Upward mobility for LPNs: a vision made reality

A recurrent theme in the nursing literature is the shortage of realistic, long-term solutions directed toward registered nurse (RN) recruitment and retention. If fragmentation of RN recruitment and retention is to be eliminated, innovative programs involving collaboration and use of existing resources will be required. This article provides an overview of how collaboration among nurses, administrators, educators, and a personnel specialist resulted in an upward mobility program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to become RNs. While the program is specific to one setting, there are numerous implications for other hospitals confronted with persistent recruitment and retention problems.