title: "RN means real nurse": perceptions of being a "real" nurse in a post-LPN-BN bridging program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Explore the perceptions of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in a post-LPN-BN bridging program related to the label "real nurse."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The labels that LPNs are given significantly impact them. As LPNs progress through the post-LPN-BN program, they take on new and more empowering labels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seeing and celebrating both LPNs and registered nurses as "real nurses" may assist in healing the rift that has been present between registered nurses and LPNs for almost 50 years. Nursing may be better served by replacing the label "real nurse" with a label that all nurses can aspire to-that of an exemplary nurse.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB.
authors.forename: Katherine J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Janzen
authors.forename: Sherri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Melrose
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D004518:Education, Professional, Retraining; D006801:Humans; D065102:Licensed Practical Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D009743:Nursing, Practical; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: Concept analysis; education; professional issue