Accelerated LPN-RN nursing education: is role socialization lost along the way?
In response to a critical shortage of registered nurses, an accelerated transition program for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) was developed and implemented. A study of the program was undertaken to evaluate students' academic achievement and socialization into the RN role. NCLEX-RN scores and the Professional Nursing Questionnaire (PNQ) of Minnick, Yocum and Scherubel were used for evaluation. Experimental program students were compared with students in the second year of conventional two-year nursing programs. Results of role socialization revealed no significant differences between the groups at either the beginning or end of the program. NCLEX-RN scores were not significantly different. The lack of significant results may be attributable to the inability of the PNQ to detect changes over a short time, or to LPNs' knowledge of the RN role prior to program entry. NCLEX score results indicated that comparable academic achievement was possible in the accelerated program.
Boyar
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DC
Department of Health and Human Services, Seattle Central Community College, Washington.
Senturia
B B
BB
Palisin
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H
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003479:Curriculum; D004507:Education, Nursing, Associate; D004518:Education, Professional, Retraining; D006801:Humans; D009743:Nursing, Practical / Q000193:education*; D012380:Role; D012718:Set, Psychology; D012951:Socialization; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology