Educating and Transitioning a Diverse Nursing Workforce: LPN to BSN

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Health Equity

Background:

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are a diverse and often marginalized group within the healthcare workforce.
• Advancing LPNs to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can improve culturally relevant patient care and reduce health disparities.
• Existing educational pathways may not adequately address the unique needs of LPNs seeking BSN degrees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a self-paced, individualized educational pathway for LPNs transitioning to BSN programs.
• To integrate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the LPN-to-BSN curriculum.
• To address common barriers faced by LPN students during their educational journey.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Knowles' Andragogy in Practice model to inform the educational design.
• Developed a curriculum framework, 'Dotting the I's' (idea, implementation, innovation, inclusion, improvement), for track and curriculum development.
• Incorporated strategies, 'Crossing the T's' (time, travel, tuition, transition, technology, touchstones), to mitigate student challenges.
• Integrated these elements into a comprehensive LPN-to-BSN transition journey model.

Main Results:

• The developed pathway provides a structured yet flexible approach to LPN-to-BSN education.
• Focus on DEI principles aims to enhance cultural competence in nursing practice.
• Addressing student burdens through 'Crossing the T's' strategies facilitates successful transitions.
• The model aligns with core concepts of professional nursing transitions.

Conclusions:

• The individualized, DEI-focused educational pathway supports LPNs in their pursuit of BSN degrees.
• This model has the potential to enhance the delivery of culturally competent care and reduce healthcare disparities.
• Further research should evaluate the impact of this pathway on student outcomes and healthcare equity.