Practical Nurse (LPN) - Med/Surg
Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
Behavioral
Tell me about a time you noticed early signs of a post-surgical complication, like a wound issue or a change in vitals. What did you do?
clinical judgment and whether they escalate concerns before they become emergencies
Describe a time you disagreed with an RN or physician about a patient's care plan. How did you handle it?
ability to advocate for patients while staying within a team hierarchy
Tell me about a shift where your assignment changed unexpectedly, maybe a new admission or a rapid discharge. How did you adjust?
flexibility and time management on a unit with rotating post-surgical patients
You're working every fourth weekend and rotating holidays. Tell me about a time you had to balance a demanding schedule like this with your personal life.
realistic expectations about the schedule and evidence of past reliability with rotating shifts
Technical
What is your experience managing pain control and mobility goals for orthopedic patients recovering from procedures like joint replacements?
familiarity with the specific patient population this unit serves
Under Wisconsin's LPN scope of practice, what tasks would you hand off to an RN versus handle yourself on this unit?
whether they actually understand scope of practice boundaries rather than just knowing they exist
What is your process for medication administration and documentation on a busy med/surg floor, and what do you do if you catch an error before it reaches the patient?
attention to detail and honesty around near-misses, not just theoretical knowledge
How do you keep yourself and the patient safe when you're exposed to blood or body fluids during wound care or dressing changes?
practical knowledge of PPE and infection control habits, not just textbook answers
Situational
Walk me through how you would prioritize care for a group of six post-surgical and orthopedic patients at the start of your shift.
whether the candidate can triage acuity and organize a 12 hour shift under a real med/surg patient load
A patient's family member is upset about wait times for pain medication and is raising their voice at the nurses' station. What do you do?
de-escalation skills and composure with families during a stressful recovery period
How do you approach a sliding transfer with a patient who weighs around 150 pounds, and what do you do if the second person you need isn't immediately available?
safety awareness around the physical demands listed for this job, including body mechanics and asking for help
A CNA on your team reports that a patient tried to get out of bed alone despite a fall risk order. What do you do next?
how they lead a small care team and respond to fall risk protocols in practice
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As published by Advocate Health.
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