LPN to RN Transition

Introduction
The paper focuses on the nursing aspect where it clearly defines the difference between LPN and RN nurses. It defines each term and the specific roles of each personnel involved. The paper also shows how one can be able to transit from the LPN level to the RN level through the concept of professional socialization. LPN basically stands for a licensed practical nurse which can be defined as a nurse who provides care for injured, disabled or sick people under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They are nurses who have passed the required educational requirements to obtain licenses.

They differ slightly from LVN (licensed vocational nurses) who have passed an individual state’s educational requirement to get a license (Noa A. 2010). An RN (registered nurse) is one who has graduated from a nursing program in the university and usually has a higher level of knowledge as compared to LPN and LVN nurses. RNs basically earn a professional nursing degree while LPNs earn a practical nursing degree. The paper discusses the major role differences between the LPN and RN nurses as well as the strategies on how each can succeed. Major role differences

Basically RNs and LPNs have similar duties in caring for patients and the major role differences are based on the level of education, licensure and training they receive which is discussed in detail. However, RNs are more independent and LPNs work under them due to differences in education and overall responsibilities. The main difference between them is the license each holds. The license of an LPN limits their autonomy to that of talking to patients, taking their vital signs and administering medication. The RN license is unlimited as it allows them to interpret medical data, make medical decisions and assess patients (sawyerschool.org, 2014)

The roles of the two can further be discussed. LPNs/LVNs provide basic nursing care and their duties depend on the work setting. LPNs work in long term care and have opportunities to move up the ranks. Their roles are: provide for the basic nursing care including changing bandages, monitor patients health, keep records on patients health, report patients’ status to registered nurses and doctors, provide basic comfort for patients and the more experienced LPNs usually supervise other LPNs/LVNs and other untrained medical staff (Vocational Nursing 2014). LPNs/LVNs usually complete a one year accredited program that focuses on pharmacology, biology and nursing that is combined with supervised clinical experience.

RNs do provide education for patients and the public on various health conditions, coordinate patient care and provide emotional support to family members of the patients. Their specific roles include: observation of patients, operate and monitor medical equipment, set up plans for patients care into the future, carry out consultations with other doctors and health professionals, assist in performing diagnostic tests and teach patients on how to manage their illnesses or injuries.

RNs have a three way educational path: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a diploma from an approved nursing program or an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing (Vocational Nursing 2014). The subjects covered are: nutrition, psychology, physiology, social and behavioralsciences among others. The Bachelor program enables an intensive training on communication, social sciences, leadership and critical thinking thus ability to adopt to the complex nature of nursing practices. Strategies to transit from LPN/LVN to RN

LPNs who enroll for a Bachelor of Nursing degree are able to find a new and more complex and professional experience. The success in the transition is based on the concept of professional socialization that which can be defined as process by which an individual acquires skills, knowledge and disposition that makes them more effective in the nursing practice. A successful transition involves the LPN students adopting a new culture that represents the profession.

According to an article by Melrose et al 2012 a number of ways on how the transition from LPNs to RNs in terms of online programs can be successful through these ways. The study established that it’s essential to honor the legitimacy of LPNs as practicing professional nurses as they advance to the level of RNs through the Bachelor of Nursing course. Secondly a successful transition is possible where educators should provide opportunities to learners so that they are able to meet with their instructors where they are engaged in new learning topics and experiences. Thirdly students should be updated on whether they are progressing or not thus a clear structured evaluation process is essential, the acknowledgement will be more impactful in the sense that they are developing a new nursing identity. Furthermore a good transition involves encouraging the students to develop individual learning goals where they will be able to examine whether their activities lead to outcomes that match their goals.

The above mentioned strategies are in line with the concept of professional socialization where the existence of various socializing agents usually impacts on the student’s legitimacy as they move to being RNs (Melrose et al. 2012). Conclusion

The above paper has discussed the major difference between LPNs and RNs where the RNs supervise the LPNs. The roles of each have been discussed where it is established that RNs are efficient especially due to the high level of education they get. It is essential to increase the number of RNs to deal with the current trends in the nursing practice and this can be best done through the concept of professional socialization.

References
Noa. A (2010).Difference between LPN and LVN. Retrieved 17 September 2014 from http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-lpn-and-lvn/ Sawyerschool.org (2014). LPN vs. RN: What’s the Difference? Retrieved 17 September 2014 from http://www.sawyerschool.org/careers/nursing/lpn-vs-rn.html Vocational
Nursing (2014). What is the Difference between an RN and LVN?

Retrieved 17 September 2014 fromhttp://www.vocationalnursing.chartercollege.edu/difference-between-rn-and-lvn Melrose et al. (2012). Becoming Socialized into a New Professional Role: LPN to BN Student Nurses’ Experiences with Legitimation. Retrieved 17 September 2014 fromhttp://www.hindawi.com/journals/nrp/2012/946063/