Updated Content 09/17/2025
Are you considering a career in healthcare as a practical nurse and are wondering what qualities a good licensed practical nurse (LPN) should have? United Career Institute (UCI) is here to help train you to become a practical nurse who serves your community!
Continue reading to discover the key qualities that United Career Institute’s practical nursing graduates can apply to the workforce!
You’re Focused On Your Patients
As an LPN working in the field, you can expect to have many responsibilities and a large workload at any given time. Although you may have to juggle many tasks each day, it is important that you give your patient your full attention whenever you are interacting with them. A strategy to help you balance your tasks with the human aspect of your nursing is to clear your mind before entering the room.
Making your patient feel like they are your sole priority is a quality that a good practical nurse possesses. This means setting aside distractions and focusing entirely on their needs, concerns, and comfort. By doing so, you create a trusting and supportive environment that enhances patient care and fosters better outcomes.
You’re Empathetic
LPNs often find themselves in emotional situations, forming connections with their patients as they work and get to know them. Establishing soft skills such as communication and empathy are qualities that future nurses often already have, but are molded and developed during their schooling.
Empathy is an essential skill in making patients feel comfortable during their time at any medical facility. By showing genuine care and understanding, LPNs can help reduce patient anxiety and foster trust, which is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.
You Connect With Your Patients
Practical nurses can be the primary contact between the patient and the rest of the healthcare team, so it is important that they connect with the patient. Connecting on a human level shows the patient they are more than just a medical case. A great way to do this is by sharing stories and local news or simply listening to them as they share aspects of their lives.
Connecting with your patients gives you a better understanding of their needs and allows you to better advocate for them regarding medical procedures and information. Additionally, connecting with your patients can help you understand their anxieties and ease their worries during their time in your care.
You’re Prepared
As a United Career Institute practical nursing student, you are prepared to enter the workforce with the soft skills mentioned above and the essential nursing skills you need to succeed in the field. UCI’s training program is designed to get you ready to enter your new career as an LPN in only 12 months, equipped with knowledge learned through virtual instruction, patient-care skills practiced during lab and clinical rotations, and prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam*.
United Career Institute students and alumni have access to our career service department. Our career services department can assist with academic planning, career preparation, and finding positions after graduation.
Can You See Yourself As A Practical Nurse?
Do you see yourself working in the field as a practical nurse? If so, then United Career Institute has the accelerated program for you! Check out our comprehensive, ultimate Guide to a Career in Practical Nursing to learn more about this exciting career path!
Get started on your journey today by contacting the UCI admissions team by calling 724-515-2440 or Requesting Information.
*Passing the NCLEX-PN exam is required to become a Practical Nurse.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to United Career Institute in any manner.