Venise Bryan

Background and purpose: The regulated nursing profession in Canada includes Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with diploma qualifications and Registered Nurses (RNs) with baccalaureate degrees. Nursing programs, such as the LPN to Bachelor of Nursing (BN) post-program, prepare LPNs for RN qualifications after successful licensure. RN preceptors mentor these learners for the RN role during the final consolidation practicum (CP). This pilot study examined what constitutes a successful transition for LPN to BN learners and explored key markers of this transition from the perspectives of both learners and preceptors. The study also provides insights into factors influencing the transitional experiences of learners during their final CP.Methods: A qualitative interpretive descriptive approach with a two-phase research design was employed. In phase one, preceptors (n = 12) and learners (n = 10) completed an online survey comprised of open-ended and closed-ended questions. Phase two included semi-structured interviews with survey participants. De-identified survey data and interview transcripts were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.Results: Participants identified markers of role transition, including altered thought processes, increased confidence in the new role, and the development of skills and competencies. Both positive and negative influences on the transition process were also reported.Conclusions: The insights gained from this pilot study can inform improvements in nursing education, particularly in LPN to BN post programs. Understanding the factors affecting transition can guide curricula development to enhance the successful transition of LPNs to RNs, thus empowering educators and policymakers to make effective changes in nursing education.

Working while undertaking graduate education in nursing is challenging at any time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many nurses continued to work on the frontline while completing their graduate studies. Healthcare workers, including nurses, were routinely exposed to several types of psychological trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we seek to generate an understanding of the psychological influence of COVID-19 on registered nurses’ (RNs’) self-efficacy and job satisfaction while commencing graduate studies in nursing and working in clinical practice during the pandemic. A qualitative descriptive design was used to explore written reflections from 72 RNs enrolled in their first Master of Nursing graduate course at an online university. The RNs’ online discussion postings related to the impact of the pandemic on nursing. Data were analysed using content and thematic analysis. Analysis revealed five overriding themes around job satisfaction and self-efficacy: level of professional involvement and guilt, communication of information and leadership, psychological and physical wellbeing, the safety of self and others, and relationships to and within the nursing profession. Overall, a strong sense of kinship contributed to job satisfaction and self-efficacy. Findings confirmed the need for so-called “aftercare” for nurses by leadership and administrators. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been considerable on the individual nurse’s sense of self-efficacy and job satisfaction, and this is particularly noted in nurses who commenced graduate studies during the pandemic.