Hidden Skills You Gain as an LPN That Make You a Better Nurse
Posted On October 13,2025
When most people think about nursing skills, their minds immediately go to hands-on tasks—taking vitals, dressing wounds, or administering medication. While those are important, the role of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) goes much deeper. Working on the front lines of patient care, LPNs pick up valuable skills that often go unnoticed. These skills may not always be written on a job description, but they shape how effective you are as a nurse and set you apart in the eyes of employers.
Whether you plan to continue as an LPN or move forward toward becoming an RN, the skills you gain along the way can strengthen your career. From learning to communicate under pressure to working confidently within a team, these traits build a foundation that makes you a more capable and well-rounded nurse.
Communication That Builds Trust
Strong communication is at the heart of nursing. As an LPN, you spend much of your day speaking with patients, families, doctors, and fellow nurses. Over time, you develop the ability to explain complex information in a way that patients can understand. You also learn how to listen carefully, pick up on unspoken concerns, and respond with empathy.
This skill doesn’t stop with patients. Clear communication enables you to effectively report changes in a patient’s condition to the rest of the care team, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Employers notice when a nurse communicates well, because it improves patient satisfaction and makes the entire workplace run more smoothly.
Staying Calm in a Crisis
Healthcare is unpredictable. As an LPN, you may face sudden emergencies, from a patient’s vital signs dropping to unexpected complications. These moments test your ability to stay calm, think quickly, and take appropriate action.
The more you work in real-world settings, the more comfortable you become with handling stressful situations. You develop a sense of control that not only helps patients but also reassures the entire team. Nurses who can manage a crisis without panicking are highly valued, and this skill is one you carry with you throughout your career.
Confidence in Your Abilities
Every new nurse starts out a little unsure, but time on the job builds confidence. As an LPN, you practice essential skills repeatedly, and each successful interaction adds to your self-assurance. Confidence doesn’t mean knowing everything—it means trusting your training, your instincts, and your ability to adapt when challenges arise.
This confidence often extends to other parts of your life as well. Employers recognize it as a sign that you can take initiative, handle responsibility, and step up when needed. It also gives you the courage to pursue further education or career opportunities without second-guessing your abilities.
Working Seamlessly Within a Team
Nursing is never a solo act. LPNs learn quickly how to function as part of a team. You collaborate with RNs, doctors, therapists, and support staff to ensure patients are safe and well cared for. This teamwork teaches you how to respect different roles, share information effectively, and step in where you’re needed.
These collaborative lessons are essential to career growth. When you demonstrate that you can work well with others, you become a reliable part of any healthcare setting. Employers look for team players because they know that strong collaboration directly impacts patient outcomes.
Building Strong Relationships with Patients
Patients often spend more time with LPNs than with doctors or specialists. This regular interaction allows you to build meaningful relationships and establish trust. Over time, you develop skills in empathy, patience, and reassurance that go far beyond what textbooks can teach.
Being able to connect on a human level makes you more than just a nurse—it makes you someone patients feel comfortable with. That trust can encourage patients to open up about symptoms or concerns they might otherwise conceal, leading to better care overall.
Organization and Time Management
Managing multiple patients, staying on top of medication schedules, and completing documentation all require strong organizational skills. As an LPN, you learn quickly how to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively. These abilities don’t just help you get through a shift—they demonstrate responsibility and leadership potential.
Employers recognize nurses who can balance competing demands without letting details slip through the cracks. This organizational skill also gives you an edge if you decide to continue your education and take on more advanced roles.
Adaptability and Flexibility
No two days are alike in nursing. You might have a calm shift one day and a hectic one the next. LPNs develop adaptability by working in environments that are constantly changing. You learn to shift priorities, handle unexpected challenges, and still provide high-quality care.
This flexibility makes you valuable in any workplace. It demonstrates that you can adapt to new policies, collaborate with diverse teams, and transition into various healthcare settings without compromising your effectiveness.
The Hidden Strengths That Shape Your Career
The following list highlights some of the less obvious but highly impactful skills that LPNs gain through everyday work:
- Clear communication that fosters trust and reduces errors
- Calm decision-making during emergencies
- Confidence that encourages growth and leadership
- Teamwork that strengthens patient care
- Relationship-building with patients and families
- An organization that keeps busy shifts running smoothly
- Adaptability in unpredictable environments
These strengths might not always be listed as requirements in a job posting, but they are exactly what employers notice when deciding who stands out.
Preparing for What Comes Next
Many LPNs choose to continue their education and become RNs, while others are happy to build long-term careers as LPNs. No matter which direction you choose, the skills you gain in this role will continue to support your growth. They make you a better nurse, a better coworker, and a stronger professional overall.
When you take pride in these hidden skills, you’ll see how much they impact your career path. Employers value nurses who bring more than technical ability to the table. They want team members who communicate well, adapt quickly, and bring confidence to the workplace. These are the qualities that help you grow from a capable LPN into a standout nurse.
How These Skills Shape Your Career
The role of an LPN offers far more than just hands-on practice. It helps you develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, crisis management, and leadership that strengthen your career at every level. These hidden abilities make you a more effective nurse, build your confidence, and open doors to future opportunities.
If you’re ready to start your career in nursing and gain the skills that will set you apart, explore the programs at Athena Career Academy. Contact us today to learn more.