Our facility is currently short of CNAs (i am an LPN in LTC). Much to my surprise when I went to work over the weekend I find that I have been pulled to work as an aide. Needless to say I didn't want to, and it isn't because I don't like that type of work! I worked as a CNA for 18 years before I went to nursing school. I went to nursing school because my body just couldn't take the physical demand of aide work anymore. I am still young (in my mid 30s) so people find it hard to believe that my body can't do it. Besides my back killing me my one leg is held together by plates and screws, anchors...you name it, it is there holding my ankle and leg in place due to injuries i got in a car accident. I don't want my employer to think I am not physically able to do my work as a nurse. Yes, I am on my feet alot but I don't have the lifting and bending that the aides do, plus I have time that I have where I can sit down and do my charting etc, it is CONTSANTLY being on my feet. I also don't want to come across as not being a team player, which is a big deal where I work. I feel threatned when the RN superviser tells me I have no choice but to accept the assignment. I know she herself can't fire me, but can the DON fire me because I feel that I can't work as an aide?? After all I was hired as a LPN, so can they legally fire me for not accepting an aide assigment?? There are other LPNs that were hired the same time I was that have never been put on an aide assignment, I was told they like to use me because of my experience as compaired to the other LPN that never worked as an aide. ANY advice?? Thanks for reading and lettting me vent!!