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 socialization experiences of Licensed Practical Nurses attending university to transition to the role of Registered Nurse. Findings revealed that this group of nursing students believed (Li censed Practical Nurse) LPN’s we re not respected, that their nursing knowledge as LPN’s was not acknowledged and that it wa s challenging for them to feel a sense of belonging with the RN community. These insights have implications for practic ing (Registered Nurse) RN’s as student nurse groups are now including more Licensed Practical Nurses. Responding with reflection, communication and collegiality can offer important help to LPN to RN students.