Goals and Impact

Nursing organizations and health care analysts project a significant shortage of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in coming years due to factors ranging from an aging workforce to ongoing pressures such as the COVID-19 pandemic – all while our population ages. We seek 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 registered nurses (RNs) in their first jobs. This long-unrecognized sector needs to be championed for the value they bring to the care environment.

Furthermore, 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.”

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

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