12 Crucial Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Interview Questions

Interviewing candidates for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) position requires a strategic approach to ensure you hire the best talent. Here are 12 crucial questions to ask, along with explanations of their importance and what to look for in responses.

Why Did You Choose a Career as an LPN?

Understanding a candidate's motivation can provide insight into their passion and commitment to the profession. Look for answers that reflect a genuine interest in patient care and a desire to make a difference in people's lives.

How Do You Handle Stressful Situations?

Nursing can be a high-pressure job. Candidates should demonstrate effective stress management techniques and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Good answers might include specific strategies or examples from past experiences.

Describe a Time You Had to Deal with a Difficult Patient.

This question assesses interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities. Look for candidates who can maintain professionalism and empathy, and who can provide a specific example of how they successfully managed a challenging situation.

How Do You Prioritize Tasks During a Busy Shift?

Time management is crucial in nursing. Candidates should be able to articulate a clear method for prioritizing tasks, such as using checklists or setting reminders, and provide examples of how they have managed busy shifts in the past.

What Would You Do if You Witnessed a Colleague Making a Mistake?

This question evaluates a candidate's integrity and ability to handle sensitive situations. Look for answers that emphasize patient safety, a willingness to address the issue directly, and an understanding of the appropriate reporting procedures.

How Do You Stay Current with Nursing Practices and Regulations?

Continuous learning is essential in healthcare. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to professional development through attending workshops, reading relevant literature, or participating in online courses.

Can You Describe Your Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR)?

Proficiency with EHR systems is increasingly important. Candidates should have experience with specific systems and be able to discuss how they use EHRs to improve patient care and streamline workflow.

How Do You Ensure Patient Confidentiality?

Understanding and maintaining patient confidentiality is a legal and ethical requirement. Look for candidates who can articulate the importance of confidentiality and provide examples of how they protect patient information.

Describe a Time You Worked as Part of a Healthcare Team.

Teamwork is vital in healthcare settings. Candidates should provide examples of successful collaboration with other healthcare professionals and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication and cooperation.

How Do You Handle Feedback and Criticism?

The ability to accept and learn from feedback is important for professional growth. Candidates should show openness to constructive criticism and provide examples of how they have used feedback to improve their practice.

What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses as an LPN?

This question helps assess self-awareness. Candidates should be honest about their strengths and areas for improvement, and they should discuss how they are working to address any weaknesses.

Why Do You Want to Work at Our Facility?

This question gauges a candidate's interest in your specific organization. Look for answers that reflect research into your facility and an understanding of your values and mission, as well as how the candidate's goals align with your organization.

By asking these questions, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate's skills, experience, and fit for your team. This approach will help you hire LPNs who are not only qualified but also aligned with your facility's values and goals.