I’ve coached hundreds of nurses—from nervous LPN grads to experienced RNs ready for leadership roles. And guess what? No matter the level, they all ask some version of the same question:
“Is there really a difference between an LPN and RN resume? And what should I even put on mine?”
If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor on your blank resume, paralyzed with self-doubt and wondering how to stand out—hey, I see you. I’ve been there with so many others. You’re not alone.
In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly what separates an LPN vs RN resume in 2025—and how to tailor each so it actually gets you interviews. Whether you’re a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse, we’re going to simplify this together.
So… What’s the Real Difference Between an LPN and RN Resume?
Let’s keep it simple: your resume should match the level of your license and the expectations of the job. LPNs and RNs have different duties, scopes of practice, and clinical authority—and your resume should reflect that.
✅ RN Resumes Typically Emphasize:
- Leadership and decision-making
- Critical care experience (ICU, ER, trauma)
- Advanced certifications (ACLS, PALS, CCRN)
- Supervisory roles or preceptorships
✅ LPN Resumes Typically Emphasize:
- Direct patient care (especially in long-term care, home health, or clinics)
- Routine nursing duties like wound care, medication administration
- Strong documentation and communication skills
I once worked with Brianna, a newly licensed LPN. She was applying to a skilled nursing facility but using the exact same format as her friend (an RN in acute care). Her resume was full of terms like “delegation” and “crisis management”—things she hadn’t actually done.
We reworked it to highlight her clinical rotation in geriatrics, her empathy, and her ability to build trust with elderly patients. She got two interviews the next week.
Choosing the Right Format for an LPN vs RN Resume
Here’s where most people overthink things (or worse, grab a fancy template that breaks ATS). Keep it clean. Keep it skimmable.
RN Resume Formatting (Especially Mid-Level or Senior RNs)
- Use reverse-chronological format
- Start with a strong summary
- Highlight recent clinical accomplishments
LPN Resume Formatting (New Grads or Career Starters)
- Try a hybrid or skills-based format
- Focus on your practical experience and certifications
- Make your passion for care obvious
For both: one page is great, two is okay only if you’ve got a decade or more of experience.
Writing a Killer Summary (Yes, It Matters)
Most recruiters only scan resumes for 7–10 seconds (source).
A powerful summary makes them stop. Think of it like your elevator pitch.
Example LPN Resume Summary:
Compassionate and detail-oriented LPN with recent clinical training in long-term care and pediatrics. Known for building rapport with patients and supporting team efficiency. Certified in BLS and medication administration.
Example RN Resume Summary:
Registered Nurse with 6+ years of med-surg and ER experience. Skilled in triage, emergency response, and interdisciplinary communication. Certified in ACLS, PALS, and preceptor training.
See the difference?
Showcasing Job Duties vs Achievements
Here’s a common mistake: listing tasks like a job description.
“Provided care to patients.”
Yawn. Everyone did that.
Instead, show what made you effective:
Monitored post-surgical patients and provided timely interventions, contributing to a 15% reduction in complications.
Use numbers where you can. Use action verbs. Tell a quick story.
I once helped Carlos, a new RN, rewrite his resume to include how he streamlined charting by developing a new handoff sheet. That single bullet point? It came up in every interview.
What Skills Belong on an RN vs LPN Resume?
RN Resume Skills:
- Care planning & patient education
- Crisis intervention
- Supervising LPNs or CNAs
- EMR proficiency (Epic, Cerner)
- Clinical prioritization
LPN Resume Skills:
- Wound care
- Basic patient assessments
- Medication administration
- Strong bedside manner
- Long-term care experience
Tailor these based on the job description. If a job says, “looking for LPN experienced in geriatrics,” echo that exact phrase in your resume.
Real-Life Coaching Moment: What Most Nurses Forget
Almost every client I’ve coached has one amazing story or result that never made it to their resume. Why?
They thought it was “just part of the job.”
No! That time you stayed late to calm a scared patient? That’s care.
That shift where you took the lead because the charge nurse was swamped? That’s leadership.
Write those moments down. Then find ways to say them professionally. Not stiff. Just real.
Certifications: Don’t Leave These Out
Even if they feel basic, they belong on your resume.
Must-Haves:
- BLS (Basic Life Support)
- CPR
Bonus for RNs:
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
- NIH Stroke Certification
- CCRN
If it’s in progress, say so:
ACLS – In Progress (Expected May 2025)
What If You’re Changing Careers?
Been a CNA for 8 years and now you’re an LPN? Just graduated RN school but used to work in retail?
That’s okay. In fact, it’s great.
Your past experience taught you something that helps in nursing—problem-solving, empathy, communication. Include that!
I helped Taylor, a former barista turned RN, write about her customer service background as a superpower in patient communication. She landed a hospital role within a month.
FAQs: Real Questions From Job Seekers
Q: Can I use the same resume for both LPN and RN positions?
A: Not exactly. The format can be similar, but the content should match the role’s expectations. Adjust your skills, tone, and duties.
Q: How long should an RN resume be?
A: One page if you’re newer. Two max if you’ve got over 10 years of experience and lots of certifications or leadership.
Q: Are LPN resumes ATS-friendly?
A: They should be! Use standard formatting—no fancy columns or text boxes. Use keywords from the job listing. (Indeed Career Guide)
Q: How Do You Write a Resume With No Experience?
A: Use a skills-based format. Highlight your training, certifications, and clinical rotations. Focus on communication, teamwork, and a genuine desire to care. Make it personal—and professional.
Final Thought From Your Friendly Career Coach
Let me tell you something I’ve told every nurse I’ve coached: your resume isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s your voice before you enter the room.
It’s okay if you don’t feel confident right now. Most don’t. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn. You already know how to care for people. This is just caring for your own story.
And if you mess up or feel stuck?
Start again. Edit again. Ask for help. I promise, it gets easier.
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