Filling that crucial space between RNs and nurse’s aides, licensed practical nurses form a vital part of every facility’s nursing staff. The skills that LPNs bring to the table provide a cost-effective, yet highly professional way to improve patient care – and your facility’s reputation along with it. To help you make the right choice the next time you are hiring an LPN, here are three points you need to cover in the interview.
The perfect fit – Interview questions that identify the right LPN for the job
There are plenty of talented LPNs out there – but that doesn’t mean they are the right fit for your facility. A compatible company culture, the right skill set and personality all contribute to long-term success. So how can you tell which candidate will fit in best?
Ask this: What previous experience has best prepared you for this job?
What sets this candidate apart from the crowd? Do they care about this position, or is it just another in a long line of interviews? The answer to this question not only reveals the extent of the applicant’s experience, but also the depth of their interest in and dedication to the position.
Teamwork – Establishing how well they will work with others
Though your current team needs to be encouraged to train and accept newcomers, new hires can’t expect the company culture to change just for them. No matter how skilled they may be, they will need to be flexible. This is why you need to ask questions that reveal how they handle conflict with others.
Ask this: Tell me about a time you disagreed with a co-worker. How did you resolve the situation?
Even when we are in the right, our manner of handling disagreements can lead either to a successful or disastrous conclusion. In fact, hiring confrontational employees often leads to long-term problems with morale. Additionally, since veteran LPNs may often find themselves under the supervision of relatively inexperienced RNs, a cooperative, easygoing nature is important.
Defining an LPNs background and skills
No matter how motivated and cooperative a candidate may be, an LPN who lacks the necessary skills will be a liability for your facility. Therefore, your interview must review their skills checklist.
Ask this: What were your responsibilities at your last job? Do you believe you used your training fully?
A unique aspect of the healthcare industry is that a licensed professional’s scope of practice – whether they are an RN, LPN or other professional – can differ drastically depending on where they work. For example, some facilities allow LPNs to start and care for intravenous lines, while LPNs at other hospitals could face disciplinary action just for looking at an IV. Additional complexities arise for LPNs working across state lines, such as a nurse who was educated and trained in Connecticut but is now applying for a position in Massachusetts. For this reason, a candidate stating they “worked as an LPN in direct patient care” will need to be more specific.
Finding the best candidates
Expert Staffing has the experience and industry insight needed to help you connect with the most talented professionals throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine. Whether you are looking to bring on licensed practical nurses or other healthcare professionals for full-time, part-time or contract assignments, we are eager to help. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive staffing solutions.
