Goals and Impact
Nursing organizations and health care analysts project a significant shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in coming years due to factors ranging from an aging RN workforce to ongoing pressures such as the COVID-19 pandemic – all while our population ages. There is also a severe shortage of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). A solution to address the RN shortage is to develop pathways to assist interested LPNs or LVNs in advancing their careers by becoming RNs. RNs bring a deeper level of clinical skills and the ability to handle more complex health care situations – translating into better patient care and outcomes.
Just as importantly, we need to identify and help employers replicate effective solutions that help LPNs/LVNs remain in their jobs, succeed and grow in their roles, and be recognized for their leadership and value. Championing the LPN/LVN role is a necessary action to help the health care delivery system have a robust workforce to care for patients and support families. Anecdotally, we hear that the experienced LPNs/LVNs were the most effective practice-based educators to new RNs in their first jobs. This long-unrecognized sector needs to championed for the value they bring to the care environment.
What is a Pathways Program?
LPN-to-RN pathway programs are educational tracks designed to help LPNs advance their careers by becoming RNs. These programs recognize the prior learning and experience of LPNs, allowing them to complete their RN education more quickly than those entering the nursing field without any background. These programs lead to an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), qualifying graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam required for RN licensure. Pathways also prepare RNs for continued professional development at the masters and doctoral levels.
Diversifying and Strengthening the Nursing Profession
Learning Collaborative
The purpose of the Strengthening the LPN Workforce and Helping to Create Economic Mobility Learning Collaborative is to transform the nursing workforce by helping to strategically incorporate licensed practical nurses (LPNs)/licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) into our health care ecosystem. Our double aim is to identify and advance institutional and public policies to support LPNs/LVNs in their existing roles and help those who are interested in advancing in the nursing workforce to become registered nurses (RNs) and beyond.
Our mission centers on empowering LPNs/LVNs through enhanced opportunities for financial and economic mobility, fostering a more diverse nursing workforce reflective of the communities they serve, and directly addressing health disparities to ensure equitable health outcomes for all. By leveraging the expertise and dedication of our nurse leaders, we aim to create sustainable employment and pathways for advancement, education, and leadership for LPNs/LVNs and RNs.
Our monthly collaborative is committed to forging strong partnerships, and implementing innovative strategies to realize this vision, thereby strengthening the entire nursing profession and enhancing the quality of care across our nation. This collaborative can also identify institutional and public policy changes that can help our overall goals of supporting LPN/LVNs in their existing roles and help those who are interested advance in the nursing workforce.
The learning collaborative is led by Deborah Stamps, EdD, RN, FAAN, Chief Equity through Nursing Advisor to AARP Center for Health Equity through Nursing.
The first meeting is Monday, October 21 at 3 p.m. ET.
The collaborative is open to all and focused on educators from a variety of schools that reflect the continuum of nursing education, nurse and health care employers, consumers, and other interested parties such as insurers and more. To join this learning collaborative, please contact Winifred Quinn, Director of Nursing Workforce & Policy, at wquinn@aarp.org.
Resources
National League for Nursing NLN Home
The National Counsil of State Boards of Nursing – National Council of State Boards of Nursing | NCSBN – licensure
National Association of Licensed Practice Nurses – Home – NALPN
American Nurses Association – How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | ANA (nursingworld.org)
Practical Nursing.org – LPN Programs | Licensed Practical Nurse | PracticalNursing.org – LPN to RN pathway programs
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc. (NAPNES) - NAPNES | Nursing Certifications | Napnes.org – certification in IV therapy, pharmacology, and long-term care.
National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses – What is the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses? (lpnclasses.org) – certification in either IV therapy or gerontology.
:
-
A Maryland Health System Creates Opportunity Pathways for Its Workforce
Holy Cross Health is a not-for-profit health system in Maryland that serves the community more
Issues: Championing and Supporting LPNs and LVNs, Locations: Maryland,
See More News Posts for
Championing and Supporting LPNs and LVNs