"RN Means Real Nurse": Perceptions of Being a "Real" Nurse in a Post‐LPN–BN Bridging Program. Issue 3 (21st May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Janzen, Katherine J.; Melrose, Sherri; Gordon, Kathryn; Miller, Jean
• Is Part Of: Nursing forum. Volume 48:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 173
• Publication Date: 2013-05-21
• Subjects: Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-6473

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="nuf12026-sec-5001" sec-type="section"> <p> <boxed-text content-type="graphic" position="anchor" orientation="portrait"> <graphic position="anchor" mimetype="image" xlink:href="ark:/27927/pgg2bfwbp60" orientation="portrait" xlink:type="simple" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" /> </boxed-text> </p> </sec> <sec id="nuf12026-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Purpose</title> <p>Explore the perceptions of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in a post‐LPN–BN bridging program related to the label "real nurse."</p> </sec> <sec id="nuf12026-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The labels that LPNs are given significantly impact them. As LPNs progress through the post‐LPN–BN program, they take on new and more empowering labels.</p> </sec> <sec id="nuf12026-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Practice Implications</title> <p>Seeing and celebrating both LPNs and registered nurses as "real nurses" may assist in healing the rift that has been present between registered nurses and LPNs for almost 50 years. Nursing may be better served by replacing the label "real nurse" with a label that all nurses can aspire to—that of an exemplary nurse.</p> </sec> </abstract>