[Sabrina's Mommy]

Hi everyone! I just graduated and I am going to be working on an Ortho/Neuro unit as a RN. I have been on the unit for 4 years as a CNA, so I am familiar with the equipment and how to move the patients. I was just wondering if you ortho nurses could offer any advice for my changing of positions on the unit. Is there anything you could tell me about what I may not know as a CNA that I will have to know as a RN. I am not sure when I start yet, after boards. I am very excited about working in Ortho/Neuro and I will welcome any advice. Thanks!

[LouisianaNurse2006]

Congradulations! I am a new nurse starting in Ortho also, unfortunate though I don't have the CNA experience you have.... so I will be starting out and having to learn everything from scratch! I plan on getting a book or two to help me learn... right now I don't even know enough to know what questions to ask, but I can't wait to get started next month!

[meownsmile]

I didnt work as a CNA on my unit but i did change roles. I went from LPN to RN on the same unit. All i can tell you is give your co-workers time to adjust to your change in roles. Some will take time and be a slight bit resentful of your status change. But bear with them, give them a little wiggle room and be the same helpful person you have been as far as patient care is concerned. Your role is changing, but your personality doesnt have to. It may take a few months for them to totally come around. They will want to test you, sometimes it will make you nuts, sometimes it will totally tick you off. Just be patient with them. When they see you arent any different, just doing a different job they will come around.

Watch how you word your requests. Try not to come off as to "bossy", because they may read that into a lot of what you say. Try not to let it bother you though.. You'll get through it, just give it some time and be consistent.