Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Licensed Vocational Nurse Roles – 2025

Are you getting ready for an interview for a licensed vocational nurse role? This guide includes a comprehensive list of questions and answers that will help you demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and experience in the nursing field. From assessing patient needs to administering medication, these questions cover all essential aspects of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience as a licensed vocational nurse.
  As a licensed vocational nurse, I have worked in various healthcare settings for the past 5 years, providing care to patients of all ages. I have experience in administering medications, monitoring vital signs, assisting with treatments and procedures, and documenting patient care. I have also worked closely with other healthcare professionals to create and implement care plans for patients.
• 2. How do you stay updated on the latest nursing practices and technologies?
  I make sure to attend continuing education courses and seminars regularly to stay updated on the latest nursing practices and technologies. I also follow reputable nursing blogs and publications online and actively participate in online forums and discussion groups with other nurses.
• 3. How do you handle difficult or challenging patients?
  I understand that each patient is unique, and some may require special care and attention. In such cases, I make an effort to build a rapport with the patient, listen to their concerns, and provide the necessary care with empathy and patience. I also involve the patient in their care plan and encourage open communication to address any challenges.
• 4. How do you prioritize and manage your workload?
  I have developed effective organizational and time-management skills through my years of experience as a licensed vocational nurse. I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance, and I make sure to communicate any challenges or heavy workload to my supervisor. I am also open to feedback and suggestions to improve my efficiency.
• 5. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a medical emergency.
  During my time in a long-term care facility, I had to respond to a patient experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest. I quickly assessed the situation, called for help, and performed CPR until the emergency team arrived. The patient survived, and I later received recognition for my quick response and effective teamwork during the emergency.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Describe a time when you had to communicate with a difficult coworker.
  In my previous position, I had to work with a coworker who had a very different approach and communication style than mine. I made an effort to understand their point of view and communicate effectively by actively listening, asking questions, and being open to compromise. As a result, we were able to work together effectively for the benefit of our patients.
• 7. Share an experience when you had to advocate for a patient's needs.
  While working in a pediatric unit, I had a patient with a complex medical condition, and the parents were overwhelmed and struggling with understanding and managing their child's treatment. I took the time to educate and support them, advocating for them in meetings with doctors and specialists, and ensuring the patient received the comprehensive care they needed.
• 8. Tell us about a time when you had to manage a difficult or emotional patient/family member.
  In a hospice care setting, I had to provide care for a patient with a terminal illness, and their loved ones were constantly emotional and demanding. To handle the situation, I maintained a calm and empathetic approach, providing emotional support and addressing their concerns with transparency and compassion. My efforts were appreciated, and I was able to build a positive relationship with the patient and their family.
• 9. How do you handle stressful situations in the workplace?
  With my training and experience as a licensed vocational nurse, I have developed resilience and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations. I prioritize my tasks and focus on providing the best care for my patients. I also take the time to practice self-care by exercising, meditating, and seeking support from my colleagues.
• 10. Give an example of a time when you had to work with a difficult physician.
  While working in a hospital, I had to collaborate with a physician who had a reputation for being difficult to work with. To establish a productive working relationship, I made an effort to understand their expectations, communicate effectively, and actively seek their feedback. In the end, we were able to work together smoothly to provide the best care for our patients.

Situational Questions

• 11. If a patient refused to take their medication, how would you handle the situation?
  I would first try to understand the reason behind the patient's refusal and address their concerns. If necessary, I would involve the patient's physician or family members to discuss alternative treatment options or address any potential side effects.
• 12. What would you do if you noticed a coworker making a medication error?
  I would immediately intervene to prevent any harm to the patient and report the error to my supervisor. I would also document the incident and take part in any discussions or investigations to ensure that it does not happen again.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where a patient or family member complained about their care?
  I would listen to the complaint with empathy, acknowledge their concerns, and apologize if necessary. I would then take appropriate action to address their complaint, involve the necessary resources, and follow up with the patient or family member to ensure their satisfaction.
• 14. If a patient's condition suddenly deteriorated, how would you respond?
  I would quickly assess the situation, provide any necessary emergency care, notify the appropriate healthcare professionals, and document the incident. I would also follow the patient's care plan and provide updates to their family members to ensure everyone is informed and involved in their care.
• 15. How would you balance the care needs of multiple patients with varying needs?
  Prioritization and effective time-management are key in balancing the care needs of multiple patients. I would begin by assessing the urgency and complexity of each patient's needs and prioritize my tasks accordingly. I would also seek support from my team and communicate any challenges or heavy workload to my supervisor to ensure patient care is not compromised.

Technical Questions

• 16. What do you understand about HIPAA regulations?
  HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations are in place to protect the privacy and security of patients' sensitive health information. As a licensed vocational nurse, I must ensure that I am following all HIPAA guidelines and protocols to maintain confidentiality and prevent any breaches.
• 17. How do you prevent the spread of infection in a healthcare setting?
  The most effective way to prevent the spread of infection is through proper hand hygiene, including washing hands often and using hand sanitizer. I also adhere to proper personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols and ensure proper disinfection of equipment and surfaces.
• 18. Do you have experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems?
  Yes, I have experience with using various electronic medical records systems throughout my career. I am able to quickly learn and navigate different systems to document patient care accurately and efficiently.
• 19. How do you administer medication safely and accurately?
  Before administering medication, I carefully review the physician's orders, confirm the correct medication, dosage, route, and time. I also use the "five rights" of medication administration – right patient, right medication, right dosage, right route, and right time – to ensure safe and accurate administration.
• 20. How do you handle a patient with a seizure?
  I would first assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation to ensure there are no immediate life-threatening concerns. I would then turn the patient onto their side to prevent aspiration and protect their airway. I would also time the seizure and document any important information, such as duration, movements, and loss of consciousness. After the seizure, I would provide emotional support and monitor the patient's condition closely.