Professional Concepts in Nursing - Transition from LVN to BSN

This paper discusses the role of profession in Nursing to the transition from LVN to BSN. It critically analyzes the significance of professionalism in nursing and its impact on the transition.

Running Head: PROFESSIONAL CONCEPTS IN NURSING
Professional Concepts in Nursing
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Professional Concepts in Nursing
Introduction
There are numerous disciplines as well as professions in which professionalism is
considered as significant, and nursing is one of them. It should be noted that nursing is
considered as a profession which heavily relies on professionals to act in a manner which
characterizes the virtuousness of the wider discipline, with all the nurses having positions of
responsibility. A professional nurse is an individual who places the importance as well as the
needs of patient care as a priority and above all other things. A nursing professional should have
a positive relationship with the public since all their services are directed to the public. It should
be noted that a professional image and appearance is prudent on other professionals as well as
the coworkers (O’Keefe, 2014). Professional nurses are expected to mirror and reflect greater
degree of professionalism to the public, other professionals and the patients. professionalism in
nursing has a great impact and significance on the transition from being a licensed vocational
nurse (LVN) to Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). This paper will critically discuss the role of
profession in Nursing to the transition from LVN to BSN.
Transition from Licensed Vocational Nursing to Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
LVN is a health care provider in an entry level responsible for providing majorly key and
primary nursing care. It should be noted that LVN practices healthcare under the guidance as
well as the direction of a registered nurse or physician (Board of vocational nursing, 2018).
Being a licensed Vocational nurse is usually an interesting choice of a career. Nevertheless, for
most nurses to enhance and advance their careers, they need to become registered nurses. Most
of the healthcare study programs available especially in the united states of America which can

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help LVN to achieve this ambition is LVN to registered nurse, in which registered nurse
becomes an associate degree holder (AND). Nevertheless, many employers currently prefer
nurses having bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Thus, these requirement by employers has led
to the rise in demand for programs in LVN to BSN.
Profession in Nursing and The Transition from LVN to BSN
It should be noted that programs that were focusing on the transition from the LVN to
BSNN did not exist two years ago, however, currently, there are over 156 programs addressing
with the number expected to increase. Licensed vocational nurses have in their normal practice
been exposed to various management and leadership positions (Zilm, 2009), information
technology, professional writing, cultural intelligence, critical thinking as well as ethical and
legal concerns (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, 2008; Duphily, 2014). All
these are very vital and significant in the nursing profession. Thus, a nurse who has acquired and
mastered all these skills will have a higher advantage in undertaking BSN (Bednar, 2017). It
should be noted that LVN are nurses who are working under the supervision and direction of
either a physician or registered nurse; this means that LVN has been exposed to a practical part
of learning where he or she engages with patients and other professionals. Their communications
skills which are highly important in the nursing profession especially in the patient-centered
home care model will be of high value when pursuing and undertaking BSN (Potter, Perry,
Stockert and Hall, 2017).
Conclusion
LVN is are nurses who are practicing under the guidance and direction of a registered
nurse or a physician. However, with the most employers preferring to have nurses having BSN,

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most LVN are currently transitioning from LVN to BSN. Having the profession in nursing has
helped LVN to transition to BSN.

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References
Bednar, J. (2017). Connecting to a Better Future: Bay Path’s RN to BSN Program Helps Nurses
Overcome Barriers. BusinessWest, 34(18), 35.
Board of vocational nursing. (2018). Application For Vocational Nurse Licensure By
Examination.
https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/applicants/application_for_vocational_nurse_licensure_by_exa
mination.shtml
Duphily, N. (2014). Transitioning from LPN/LVN to BSN. New York, NY: Springer Publishing
Company, LLC. ISBN: 978-0-8261-2181-3
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. (2008). Occupational Outlook Handbook,
1–3.
O’Keefe, C. (2014). The Authority for Certain Clinical Tasks Performed by Unlicensed Patient
Care Technicians and LPNs/LVNs In the Hemodialysis Setting: A Review. Nephrology
Nursing Journal, 41(3), 247–255.
Potter, P., Perry, A., Stockert, P., and Hall, A. (2017). Fundamentals of Nursing (9th ed.). St.
Loius, MO: Mosby. ISBN: 978-0-323-327-40-4
Zilm, G. (2009). The Smart way: An introduction to writing for nurses (3rd ed.). Toronto,
Ontario, Canada: Mosby-Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0-7796-9998-8