your CV is not just a document — it’s your personal marketing tool, your first handshake with a hiring manager, and your passport to securing an interview. In this blog, I’ll walk you through creating an interview-winning Licensed Practical Nurse CV, complete with a cv template and cv example, alongside actionable tips for graduates, mid-level professionals, and senior management.
Why your Licensed Practical Nurse CV matters more than ever
The healthcare sector is fast-paced and demanding. Recruiters and hiring managers often review hundreds of applications in a short period of time. A well-structured and targeted cv template ensures your qualifications, experience, and personality shine through in seconds. Whether you are a recent nursing graduate looking for your first role, a mid-level nurse aiming for progression, or an experienced professional seeking senior management opportunities, your CV should demonstrate three key factors: competence, compassion, and commitment.
Key responsibilities and skills to highlight in your Licensed Practical Nurse CV
When building your cv example, ensure that you cover the essential areas employers are looking for. These often include:
Patient care, monitoring, and support.
Administering medication and recording vital signs.
Assisting with wound care, dressings, and medical procedures.
Maintaining accurate patient records.
Supporting registered nurses and multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and show empathy.
By emphasising these competencies in your CV, you demonstrate both your technical knowledge and your ability to provide patient-centred care — qualities that recruiters value highly.
The structure of a winning Licensed Practical Nurse CV
A clear and concise structure is absolutely essential. A professional cv template for a Licensed Practical Nurse should include the following sections:
Personal Details – Your name, contact information, and professional title.
Professional Profile – A short, engaging paragraph summarising who you are, your nursing expertise, and what makes you stand out.
Key Skills – A bullet-pointed section highlighting your most relevant nursing skills, such as patient care, clinical procedures, and teamwork.
Work Experience – Detail your previous roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on your achievements and responsibilities. For example, “Implemented a new wound care protocol that reduced patient recovery times by 20%.”
Education and Qualifications – Include your nursing diploma or degree, along with any specialist training or certifications.
Professional Development – Any additional courses, CPD (continuing professional development), or relevant workshops.
References – Optional, but you can state “Available upon request.”
Tips for writing your professional profile
Your profile sits at the very top of your CV, so it must instantly grab attention. Aim for 4–5 sentences that showcase your nursing expertise, passion for patient care, and key achievements. For example:
“Compassionate and dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse with over 5 years of experience providing quality patient care in hospital and care home settings. Skilled in monitoring vital signs, administering treatments, and working collaboratively with healthcare teams to ensure the highest standards of care. Recognised for delivering patient-centred support with empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail.”
Advice for nursing graduates
If you’re just starting your career, don’t worry if you lack direct experience. Employers understand this. Instead, use your cv example to highlight:
Clinical placements and practical training.
Volunteer work or internships in healthcare environments.
Transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Academic achievements or awards in nursing school.
Graduates can also include a section for “Key Achievements During Training” to demonstrate initiative and hands-on learning.
Advice for mid-level Licensed Practical Nurses
For those with a few years’ experience, the focus should shift towards career progression and measurable achievements. Employers want to see how you’ve grown, contributed to your workplace, and taken on greater responsibilities. For instance:
Mentoring new nurses or healthcare assistants.
Introducing process improvements that enhanced patient care.
Handling higher caseloads or managing specific wards.
Engaging in continuous professional development courses.
Be specific and use numbers or outcomes wherever possible.
Advice for senior management or experienced nurses
At a senior level, employers are looking for leadership qualities, team management, and strategic contributions. Your cv example should reflect:
Leadership of nursing teams or care units.
Policy development and implementation.
Contribution to healthcare audits or quality improvement initiatives.
Training and developing junior staff.
Recognition, awards, or commendations for excellence.
Demonstrating both your clinical expertise and your ability to lead and inspire others will set you apart in senior applications.
The Do’s and Don’ts of writing your Licensed Practical Nurse CV
Do’s
Do tailor your CV to each role you apply for, using keywords from the job description.
Do keep your CV concise — ideally two pages.
Do use action verbs such as “delivered,” “implemented,” and “achieved.”
Do focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.
Do use a clean, professional layout with clear headings.
Don’ts
Don’t include irrelevant information such as hobbies (unless they are healthcare-related, like volunteering).
Don’t use generic, overused phrases like “hard worker.”
Don’t list duties without showcasing results or impact.
Don’t use colourful fonts or distracting graphics; keep it professional.
Don’t forget to proofread carefully — errors are a red flag in nursing applications.
Final general tips for Licensed Practical Nurse CV success
Use a cv template that is clean, simple, and professional.
Tailor your application to highlight your most relevant nursing skills for each role.
Include keywords such as “Licensed Practical Nurse,” “patient care,” “clinical support,” and “healthcare team” to make your CV more ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly.
Balance technical expertise with soft skills — compassion and communication are just as important as clinical knowledge.
Keep your tone professional yet warm; let your passion for nursing shine through.
Ready to make your Licensed Practical Nurse CV interview-winning?
Creating a standout Licensed Practical Nurse CV can feel daunting, but with the right structure, targeted content, and professional polish, you can capture the attention of employers and secure interviews. Remember, your CV is your first impression — make it a strong one.
If you’d like to take your CV and LinkedIn profile to the next level, I warmly invite you to book a personal consultation with me. Together, we’ll refine your professional story, highlight your unique strengths, and position you as the candidate every employer wants to hire.
👉 Book your appointment today with CV London and start your journey towards an interview-winning Licensed Practical Nurse CV.
