Expectations of Transition Bachelor of Nursing Students in the Final Clinical Practicum: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: The final clinical practicum (CP) is a pivotal transition for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Bachelor of Nursing (BN) transition programs, preparing them for Registered Nurse (RN) practice. While research often addresses general CPs, little has focused on transition students who bring prior experience yet face unique challenges in their final CP.
Purpose: This review explores how transition students form expectations before their final CP and how these expectations shape their readiness for independent RN practice.
Type of Literature Review: An integrative review synthesizing findings from 21 peer-reviewed studies (2015–2025) and selected earlier works.
Results: Analysis of the literature revealed the following five themes shaping expectations. 1) Students predicted closing the theory–practice gap through hands-on application but faced misalignment with reality. 2) Supportive environments and mentorship acknowledging prior LPN experience were essential for RN development. 3) The CP was used to adapt established professional identities to RN responsibilities. 4) Emotional challenges were heightened by role ambiguity and competing demands. 5) Structured preceptorships were highly valued, though often limited by resources and inconsistent support.
Implications: This review highlights limited research on transition students’ expectations before the final CP in Canada. Addressing this gap requires examining how expectations are formed and how they shape the transition to RN practice.

Keywords: Professional transition, final clinical practicum, transition nurse students, bridging education, expectations, professional identity, mentorship, readiness