Barriers and motivating factors for licensed practical nurses to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing

Connecticut License Practical Nurses (LPNs) face unique challenges in pursuing higher education. Understanding these challenges is essential for addressing the current nursing shortage and enhancing the nursing workforce's educational level.

This project aimed to identify the barriers preventing Connecticut LPNs from pursuing higher education and the factors motivating them to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) and Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.

A survey was administered to 13,684 LPNs in Connecticut after Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Of these, 1791 LPNs consented to participate, with 1424 completing at least one survey question. The survey was designed to identify the top three motivators and barriers influencing LPNs' decisions to pursue further education.

The primary motivators identified were the desire for college credits for completed LPN coursework (96.7 %), a simplified BSN enrollment procedure (93.8 %), and potential salary increases (93.7 %). Conversely, the top barriers were current financial position (76.4 %), personal responsibilities (71.1 %), and the requirement to repeat previously taken courses (65.9 %). An unexpected finding was that 63 participants expressed readiness to immediately pursue a BSN degree, indicating a strong latent demand for advanced nursing education.

The study highlights the eagerness of LPNs to advance their education, contingent on receiving credit for previous coursework, financial aid, tuition reimbursement, and flexible schooling options. These findings suggest the need for tailored educational programs and support systems to facilitate LPNs' transition to higher educational levels, addressing both the motivators and barriers identified.