Facilitators and Inhibitors of LPN-to-RN Student Transition: A National Survey Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this national survey study was to describe the transition conditions (facilitators and/or inhibitors) encountered by LPN-to-RN students. SPECIFIC AIMS: (1) describe the frequency of specific transition conditions experienced by LPN-to-RN students; (2) explore relationships between transition conditions experienced by LPN-to-RN students and student (personal) and program (community) characteristics; and (3) characterize (through open-ended questions) transition conditions experienced by LPN-to-RN students that were not included in the empirically-based investigator-designed survey. FRAMEWORK: This study was framed by Meleis et al.’s (2000) transition theory; each transition condition included in the survey was linked to one or more category of transition conditions described by Meleis et al. DESIGN: In March 2020, a cross-sectional national survey was distributed to all LPN-to-RN programs in the United States. RESULTS: 873 students, in programs across 37 states, responded to the survey. The least frequently reported facilitators were emotional support from faculty and finding online courses helpful. The most frequently reported inhibitors were personal stress and balancing school with non-school responsibilities. The most frequent characteristic related to transition conditions was taking classes with non-LPNs. Respondants reported several transition conditions not included in the survey, including prior experiences (facilitator) and challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic (inhibitor). CONCLUSION: These results suggest areas where faculty can further support LPN-to-RN students through their own actions and highlight the importance of carefully planning how to integrate LPN and non-LPN nursing students if they share classes.