Misperceptions: A Qualitative Study

The objective of this study is to examine the role transition from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN).

The learner must achieve a sense of identity in occupation, politics, and values. Professional identity involves the internalization of core values which becomes evident as the student learns, gains experience, and grows as a professional (Benner et al., 2010). Professional identity is foundational to the assumption of various nursing roles. In the age of collaborative practice, it may be especially challenging for the novice to distinguish nursing practice from that of other health care providers. Experience has taught this learner what to expect and how to respond in a given situation. The proficient learner begins to view the whole situation. This holistic understanding makes decision less difficult (Benner et al., 2010).

The beginning of a new graduate nurses career rarely begins easily, there seems to be a distinct disconnect between the fantasy of what it means to be a nurse and the reality of bedside nursing. Nursing school seems to feed into this disconnection, in that it does not prepare the new graduate registered nurse (NGRN) for their professional practice. What nursing school does is give the NGRN the basics, a peak into what is to come. The NGRN has to find out for themselves what the true meaning of being a nurse is and if it fits their preconceived ideas.

With the increasing demands in Healthcare needs, newly licensed competent nurses are a commodity that simply do not exist. Every year there are new nurses graduating from associate and bachelor’s degree programs that enter the work force. Nursing students whom complete their degree program, whether it be an associates or bachelor degree sit to take the same state sanctioned nursing licensure exam. Upon successful completion of this exam a student quickly transitions from student to professional, in as little as two days, and is now deemed competent to practice safely and effectively. Unfortunately for new nurses whom enter the workforce, they are subjected to an environment that nursing schools simply cannot simulate accurately, and therefore not prepare students for. New nurses are expected to come out of school, especially by the patients they tend to, with competencies that are unrealistic. The reality is that new nurses lack skills that allow them to perform at a truly competent level. What this paper will discuss are the competencies that new graduate nurses enter the work force with compared to what is actually required in order to be proficient in this professional field. This paper will also discuss how the transition from student to professional can be facilitated through extensive orientation programs that have been proven to elevate nurses from novice to professional.

Transitioning from an licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse is of the hardest things I have ever done. Twelve years ago I took my boards and became a licensed practical nurse. Going to school to become an LPN was difficult, but I was not a mother and I did not work full time as I do now. Getting to know the students I attend school with has made me realize that each student’s role transition is different, with unique outlooks and emotional roller coasters. In the following paragraphs I will preview licensed practical nurse to registered nurse role comparisons, my change in

A number of emotions were felt during this experience, in regards to transitioning from a student nurse to the registered nurse role. Primarily, the transition in role from student nurse to registered nurse was similar to any clinical experience I have had at Midlands Technical College. I was placed in a medical-surgical rotation. I felt slighted that not only were we required to complete a data tool but we also participated in the teamwork model demonstrated in prior semesters. Personally, I did not feel a transition during this particular clinical experience.

Professional identity has become a necessary concept to employees who are working in a health and human-serviced environment because it comprehends the image and perceptions of individuals that has based on the way she/ he performs a job or operates within their career field (Brott & Myers, 1999; Smith & Robinson, 1995). Therefore, in nursing occupation, professional identity is considered to be the most important concept that to prove their patients their skills and knowledge in their field. This essay further focuses on the precise definition of professional identity as well as nursing identity, the key industry and quality agencies and association that set standards, guidelines, and codes of practice in nursing and how industry and professional agencies monitor the quality of care and services in professional nursing.

I have struggled with finding an interesting article for this third paper, I was initially looking for an article about scope of practice that interested me and was long enough to write a response to it, none of the articles fit both of those qualifications. After much creative searching I stumbled on an interesting article, that looked at LPN’s who went on for further education to get their registered nurse and their BSN’s. It addressed more of a social aspect of the change in scope and title as evident by the title of the article ‘RN means Real Nurse”: perceptions of being a “real” nurse in a post-lpn-bn bridge program. 1.“ The term real nurse still tends to surface repeatedly in the literature and media (Bassett, 2002; Howett & Evans,

As a practitioner or a population health coach, both APNs considered other nurses at any level, and physicians within the same discipline, as her peers. Over the course of their professional careers, increased confidence, trust, and knowledge were the commonalities with evolving roles. The confidence and trust originates with oneself, then, includes that of her co-workers and physicians, but mostly from her patients. Maturing from the novice RN to an expert APN, the confidence and knowledge base has developed, building an individual practice and supporting patients and communities towards optimal health. Each considered autonomy the greatest privilege guaranteed them as APN.

Prior to my nursing education, my perception of a registered nurse was that of a health care professional whose tasks include administering medications to sick patients on a timely fashion and making sure that the doctor’s orders are met. Without proper education on the different duties and responsibilities that encompass the role of a registered nurse, my impressions of the nursing profesison relied heavily on the various misconceptions that is often portrayed on television and other forms of media. Even after graduating from nursing school, I still have a difficult time in finding a clear definition to my role in nursing as it tend to incorporate various roles such as an educator, advocate, researcher and many others. I do not think of the nursing profession as a single entity, but rather a melting pot of assorted roles that simply overlap for the sole purpose of

The objective of this assignment is to critique the research article titled ‘Staff-student relationships and their impact on nursing students’ belongingness and learning’. Polit and Beck (2008) highlighted that there is expectancy on nurses to conduct research in order to base their practice on evidence which has emerged from research. Nurses are expected to use their research findings to make informed decisions and actions with patients. The ultimate goal of research is to develop and expand ones knowledge in any field. The development and use of knowledge is essential in improvement in patient care. Research enables the nurse to explain phenomena and the characteristics of certain situations that need to be considered when planning

In the previous discussion, I talked about a lady I work with X. It was around prom time, and she really wanted to go prom dress shopping. When she was trying on a dress, a few ladies said " There's something wrong with here, either autism or down syndrome, why is she even in school." While X was in the dressing room, she over heard the ladies talk about her in a rude way. She came out of the dressing room and replied "I'm in school so I don’t end up like ignorant people like you." I was proud of her for standing up for herself, honestly. More people need to be educated about other cultures, because their ignorance not only hurts other people, but also themselves.

I think it relates to the article of Witt (Discovery and Conquest). There are plenty of misconception about Islamic World in the Western world. We are invaded, conquered, and blamed, and I think history is not taking our side. We are known as people of the dark ages but in real Muslims brought civilization to the European world. Father of European world civilization was a Muslim named Averroes. I would really recommend reading about Islamic Golden Age and I am sure it will wipe all those misconceptions. Lack of knowledge and one-sided view of history has brought up these misconceptions. As a Muslim, I will never accept it. Frankly, I am not religious. It is just because I am known Muslim, and my family members are all Muslims. I want to stand

During the first half of my Integrated Practicum, I was independent for the most time, applying my critical thinking, decision-making, communication, and research abilities, but I also asked for assistance or support from my Preceptor and CCD if difficult question raised. I followed the CHNC standards of building trusting relationship and demonstrated professional accountability, responsibility, and adaptability in approaching clients, groups, community partners, nurses, peers, and other professionals. I worked collaboratively in teams and fostered growth with other nursing students by sharing knowledge or alternative approaches or offering the topics to explore. I am confident that I am gaining the necessary

There is no doubt that the health care system is constantly changing and working to improve its flaws, to the best of its ability. Whether nurses like it or not we are a part of the ever changing health care system. “With more than 3 million members, the nursing profession is the largest segment of the nation’s health care workforce” (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2010, p. 1). The Institute of Medicine believes that nurses should be active in transforming the profession of nursing, along with the health care system. Regardless, of backgrounds, race, and age all nurses can contribute to the future of the nursing profession. The following paper will discuss the Institute of Medicine’s nursing expectations and recommendations, as well as the opportunity to becoming a clinical nurse instructor.