Madison’s Reflection

My transition from being a Registered Practical Nurse to a Registered Nurse represents a very important single transition in my life because it is furthering my education and career (Parzen, 2016). “RPNs who obtain their RN may feel personally and professionally different as a result of their education and professional role transition” (Suva et al,. 2015, p. 366). I have not yet had the chance to experience a clinical placement in the BScN program, however, the knowledge that I have obtained from the practical nursing program, and working as an RPN for the past six months has prepared me for the RN student role.

One of the key areas where I have experienced growth is in leadership and decision making. The RPN role had me directly focusing on patient care, whereas the transition into an RN role prepares me for leadership responsibilities (Meleis et al., 2010). Completing my BScN helps me realize that RN’s are team leaders, care coordinators, and provide care for more critical patients. This career transition has been eye-opening for myself as there is so much more critical thinking and autonomy involved as an RN. Being able to expand my current nursing knowledge in class has allowed me to feel more comfortable in my current role as an RPN. Meleis’ Transition Theory (2010) stands out to me in particular because the framework brings light to complex life and career transitions. Meleis (2010) states “A significant but often overlooked transition is that from being RNs (registered nurses) to become BSNs (bachelor of science nurses)” (p. 300).

Even without hands-on experience, working as an RPN has provided some valuable insights into the nursing profession. Many of the topics discussed in my BScN classes have been implemented in my practice as an RPN in mental health, which has been improving my clinical judgment and better equipped me to interact with patients therapeutically.

I have been able to gain a foundation in regards to person-centered care, especially while working in a mental health hospital. I have gained a strong foundation on how to communicate effectively with patients and family members, which will prepare me for a leadership role as an RN. As a Registered Practical Nurse, I continue to engage in lifelong learning and reflection as one of the ways to prepare myself for the added responsibilities associated with becoming a Registered Nurse. I look forward to the opportunities that my placements will bring, and finding more nursing specialties that resonate with me.

References

Meleis, A.I. (2010) Transitions Theory Middle-Range and Situation-Specific Theories in Nursing Research and Practice. Springer Publishing Company, New York.

Parzen, M. (2016). Transformational Learning Experience of RPN to BScN Students in One Program in Ontario (Order No. 10140445). Available from Education Collection; Nursing & Allied Health Premium. (1821289823). http://proxy.lib.trentu.ca/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/transformational-learning-experience-rpn-bscn/docview/1821289823/se-2

Suva, G., Sager, S., Mina, E. S., Sinclair, N., Lloyd, M., Bajnok, I., & Xiao, S. (2015). Systematic Review: Bridging the Gap in RPN-to-RN Transitions. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 47(4), 363–370. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12147