From practical nurse to bachelor of nursing student: bridging the transition

Kathryn M. Chachula; Kathryn J. Hyndman; Mary E. Smith

doi:10.1515/ijnes-2020-0048

Article

From practical nurse to bachelor of nursing student: bridging the transition

Kathryn M. Chachula , Kathryn J. Hyndman and Mary E. Smith

Published/Copyright: November 25, 2020

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From the journal International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship Volume 17 Issue 1

Abstract

Background

A streamlined academic approach for career advancement is needed that allows practical or enrolled nurses to obtain a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree. One strategy in this approach is offering college-prepared Practical Nurses (PNs) the opportunity to transition into a baccalaureate program through a bridging course. Bridging initiatives serve as professional development opportunities for learners with personal growth and financial advantages on degree completion and enhance health and human resources for health care systems within national and international landscapes.

Objective and methods

A curricular model and strategies on how such a bridging course can be constructed are discussed in this article. The model integrates teaching and learning strategies as well as course sequencing, structure, and assessment strategies.

Results and conclusion

This innovative bridging curriculum offers Canadian and international nurse educators a programmatic guideline to create educational pathways for practical or enrolled nurses to obtain a baccalaureate degree. Completion of the bridging curriculum and BN program allow graduates to assume the RN role following a successful pass on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Keywords: curriculum; LPN-to-RN; nursing students; transition

Corresponding author: Kathryn M.Chachula, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, Doctoral Graduate, Faculty of Health Studies, Department of Nursing, Brandon University, 270–18th Street, Brandon, MBR7A 6A9, Canada; and College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, Phone: +1 204 571 8580, Fax: +1 204 571 8568, E-mail: chachulak@brandonu.ca

Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, email communication is the preferred correspondence method.

Research funding: None declared.
Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
Competing interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Received: 2020-05-21

Accepted: 2020-09-29

Published Online: 2020-11-25

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/ijnes-2020-0048

Keywords for this article

curriculum; LPN-to-RN; nursing students; transition