Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Hiring Guide

Step 1. Create an effective job description 

A clear and detailed job description is crucial to attracting qualified candidates. Be sure to include the following: 

• Job Title: Clearly state the position as “Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).” 

• Job Summary: Offer a brief overview of the role, highlighting how LPNs support patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or physicians. 

• Duties and Responsibilities: List specific tasks that the LPN will perform. Refer to your state’s Board of Nursing to ensure duties are within scope. These can include:  

• Administering medications as prescribed by the healthcare provider 

• Monitoring patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate 

• Assisting with personal hygiene tasks like bathing, dressing, and toileting 

• Preparing patients for procedures and helping with basic wound care 

• Collecting samples for laboratory tests 

• Reporting patient concerns and changes in condition to RNs or physicians 

• Qualifications: Include the required LPN certification (typically a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program) as well as state licensure. Note that applicants should be BLS certified, as well as optional qualifications like IV therapy and blood withdrawal certifications.  

• Work Environment: Describe the work setting, which may include hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, or home healthcare settings, and any physical demands of the job. 

• Compensation and Benefits: Outline the salary range, benefits, and any additional perks such as tuition reimbursement or sign-on bonuses. 

Step 2. Advertise your job post 

Effectively promoting your job post is key to attracting the right candidates. Use both organic social media and paid advertising to broaden your reach. 

Organic social media promotion 

Using organic social media is cost-effective and engages your current followers. Here’s how to maximize its effectiveness: 

• Engaging visuals: Use eye-catching graphics to attract attention to your post. 

• Relevant hashtags: Incorporate hashtags like #LPNJobs, #NursingJobs, and #HealthcareJobs to increase visibility. 

• Multiple platforms: Share your post across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to reach a diverse audience. 

• Encourage shares: Ask your staff and followers to share the post within their own networks. 

• Highlight benefits: Emphasize why your facility is a great place to work, including aspects such as flexible scheduling or professional development opportunities. 

Paid advertising networks 

Paid ads can significantly expand your reach. Platforms like Nurse.com specialize in healthcare job listings, ensuring that your posting reaches the right candidates. 

• Targeted ads: Use targeted ads on Nurse.com to reach LPNs actively seeking jobs. 

• Budget allocation: Set a budget that meets your needs, with options for both short-term and long-term campaigns. 

• Monitor and optimize: Track the performance of your ads and make adjustments as needed for better results. 

Combining organic and paid strategies will help you attract top licensed practical nurse candidates. For more information, visit Nurse.com’s advertising solutions page. 

Step 3. Screen and interview candidates 

Once you’ve gathered a pool of candidates, start the screening process. Follow these steps: 

• Reviewing resumes: Look for candidates with the necessary qualifications, certifications, and practical experience in providing basic patient care. LPN candidates should have experience in tasks like medication administration, patient monitoring, and assisting with daily living activities. 

• Conducting phone interviews: A brief phone interview can help you assess a candidate’s communication skills, availability, and general interest in the position. Ask about their experience in providing care under the supervision of RNs or physicians. 

• In-person interviews: During in-person interviews, focus on assessing the candidate’s hands-on experience, competency in technical tasks (like drawing blood or administering medications), and their ability to handle patient interactions with empathy and professionalism. 

Step 4. Make the job offer 

Once you’ve identified the ideal candidate, extend a job offer that clearly details the job title, salary, benefits, shift expectations, and any relevant details such as weekend differentials or overtime opportunities. Be prepared to discuss terms and ensure a smooth onboarding timeline. 

Step 5. Onboarding and training 

A structured onboarding process is essential for helping your new LPN feel confident in their role. Ensure that the onboarding includes: 

• Orientation: Introduce the new hire to your facility’s procedures, staff, and values. 

• Training: Provide any necessary training on facility-specific equipment, medication administration protocols, and documentation practices. 

• Mentorship: Pair the LPN with an experienced staff member — preferably a senior LPN — who can offer guidance and support during their initial weeks on the job. 

Step 6. Ensure ongoing success 

• Compliance: Staying compliant with healthcare regulations is critical when hiring LPNs. Use compliance management tools like Relias to track certification renewals, training requirements, and other regulatory obligations for LPNs. 

Regularly update compliance protocols and offer ongoing training to keep staff current with evolving healthcare standards. For more information, explore Relias compliance management solutions. 

• Skills assessment: Consider conducting skills assessments during the first 90 days to evaluate the new hire’s competency in essential tasks like medication administration, patient monitoring, and wound care. This helps ensure your LPNs are confident and capable in their role. 

• Upskilling: Continuous professional development is key to maintaining job satisfaction and high-quality care. While LPNs have a more limited scope than RNs, investing in their skill set through additional certifications (e.g., IV therapy certification) and ongoing education can make them even more valuable members of your team. 

Use tools like Relias clinical development solutions, which offer a wide range of training tailored to LPNs. Additionally, Nurse.com provides continuing education (CE) courses that help nurses stay current with the latest healthcare practices. For more information, explore Relias clinical development solutions and Nurse.com CE courses.