Building Research Capacity: A Case Study of a Registered Practical Nurse's Research Fellowship.

A research fellowship geared toward registered practical nurses was designed to support the nurse's knowledge development in practice-based research. In this paper, we describe a six-month fellowship experience, which comprised research education, application and mentorship. Through the implementation of the research fellowship, we identified six components necessary for success, which include program infrastructure, application of training and leadership development. The research fellowship framework can support nurse leaders in the professional development of their nursing staff through building research capacity. Our fellowship description can also help guide the implementation of similar initiatives at other acute care sites.

RN Salaries Hold Steady; LPNs Gain.

Male nurses continue to earn more than female counterparts.

Trend in the role of licensed practical nurses in health care system: A situational analysis.

BACKGROUND: Over the past hundred years, licensed practical nurses (LPN) have faced several challenges because of the changing situations in health care system. The current study addresses the role changing of LPNs in accordance with the context and new needs. AIMS: This aim of situation analysis is to access what changes have occurred in the role of LPNs in the wake of changes in role of RNs over the past century and What factors and variables have influenced this process? METHODS: This study used a Grounded Theory methodology called Situational Analysis. Data were collected through semistructured and in-depth interviews with 33 nurse. FINDINGS: Researchers identify six themes that focus on how the role of LPNs has been changing and variables have influenced this process. CONCLUSIONS: In Iran, as in other countries of the world, the role of LPNs comes to fore when there are pressing needs and nursing shortage. Iranian policymakers have decided to eliminate LPNs, Although LPNs in other countries are working in community-based settings. Treatment-oriented and self-monitoring structure of the Iranian health care system, new nursing organizations and lack of clear role classification at the caring levels have made the nursing roles ambiguous.

The Case for Bringing the Licensed Practical Nurse Back to the Hospital.

The expansion of the aging population, residential care facilities, and projected registered nurse shortages pose significant challenges to nurse staffing ratios. The licensed practical/vocational nursing role is now being reexamined, as acute care and long-term care facilities look at staffing models and patient safety. There is now a demand for an increase in the numbers of practical nurse education programs, which have been overlooked as a pipeline for professional nursing. Recruiting and educating practical nurses open a pathway for greater diversity in the nursing profession as well as improving patient health outcomes.