Licensed Practical Nurses becoming Registered Nurses: Conflicts and responses that can help

Abstract

This article describes findings from a qualitative research project designed to understand the professional socializationexperiences of Licensed Practical Nurses attending university to transition to the role of Registered Nurse. Findingsrevealed that this group of nursing students believed (Licensed Practical Nurse) LPN’s were not respected, that theirnursing knowledge as LPN’s was not acknowledged and that it was challenging for them to feel a sense of belonging withthe RN community. These insights have implications for practicing (Registered Nurse) RN’s as student nurse groups arenow including more Licensed Practical Nurses. Responding with reflection, communication and collegiality can offerimportant help to LPN to RN students.